Woman found safe along Appalachian Trail after family concern

Social media messages from a mother about her daughter possibly missing along the Appalachian Trail were met with lots of responses that led to her child’s safe discovery.

The Washington County, Virginia Sheriff’s Office was one of several agencies in three states that investigated the case after the 21-year-old had not checked in with her family in five days while hiking the route and had not arrived at a supply stop while pings on her cell phone were located between Damascus and Mountain City.

Initial searches came up with no sightings, but the woman was then found on Thursday, according to updates posted by the parent and the Sheriff’s Office.

(IMAGE: Property of Appalachian Trail Conservancy / L. Potteiger)