A volunteer from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park has tragically been found deceased after going missing. Ann Houghton, 73, was reported missing on Saturday, February 1, after failing to return from a planned hike. Her last known location was at the Smokemont Campground, where her vehicle was found.
Local law enforcement and search teams quickly launched a search in the Smokemont area, focusing on popular trails like Bradley Fork, Chasteen Creek, Hughes Ridge, and Enloe Creek. Sadly, Houghton’s body was discovered approximately a quarter mile off the Enloe Creek Trail around 2 p.m. on Sunday, February 2.
Houghton was a long-time resident of Jackson County, North Carolina, and served as a dedicated volunteer for the National Park Service for over twenty years, contributing more than 4,000 hours. In 2022, she was nominated for the George and Helen Hartzog Awards for Outstanding Volunteer Service due to her significant contributions.
Her passion for nature and commitment to educating park visitors was well recognized. She had various roles, including Trail Maintainer, Cemetery Assistant, and Leave No Trace Ambassador, primarily working at the Oconaluftee Visitor Center.
Charles Sellars, the acting superintendent of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, expressed deep sorrow over the loss, stating that Ann was a cherished member of the Smokies community who loved sharing her enthusiasm for the park with visitors. The National Park Service is currently investigating the circumstances surrounding her death.
