Shenandoah Park rangers launch full-scale search for missing 75-year-old hiker

Missing person, Jerry BaileyPhoto byShenandoah National Park/NPS

LURAY, Va. – Shenandoah National Park personnel have announced that a search for a missing elderly hiker is underway.

Sometime in the early hours of Friday, September 1, Shenandoah National Park rangers were notified that a Jerry Bailey (address not disclosed) was missing.

Bailey’s backpack was found in Pinefield Hut, an Appalachian Trail shelter near Skyline Drive, Milepost 75.2.

Bailey was last seen August 30. He is 75 years old, 5’11”, 180 pounds and has white hair and brown eyes.

Consisting of nearly 197,000 acres, including 80,000 acres of congressionally designated wilderness, the park encompasses parts of eight counties. Each year, millions visit the area, which includes the 105-mile Skyline Drive and 75 designated scenic overlooks. The park also includes established campgrounds and 101 miles of the famed Appalachian Trail, on which visitors hike and often overnight camp.

Camping on the A.T. requires a free permit either obtained from a park ranger or via self-registration at one of the park's many kiosks. Park headquarters are located in Luray. It has not yet been disclosed if Mr. Bailey completed (or submitted) a backcountry permit prior to his trip.

According to an official media release, Park Service personnel are currently conducting a full-scale search operation. The search is led by Shenandoah National Park Search and Rescue personnel aided by the Virginia Department of Emergency Management. Additional resources have been requested.

If anyone believes they may have seen Mr. Bailey, or have any information as to his whereabouts, they are encouraged to call 540-999-3422.