Hiker goes missing on Appalachian Trail as weather worsens in Virginia mountains
UPDATE: Special Agents with the National Park Service reported in a tweet Wednesday, Jan. 5 that “a U.S. Park Ranger of Shenandoah National Park located the missing hiker, and she is safe.” Additional details were not released.
The original story is below:
A hiker has gone missing on the Appalachian Trail through Virginia’s western mountains, according to the National Park Service.
Britney N. Pulley, 33, was last seen 11 days ago, according to a statement released Jan. 4 by Shenandoah National Park.
The announcement comes as roads in the park are covered in ice and 10 inches of snow, and forecasters are predicting a second day of frigid temperatures and snow for the region.
“Ms. Pulley was last seen on 12/24/2021 hiking north on the Appalachian Trail from McCormick Gap (mile 102),” the park reported. “She may be wearing a black coat, navy beanie, and black gloves.”
Pulley was equipped with a one-person tent and backpack, and was carrying a WACOOL hydration pack, officials said.
Details were not released on where and when she began hiking the trail.
The National Park Service Investigative Services Branch is asking park visitors to report anything suspicious they may have seen in the days since Pulley vanished.
“Someone may go missing for many reasons — they could become lost or disoriented, suffer an accident, or be delayed by weather or other inclement conditions,” NPS Investigative Services posted on Facebook. “In some cases, their disappearance is voluntary or the result of a crime.”
The entirety of the Appalachian Trail is 2,193 miles through 14 states, and 531 of those miles are in Virginia, according to the Appalachian Trail Conservancy.
One hundred miles run through Shenandoah National Park, which can bring hikers in direct contact with motorists at multiple spots, the conservancy reports.
“In Shenandoah National Park, you can cross the A.T. more than 30 times without getting out of your car,” the conservancy says.
This story was originally published January 4, 2022 at 12:10 PM with the headline "Hiker goes missing on Appalachian Trail as weather worsens in Virginia mountains."