Hiker safe after getting lost in the Linville Gorge overnight

BURKE CO., N.C. – A hiker is safe after getting lost in the Linville Gorge and spending the night alone in the wilderness.

Burke County search and rescue crews responded to the Chimney Gap area on Monday after the hiker realized he took a wrong turn and was stranded. Crews hiked in from the Table Rock picnic area.

Rescuers made contact and descended a half-mile off-trail, and found the man just as thunderstorms hit the area.