Tennessee Army National Guard breaks rescue record in Smokies

Great Smoky Mountains Natl. Park — In 2025, more people were rescued by Blackhawk helicopters in the Smoky Mountains than in any other year on record.

The Tennessee Army National Guard added more Blackhawks based in Knoxville after the unit shifted its mission almost a decade ago. Those saviors in the sky are a lifeline when seconds count and terrain is tough.

Since 2016, the Tennessee Army National Guard rescued more than 60 people in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This number does not include rescues in areas outside of the park, or missions where teams helped battle wildfires or responded to tragedies.

Dolphin Riggs was one of those rescued this summer, when she and some friends were on a hike at Laurel-Snow Recreation Area in Rhea County on July 19.

As a seasoned hiker wh