73-Year-Old Volunteer Found Dead in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Ann Houghton, a longtime volunteer and hiker, was discovered deceased after being reported missing during a planned overnight hike.

Ann Houghton, a 73-year-old dedicated volunteer at Great Smoky Mountains National Park, was found dead on February 2, 2025, a quarter mile off Enloe Creek Trail.
Houghton had planned a hike from January 28–29 but was reported missing on February 1 when she failed to return and missed her volunteer shift.
Her vehicle was located at the Smokemont Campground, prompting a search involving multiple local agencies, including Cherokee Fire and Rescue and the Appalachian Mountain Rescue Team.
Houghton had contributed over 4,000 volunteer hours to the park since 2004, earning a nomination for the prestigious George and Helen Hartzog Award for Outstanding Volunteer Service in 2022.
The National Park Service stated that no foul play is suspected in her death, though the cause remains under investigation.