Stranded Hikers Rescued in TN

USA Today of 9 March 2005 has an article datelined Gatlinburg, TN and headlined "Rangers rescue four hikers stranded on Appalachian Trail" that relates the story of a rescue of 4 North Carolina hikers who had to be brought out of the mountains (including one hypothermic hiker pulled out by helicopter). They had set off without equipment needed to survive the rain that turned to snow ... 8 inches of the latter.

"The group "was found by six backpacking students from Messiah College in Grantham, Pa., .... Four of the backpackers stayed behind while two others went for help.

"... the hikers took cover at the Derrick Knob shelter, elevation 4,880 feet, in Sevier County, Tenn."

The other three hikers walked out with the rangers the 8 miles to safety.