Missing 73-Year-Old Hiker Found Deceased in Great Smoky National Park

WNC -- Great Smoky National Park announced the following Sunday, February 3, 2025: Missing hiker Ann Houghton, age 73, was found

deceased in Great Smoky Mountains National Park on

February 2 at approximately 1:53 p.m. She was found roughly a quarter mile off of Enloe Creek Trail.
Houghton was a resident of Jackson County, NC. She volunteered in Great Smoky Mountains National Park for more than 20 years. In 2022, Great Smoky Mountains National Park nominated Houghton for a National Park Service George and Helen Hartzog Awards for Outstanding Volunteer Service.

“Ann was an enduring and beloved member of our Smokies Community. She was a dedicated volunteer and avid hiker who shared her passion for the park with many visitors,” said Charles Sellars, Acting Superintendent of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. “Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers condolences to her family and friends.”

Several local agencies assisted the park with search operations, investigations, and emergency services including Cherokee Fire and Rescue, BUSAR, Macon Volunteer Fire Department, Cowee Volunteer Fire Department, Appalachian Mountain Rescue Team and Jackson County Sheriff’s Office.