Wolfe County Search & Rescue shares safety tips for Red River Gorge after locating lost hiker

WOLFE COUNTY, Ky. (WKYT) - The Wolfe County Search & Rescue Team is sharing safety tips after locating a lost hiker at Red River Gorge.

The hiker’s location was traced through his call to Menifee County Dispatch, and he followed directions as he made his way back to the trailhead.

As darkness approached, Wolfe County Search & Rescue advised him to stop walking and not use his phone as a flashlight in order to conserve his battery. The search and rescue team continued toward the hiker’s location and made contact with him.

Wolfe County Search & Rescue said the hiker did the right thing by calling for help as soon as he realized he was lost, and that early calls can make a “tremendous difference” as daylight begins to fade and cell phone batteries become a concern.

The search and rescue team provided the following reminders for hiking in the Red River Gorge:

• Know your route and pay attention to trail intersections
• Carry a fully charged phone, but conserve your battery if you become lost
• Always carry a flashlight or headlamp — don’t rely solely on your phone
• Consider using an offline mapping app and/or GPS device
• If you realize you’re lost, stop, stay calm, and call for help