HAYWOOD COUNTY, N.C. (828newsNOW) — A hiker who went missing Friday in the Middle Prong Wilderness was safely located and brought out of the woods around sunset, according to Haywood County Search and Rescue.

Rescuers said the hiker set out early in the day but became disoriented near the Green Mountain Trail. Officials credited the hiker with making the right decision to remain on the trail, which significantly improved the chances of being found.

Search crews used whistles and calling to make contact before guiding the hiker out of the area. No injuries were reported.