Grandfather Mtn. Rescue: Hiker Falls Near MacRae Peak
By Marge | Published 2026-03-23T17:57:08.980Z
News
Location: Linville, Avery County, North Carolina, Grandfather Mountain
Hiker injured in fall near MacRae Peak on Grandfather Mountain. Complex rescue operation involved multiple agencies. Airlifted to safety.
Grandfather Mountain -- A hiker was seriously injured Sunday, March 22, 2026, after falling from a ladder near MacRae Peak on Grandfather Mountain. The incident, which occurred around 1 p.m., triggered a massive, multi-agency technical rescue operation in the rugged high-elevation backcountry.The hiker reportedly fell from the final ladder on the approach to the peak, landing at the base approximately 5,800 feet above sea level. Due to the severity of the injuries and the extreme terrain—noted f
Keywords: Grandfather Mountain, hiker fall, MacRae Peak, mountain rescue, helicopter rescue, Linville, North Carolina, Avery County