Albert "Morgan" Briggs was hauled to safety Sunday by a Tennessee Highway Patrol helicopter after eight days in the backcountry of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. NPS photo.
Spam, fruit, and rainwater sustained a lost 70-year-old backpacker in Great Smoky Mountains National Park who was hoisted to safety Sunday morning by a Tennessee Highway Patrol helicopter after being stranded atop an outcrop for the past week. Albert "Morgan" Briggs thanked the whirlybird's crew and park rangers for plucking him out of the backcountry and after meeting with park officials headed home to Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, with family members.
Mr. Briggs, who had set out on August 22 for a four-day trek through the park, became stuck atop Porters Mountain on Monday after traveling off-trail. The backpacker, a member of the park's "Ridge Runner" volunteer organization that regularly hikes sections of the Appalachian Trail through the park as a public service, told rangers he became disoriented in the heavily vegetated and steep terrain and that his trek was hampered by sheer rock bluffs, downed trees, and dense rhododendron thickets.
Park crews launched a search Wednesday for the man after he failed to show up Tuesday as planned. On Saturday crews on the AT thought they spotted a tent on Porters Mountain, and a contract helicopter made visible contact with Mr. Briggs. They then dropped a pack with food, water, and a park radio for communications. Due to the lateness of the day and the rugged terrain that would have to be crossed to reach Mr. Briggs, it was agreed that he would spend another night in his tent and be rescued Sunday morning.
Shortly before 9:30 a.m. Sunday the helicopter crew lowered a "hoisting seat" 250 feet down to Mr. Briggs, who was then hauled up and into the hovering whirlybird. The helicopter landed at the Sugarlands Visitor Center. Mr. Briggs was then taken to the park’s Little River Ranger Station to talk to rangers about the circumstances that led to his rescue. He did not need any medical attention and left the park with family members. Over the five-day search effort about 40 National Park Service personnel were involved in the effort.
Story Categories:
A copy of National Parks Traveler's financial statements may be obtained by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: National Parks Traveler, P.O. Box 980452, Park City, Utah 84098. National Parks Traveler was formed in the state of Utah for the purpose of informing and educating about national parks and protected areas.
Residents of the following states may obtain a copy of our financial and additional information as stated below:
- Florida: A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR NATIONAL PARKS TRAVELER, (REGISTRATION NO. CH 51659), MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING 800-435-7352 OR VISITING THEIR WEBSITE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
- Georgia: A full and fair description of the programs and financial statement summary of National Parks Traveler is available upon request at the office and phone number indicated above.
- Maryland: Documents and information submitted under the Maryland Solicitations Act are also available, for the cost of postage and copies, from the Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401 (410-974-5534).
- North Carolina: Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 888-830-4989 or 919-807-2214. The license is not an endorsement by the State.
- Pennsylvania: The official registration and financial information of National Parks Traveler may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling 800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
- Virginia: Financial statements are available from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, 102 Governor Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219.
- Washington: National Parks Traveler is registered with Washington State’s Charities Program as required by law and additional information is available by calling 800-332-4483 or visiting www.sos.wa.gov/charities, or on file at Charities Division, Office of the Secretary of State, State of Washington, Olympia, WA 98504.
National parks and their natural resources belong to you. The National Parks Traveler works to ensure you know how these essential places are being cared for.
Sign Up For Our Weekly Newsletter
Unsubscribe at any time.
INN Member
The easiest way to explore RV-friendly National Park campgrounds.
Here’s the definitive guide to National Park System campgrounds where RVers can park their rigs.
Our app is packed with RVing- specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 national parks.
You’ll also find stories about RVing in the parks, tips helpful if you’ve just recently become an RVer, and useful planning suggestions.
Comments
I AM SO GLAD THIS ENDED THE WAY IT DID , I HAD A BAD FEELING ABOUT THIS.G.P.S.?
That is one tough old bird. Kudos Mr. Briggs.
P.S.- Bring a better map and compass next time.
Yay! Nice to have a happy ending. It reminds me that even the most experienced among us can get lost. I'll make sure to check my kit twice the next time I go backpacking!
I am so glad that he is safe and sound, thanks to his good attitude and the good rangers who found him. Ohio
resident
Thank goodness that Mr. Briggs has a good constitution. And God Bless the Angels of mercy that rescued him.
Mr Briggs should be charged with the total cost of the Rescue effort.
Anon, would you have said that if the man had not been found alive? Shame on you. The way I see it, my tax dollars paid for that rescue; and I'm glad that money went to save a life.
I met Morgan while hiking the Appalachian Trail in the Smokies. He as the "Trail Walker"...he hiked the trail in the Smokies for a week then stayed at his cabin a week. He had a park radio and helped hikers. He was a retired Marine. He was a very strong and knowledgeable hiker. I heard that he walked the AT twice. He was a first class individual.