JACKSON COUNTY, Ala. (WHNT) — With summer in full swing, many people want to go out and enjoy the trails that North Alabama has to offer. Sometimes, however, a hike can quickly turn dangerous.
The Scottsboro Jackson County Rescue Squad Chief, Eddie Tigue, said that his team has rescued dozens of people so far in 2025. In June alone, two people broke their ankles at the Walls of Jericho in Jackson County.
Tigue’s team, consisting of about 30 volunteers, aims to assist as many people as possible, including those who are lost or injured.
He said it’s important to be prepared with items like water and flashlights before heading out on a hike.
“I tell people, take you some water, take something to eat. If you leave before 8 a.m., take you a flashlight,” Tigue said.
Another thing Chief Tigue advises is to always let someone know where you are going, when you expect to come back.
“You know, just have a good plan. Make sure somebody knows where you’re gonna be, what time you’re supposed to be out, have a call-out, say we’re going hiking, we’re going to be out by four, if you ain’t heard from me by five, we might want to think about doing something,” Chief Tigue said.
An avid hiker, Ethan Duda, said people should check the difficulty of a hike before setting out and pack only what they need so that they don’t overwork themselves.
Another hiker, Molly Parks, stressed the importance of having the right gear.
“Having appropriate footwear, for me, that was a game-changer, having hiking boots,” Parker said. “I had been hiking in tennis shoes, and I twisted my ankle a lot. And out here, you don’t want to do that when you’re on these long trails.”
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