LINVILLE, N.C. — A hiker was rescued Sunday afternoon after falling from a ladder near McRae Peak on Grandfather Mountain. It was the last ladder heading to the peak.
Multiple emergency agencies worked together to hoist her from where she fell, which was at a 5,800-foot elevation, according to the Linville-Central Rescue Squad. First responders said it is one of the most difficult trails on the East Coast.
Officials got word of the incident around 1 p.m.
Crews said the extraction process took a while due to the difficult terrain. Rescuers used ropes to lower her to safety, which took 1.5 hours to get to the hiker.
It was determined that a helicopter was needed.
The N.C. Helo Aquatic Rescue team, made up of the National Guard and first responders, extracted her from the dangerous terrain.
“It’s a very important resource,” said Stephen McClellan, with Linville-Central Rescue Squad. “With the number of volunteers that we have now, it saves a lot of time, especially with critical patients who are in the back country.”
The hiker was flown to a designated landing zone and transferred to a medical helicopter to a facility for further care.
Michael Wheeler said it’s the hardest hike he’s ever done.
“Just all the ladders, the ropes, steep spots,” Wheeler said. “And some spots you’re next to a big drop off. It’s a little scary.”
Abby Neyra and her family hiked the rugged trail this weekend.
She took photos and videos of the challenges they faced before turning around.
“Because we have two little kids, it was very, very sketchy,” Neyra said. “It was beautiful up there, but very scary, and if you don’t have proper equipment and you don’t know what you’re doing, you shouldn’t be up there.”
The hiker injured her leg and hip and was talking to crew members, first responders said.
Crews from the Linville Volunteer Fire Department, Grandfather Mountain State Park and the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation assisted in providing initial medical treatment at the site of the fall. About 50 people were involved.
Each year, Linville Central Rescue makes 15 to 20 rescues on Grandfather Mountain.
Check back with wsoctv.com for updates.
VIDEO: Popular hiking trail temporarily closed after hiker’s death
©2026 Cox Media Group
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/cmg/LH3JSJEF3VBLRJLJQESEAG34AM.png)
