Officials at a North Carolina beauty spot have issued a warning after a hiker got into trouble and required emergency medical assistance while trying to reach a field of daffodils that's a popular but perilous destination in the spring,
On Saturday, responders were called to a hiking path in Linville Gorge Wilderness that leads to Daffodil Flats. As the Charlotte Observer reports, around 40 volunteers helped get the hiker safely off the difficult and technical trail.
"The patient, and their group demonstrated exceptional preparedness by carrying the 10 essentials." Burke County Rescue and SAR wrote in a Facebook post. "The group was able to provide emergency blankets and a tarp to the patient before rescue crews arrived exemplifying their quick thinking and resourcefulness. These acts were imperative and undoubtedly contributed to a smoother rescue operation."
Every year, people visiting Linville Gorge are warned that as a protected wilderness area, it has virtually no markers and signage, which makes it easy for unprepared explorers to get lost. The terrain is also challenging, meaning this is not a suitable trek for the inexperienced.
Last year, one woman reportedly fell off a cliff while returning from seeing the flowers without sufficient supplies.
- The best hiking shoes: our top recommendations, tested by experts
