Where was Ann Houghton found? Community mourns as Great Smoky Mountains National Park missing hiker found dead

Ann Houghton, a hiker who went missing, was found dead on February 2 at around 1:53 p.m. Her remains were found in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, about a quarter mile off of Enloe Creek Trail, and she died at the age of 73.

Houghton had been missing since February 1, and Citizen Times reports that she planned to go hiking from January 28 to 29. Search and rescue crews as well as officials from law enforcement scoured the Smokemont area, including Bradley Fork, Chasteen Creek, Hughes Ridge, and Enloe Creek trails. Her vehicle was also located in the vicinity.

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Everything we know about Ann Houghton's demise

The outlet has reported that Houghton, a resident of Jackson County, had been a volunteer for the Great Smokies for well over two decades. Back in 2022, she was nominated for a National Park Service George and Helen Hartzog Award for Outstanding Volunteer Service.

The Great Smoky National Park stated on Facebook in the wake of the demise that

"Several local agencies assisted the park with search operations, investigations, and emergency services including Cherokee Fire and Rescue, BUSAR, Macon Volunteer Fire Department, Cowee Volunteer Fire Department, Appalachian Mountain Rescue Team and Jackson County Sheriff’s Office."

Charles Sellars, Acting Superintendent of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, stated that,

“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. Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers condolences to her family and friends.”

One of her colleagues, Kate Kinney Barber, also took to Facebook to offer her condolences, and it reads as follows, in part:

"Oh no! I’m hearing on the news that she has been found deceased! This is so very sad. She absolutely loved hiking any and everywhere all by herself. RIP Ann."

Barber also stated that Ann Houghton always "loved her solo hikes." WYFF 4 has reported that her volunteer work as a front-line representative of the National Park Service clocks in at well over 4,000 hours since she began in 2004.

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Ann Houghton was described as a female with gray hair who weighed approximately 105 pounds. She was 5 feet and 6 inches tall. Prior to her being found deceased, the public was urged to contact Great Smoky Mountains National Park Dispatch with any tips to help in the search and rescue efforts.