Found Safe VA - Britney Pulley, 33, Hiker, Appalachian Trail, McCormick Gap, 24 Dec 2021

[Unsolved]

"A hiker has gone missing on the Appalachian Trail through Virginia’s western mountains, according to the National Park Service.

Britney N. Pulley, 33, was last seen 11 days ago, according to a statement released Jan. 4 by Shenandoah National Park.

The announcement comes as roads in the park are covered in ice and forecasters are predicting a second day of frigid temperatures and snow for the region.

“Ms. Pulley was last seen on 12/24/2021 hiking north on the Appalachian Trail from McCormick Gap (mile 102),” the park reported. “She may be wearing a black coat, navy beanie, and black gloves.

Pulley was equipped with a one-person tent and backpack, and was carrying a WACOOL hydration pack, officials said".

Hiker goes missing on Appalachian Trail as weather worsens in Virginia mountains

Shenandoah National Park looking for woman who went missing hiking the Appalachian Trail | 8News

Woman reported missing from Shenandoah National Park

 

[Rthornhill]

Missing for 11 days now. I wonder how long she planned on being on the trail for, and if she had enough supplies to survive for this long or longer?

Hopefully she just lost her phone and or means of contact or something and is camped out somewhere safely.

 

[j_in_c]

Thank you for posting, I was just logging on to start a thread for her. This is very concerning as we just got a lot of rain and snow. I really hope she found shelter and just hasn't been able to get in touch! Unsure if they need more detailed location information or if the weather is preventing a search.

 

[annpats]

I doubt she took anywhere near enough food to last the 11 days she's been missing.

Is it normal for people to go hiking on the AT (or anywhere) on the day before Christmas Day?

Not just because of the weather being extremely cold and icy, I just think Christmas Eve is a really odd day for a young lady to go hiking, especially by herself.

I doubt she came across many other hikers, if any.

I don't think all of this sounds hopeful, and it makes my heart sad.

 

[Wild Rose]

Some individuals are able to hike the trail at times that may not make sense but are the best for them, for instance, between jobs if you are laid off.

 

[PixPixPix]

This case is really peculiar. There's no information about where she is from, how long she had been on the trail, if she missed a check in, or if she was checking in with anyone at all. The first stories had her first name spelled wrong, her age wrong, and her description didn't match up with the photo. Reading between the lines, it seems like she wanted to lay low.

Her $30 3 season tent doesn't give me the warm fuzzies about her preparation for the conditions in the mountains. It can be in the 60s, but as soon as the sun sets, it's cold. I thought I could get away with a three season tent in the VA foothills, mid-October if I brought my winter camping sleeping bag. One windy night in the 20s disabused me of that notion.

I hope she's OK.

 

[GoBuckeyes]

I doubt she took anywhere near enough food to last the 11 days she's been missing.

Is it normal for people to go hiking on the AT (or anywhere) on the day before Christmas Day?

Not just because of the weather being extremely cold and icy, I just think Christmas Eve is a really odd day for a young lady to go hiking, especially by herself.

I doubt she came across many other hikers, if any.

I don't think all of this sounds hopeful, and it makes my heart sad.

Having spent several Christmas Christmases alone, I would have gladly gone on a hike under those circumstances. But for most who have family close by, it probably is an unusual day to hike. Do we know who reported her missing?

 

[moonriverfarm]

Where are the updates as to who is looking for her?????

 

[LauraAnne]

The two pictures I've found for her, on her missing posters, show a woman with long red hair. Apparently currently she has much shorter black hair. I wonder if they could alter the pics to reveal the hairstyle she now has?

 

[Darling136]

The AWARE Foundation, Inc.

Interesting comment on possible sighting, but we can not go on further on this here

 

[JnRyan]

The update on WRIC states that the park rangers have located her this afternoon.
UPDATE: Missing hiker found safe in Shenandoah National Park | 8News

 

[annpats]

The update on WRIC states that the park rangers have located her this afternoon.
UPDATE: Missing hiker found safe in Shenandoah National Park | 8News

Phew! That's a big relief. Well done to the Rangers.

 

[LadyL]

The update on WRIC states that the park rangers have located her this afternoon.
UPDATE: Missing hiker found safe in Shenandoah National Park | 8News

great news - wasn't expecting that when I opened the thread

 

[LadyL]

I guess she was prepared enough to survive but she's still lucky I think after 11 days.

 

[Rthornhill]

Wow, that’s great news. I guess I got my answers sort of. Nice to have a positive outcome once in a while.

 

[borndem]

Yippee! Another one found safe!
I will say that on the several days before & after the 24th and 25th, the temp here in Raleigh was in the low 70's. Very unusual, but we enjoyed it! Maybe that's why she went for the hike. We're in the 40's-50's now & have had colder nights just lately. Raleigh is about 170 - 200 miles east of the App Trail, so it was probably enjoyable weather for a few days for her hiking the trail during those days. It's around 30--35F in the Apps now. Back to normal.
What a great job by those Rangers! A good ending!