Hiker Reported Missing in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

A 53-year-old woman was reported missing near Clingmans Dome in Great Smoky Mountains National Park on Tuesday, Sept. 25. According to park service officials, Susan Clements of Cleves, Ohio, and her daughter were hiking on the Forney Ridge Trail and became separated sometime around 5 p.m.

Great Smoky Mountains park rangers began the search on Tuesday night and have continued interviewing hikers and surveying trails in the area throughout the week. On Thursday, an additional 40 search and rescue personnel were brought on to aid efforts. According to a Facebook post by Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the road to the observation tower on Clingmans Dome tower was closed to vehicles on Friday, Sept. 28, “to better facilitate search-related traffic and to ensure the safety of search crews.”

Clements was last seen approximately a quarter-mile from Andrews Bald. She is five feet, six inches feet tall, weighs 125 pounds, and was reported to be wearing black pants, a green sweater, a clear rain poncho, and white shoes.

Park service officials have urged anyone with information leading to the rescue of Clements to contact the National Park Service at 1-888-653-0009. Tips can also be submitted via the investigative services branch’s website or by Facebook message.

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Comments 5

  • John Strawder : Sep 29th

    I think if you’re experienced enough you don’t get lost and sure as shit don’t wear a rain poncho over a sweater… hypothermia is one of the biggest concerns is colder weather….and poncho??? They need to keep non waterproof rednecks out of the mountains. BTW…I grew up in Florida, played football at App State in Boone, NC and live in Breck, CO now…I know how to go into the mountains and it takes planning and experience…just saying

    Reply
    • Jo : Sep 30th

      I’m glad you know how to “go into the mountains,” but please remember we’re talking about someone’s beloved mother who may be missing or dead and keep your tone respectful.

      Reply
    • Sam Johnson : Oct 3rd

      No telling what occured. She may have walked off to the side for privacy and got turned around. If you are not woods wise it is not hard to get disoriented. So sad.

      Reply
    • Kathy Mansfield : Oct 3rd

      Wow. Good for you Mr. Outdoors. Glad you are so EXPERIENCED. Maybe you could come down off your high horse to realize this is someone’s life here. Many things can happen to people in the outdoors….even experienced people.

      Reply
  • Annmarie : Oct 4th

    All kinds of things can happen! 2 years ago I was in the Smokey Mountains and some stupid woman had her 2 Rottweiler dogs and one of them jumped on me and almost knocked me over the edge of the mountain. If my friend hadnt grabbed me I would have fallen to my death.

    Reply

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