Nine hikers, including Indiana students, were rescued after getting lost near Indian Staircase trail in Red River Gorge

Nine hikers who had traveled to Kentucky for a hiking trip were safely rescued after they became lost Saturday night near the Indian Staircase trail in the Red River Gorge, according to WLKY.

The report said the group included students from Indiana who had left an area experiencing widespread flooding and drove to Kentucky to hike. After setting out near the Red River Gorge, they were unable to find their way back.

WLKY reported that the incident unfolded late Saturday, when the hikers’ location and direction became unclear. Emergency responders were able to locate the group and bring them to safety.

The Indian Staircase is a popular area within the Red River Gorge, and access can be difficult depending on conditions, trail visibility, and weather. WLKY did not describe the hikers’ specific route or the conditions on the ground at the time, but the need for rescue indicates that the group was not able to self-navigate back to a known point.

After the rescue, the hikers were described as safe. The report did not indicate serious injuries, but it did emphasize that the situation required outside assistance.

The case highlights the risks that can accompany hiking in rugged terrain, especially when travelers are dealing with shifting plans due to weather elsewhere. In this instance, the hikers’ initial reason for traveling was to get away from flooding before attempting a trip in Kentucky.

Public safety officials in similar situations typically urge hikers to travel with a plan, share trip details, and remain aware that even well-known areas can be hard to navigate at night or when conditions change. WLKY did not provide additional guidance specific to this incident, but the rescue underscores the importance of preparedness.

Further details about what prompted the hikers to become lost, the exact timing of the alert and rescue, and which agencies responded were not included in the WLKY report.