Miracle as hiker, 48, is found alive after two weeks missing in Kentucky wilderness as rescuers reveal the clue that helped find him
A missing hiker was miraculously found alive after he disappeared in the Kentucky wilderness - now rescuers have revealed the clues that helped them find him.
Scott Hern, 48, was last seen by his family in Ohio on July 4th before he went hiking in the Red River Gorge nearly 100 miles away the next day.
Wolfe County Search and Rescue Team said Hern's diary revealed he had previously visited Bell Falls along Highway 715 which led crews to revisit the area on Saturday.
During their search - about two weeks after he was reported missing - rescuers found a shoe print and evidence of a walking stick. Then a faint noise was heard calling out and Hern was located on a steep embankment below a cliff line.
'It is truly a miracle that Mr. Hern was found after 14 days, and 12 days without any food or water. We were persistent in our search, but hope was fading,' the rescue group said.
Scott Hern (pictured), 48, was found alive after he went missing for two weeks in the Red River Gorge
Rescuers used clues Hern left in his diary to search an area near Bell Falls along Highway 715 where they found him
His family told the rescue team that Hern had been visiting the area the past few months in search of waterfalls and his diary indicated several locations he planned to visit.
His vehicle was last seen at the Tower Rock Parking area along Highway 715. Teams from Wolfe County Search and Rescue, Powell County Search and Rescue and Red STAR Wilderness EMS unsuccessfully searched the rugged environment for two weeks.
Rescuers were beginning to lose hope of their treacherous two-week long search for Hern when they discovered signs of life on Saturday.
'We were in the roughest terrain you could imagine and it's very dangerous for anyone to even be out there. My team spent hours bushwhacking in our search area,' said rescuer Eric Wolterman.
'We stopped to regroup, and one of the people on the team heard a very faint noise. We paused and we shouted "who is that?" Thinking it was another search team. I then heard "help." We took off in the direction.
'As we got closer asked what his name was and he "Scott Hern" I have never moved faster up hill in my entire life.
Rescuers found a shoe print and evidence of a walking stick in the area then heard a faint noise calling out to them and found Hern on a steep embankment below a cliff line
Due to his location on the heavy terrain, the Kentucky State Police assisted in a hoist operation
'I was the first one to get up to him and I said "my name is Eric, I'm with Wolfe County search and rescue, you are safe, we are going to get you out of here.
'He looked at me and said "thank you so much. Will you give me a hug." I got teary eyed, and gave him a big hug. I think it was the best hug of both of our lives.'
Due to his location on the heavy terrain, the Kentucky State Police assisted in a hoist operation.
Hern was put on to an orange stretcher and airlifted from the remote location to the University of Kentucky hospital.
On Sunday doctors allowed him to start eating food, although he still is not able to walk on his own.
