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Why Burke County officials are warning inexperienced hikers to stay at home

BURKE COUNTY, N.C. — Many people are trying to escape the confines of their home by going to the mountains, but officials are saying if you don’t know what you’re doing, stay home.

Many people visit the Linville Gorge each year, but Burke County officials said the rugged terrain leads to around 75 rescues each year and now is not the time to tie up emergency personnel.

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As part of its Emergency Declaration, Burke County is asking people to avoid outdoor activity that would be considered “high risk."

Watch the video above as Channel 9′s Dave Faherty shows us how the counties’ resources are being depleted by those who are taking unfamiliar routes.