A 73-year-old North Carolina hiker was found dead after she went missing in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, park officials said.

What You Need To Know

  •  Ann Houghton was reported missing after she did not come back from her scheduled hike at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park

  •  Houghton was found dead off Enloe Creek trail on Feb. 2

  •  Houghton was 73 years old and a frequent park volunteer

Ann Houghton was discovered at 1:53 p.m. about a quarter mile off Enloe Creek Trail on Feb. 2, officials said. Her cause of death has not been released.

According to the national park, Houghton was planning to hike the park starting Jan. 28 until Jan. 29. She was reported missing on Feb. 1 when her vehicle was found at the Smokemont Campground.

Ann Houghton was a resident of Jackson County, North Carolina and was a frequent volunteer at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park for over 20 years.

In 2022, Houghton was nominated for a National Service George and Helen Hartzog Awards for Outstanding Volunteer Service by the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the park said.

“Ann was an enduring and beloved member of our Smokies Community. She was a dedicated volunteer and avid hiker who shared her passion for the park with many visitors,” Charles Sellars, acting superintendent of Great Smoky Mountains National Park said. “Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers condolences to her family and friends.”