Missing Smokies hiker back home with family

A 70-year-old hiker who spent more than eight days in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park after becoming lost was airlifted to safety Sunday morning, according to the National Park Service.

Morgan Briggs of Pigeon Forge didn't require medical attention and went home with his family, said Park Service spokeswoman Nancy Gray.

Gray said Briggs set out on Aug. 22 and became lost Aug. 23, the second day of his "four-day planned backpacking trip, which included hiking off trail in a remote, rugged portion of the park," Gray said.

Briggs told park rangers that he became disoriented by the heavily vegetated and steep terrain and that his trek was hampered by sheer rock bluffs, downed trees and dense rhododendron.

Briggs said he made it to the top of Porters Mountain on Aug. 24, and that is where he remained throughout.

"A contract helicopter spotted Briggs late Saturday afternoon," Gray said. "The pilot saw a tent and Briggs waving his arms. Briggs was said to have rationed his food, spam and fruit, and was able to capture rain water to help sustain him until he was rescued."