Rock Fall Rescue
- 6 days ago
- 2 min read
Hiker airlifted from Cumberland Trail after severe injury.
HAMILTON COUNTY, Tenn. — Emergency service agencies rescued a hiker after a large rock crushed his ankle on the Cumberland Trail Wednesday evening, officials said.
At 6 p.m., a hiker called 9-1-1 reporting that a member of their party had sustained a traumatic ankle injury and needed help exiting the trail, according to a press release from the Hamilton County Office of Emergency Management & Homeland Security.
Rescue teams from Signal Mountain Fire and Walden’s Ridge Emergency Service (WRES) responded to 22 Signal Point Circle and entered the Cumberland Trail at 6:15 p.m. The crews had to navigate steep and rocky terrain, making contact with the injured hiker at 7:30 p.m. Hamilton County Emergency Medical Services (HCEMS) stood by at the command post in case any rescuers sustained injuries during the operation.
Officials reported that the hiker’s injuries were too severe to carry him out on foot. Rescue teams requested aerial assistance, prompting the Hamilton County Office of Emergency Management to coordinate with the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency and the National Guard for a helicopter rescue.
A helicopter hovered over the site, hoisted the injured hiker aboard, and transported him to Erlanger Hospital for treatment, the release said.
According to the group accompanying the hiker, a large rock had fallen and crushed his ankle while hiking the Cumberland Trail.
This was a challenging rescue due to the terrain and severity of the injury. We are grateful for the teamwork between local fire and rescue services, HCEMS, and the National Guard in ensuring the hiker received timely care. ~the Hamilton County Office of Emergency Management & Homeland Security.
Officials reminded hikers to exercise caution when navigating steep or rocky trails and to carry appropriate safety and communication equipment.
Source: Hamilton County Office of Emergency Management & Homeland Security, Press Release, March 22, 2026.
