Search for Missing Hiker Charles Hosch Enters Challenging Phase as Crews Push Into Remote Terrain

UNION COUNTY, Ga. – The search for missing hiker Charles Hosch on Blood Mountain has stretched into another day as crews expand operations into increasingly remote terrain.

Despite a large, coordinated search effort involving ground teams, K-9 units, drones, and earlier helicopter support, authorities say Hosch has still not been located in the area where he was last seen.

Hosch, who is familiar with the Blood Mountain and Byron Herbert Reece Trail area, was last spotted on November 11 around 1:30 p.m., heading downhill from the summit. His vehicle remained parked at the trailhead, and hikers confirmed speaking with him that afternoon. The section of trail where he was last seen is one he has reportedly hiked many times.

More than 95 trained search and rescue personnel are currently deployed, with K-9 teams and drone units continuing active sweeps. Helicopter crews have completed full aerial coverage of the region. Search leadership says the difficulty now lies in the fact that Hosch is not in the expected or easily visible areas.

Authorities have shifted focus to locations that are harder to spot from above — rock ledges, dense vegetation, cliff lines, and side slopes where someone might shelter or become disoriented. Teams are examining areas both on and off the main trail in an effort to determine where Hosch may have gone after starting his descent.

Investigators have received multiple credible witness accounts, including from a hiker who spoke directly with Hosch on the afternoon he disappeared. Still, despite extensive resources, officials say the lack of progress is puzzling given the terrain’s popularity and Hosch’s familiarity with it.

The Union County Sheriff’s Office is urging anyone who was on the Appalachian Trail near Blood Mountain, at the Mountain Crossings store, or at the Byron Herbert Reece trailhead on or after November 11 to share any photos or observations that could aid the search. Even small details captured in the background of trail photos may help narrow down Hosch’s location.

Local hunters are also being asked to review game-camera footage from the surrounding area for anything unusual.

Search coordinators emphasize that community assistance is still crucial. Individuals with significant local knowledge of Blood Mountain’s terrain are encouraged to contact officials.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Union County Sheriff’s Office at 706-439-6091.

The search remains active as crews continue working through difficult and lesser-traveled areas in hopes of bringing Hosch home safely.