Successful rescue on the trail

Walhalla cross-trained fire personnel completed the successful rescue of a hiker Saturday afternoon at a U-S Forest Service recreation spot, north of the city.  Chief Will Bates said the rescued hiker, a female, may have sustained a broken ankle at the Yellow Branch Falls trail and was sent to the hospital to be further evaluated.  On a warm April weekend, Yellow Branch remains a top gathering area for lovers of the outdoors.  Bates quoted a rescue counterpart as having counted 53 hikers on Saturday.  The parking lot was full.  Other vehicles found parking spots on the side of SC 28/the Highlands Highway.