Updated: Missing Backpacker Found in Good Condition in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Missing backpacker found alive and well in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. NPS handout.

A backpacker missing since Tuesday in the rugged backcountry of Great Smoky Mountains National Park has been found in good condition, but will have to spend another night out in the park due to his precarious location, officials said Saturday afternoon.

Searchers located Albert "Morgan" Briggs about 4 p.m. EDT Saturday when they spied what might be a tent on an outcrop about 1 mile from the Appalachian Trail in the park. They were able to guide a helicopter to the area, and about 15 minutes later the pilot reported that Mr. Briggs could be seen waving his arms. The helicopter dropped a pack to the 70-year-old containing food, water and a park radio.

Search managers talked with Mr. Briggs and determined that he was alright but did not think he could get to a trail from his location due to steep terrain and heavy brush. There was no immediate word on how Mr. Briggs got to his current location.

Park officials say Mr. Briggs is atop Porters Mountain (approximate elevation 5,000 feet), a narrow ridge that lies about 1 mile north of the Appalachian Trail. Porters Mountain is about 1 mile to the east of the route he had planned to take to intersect the Appalachian Trail at Dry Sluice Gap.

By the time the Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, man was located, it was too late in the day to get ground searchers to his location, and there was no place to land the helicopter. As a result, officials said plans were being developed to get him out Sunday. Rangers Saturday evening were developing plans to send in two ground teams from different directions, but their preferred alternative was to use a helicopter that has hoisting capability.

A Tennessee Highway Patrol helicopter was scheduled to arrive at McGhee Tyson Airport in Knoxville early Sunday, and if weather and other conditions cooperate rangers hope to have Mr. Briggs out to park headquarters by mid-morning.

Mr. Briggs had failed to turn up on schedule Tuesday after a planned four-day trek through the park. Mr. Briggs is very familiar with the park's backcountry and was one of the park’s first "Appalachian Trail Ridge Runner." Ridge Runners spend several months on the 71 miles of the AT in the park, providing information, performing trail maintenance and serving as the park’s eyes on the trail.