Nearly a Week Later, 67-Year-Old Dallas Lawyer Still Missing After Hiking Near Appalachian Trail in North Georgia Mountains

ATLANTA, GEORGIA — A 67-year-old Dallas lawyer and law professor, Charles Hosch, has been missing for nearly a week after going hiking near the Appalachian Trail in the North Georgia mountains. Hosch, who was last seen on Tuesday while hiking the Byron Herbert Reece Trail near Blood Mountain, has not been found despite an extensive search involving more than 95 rescuers, multiple K-9 teams, helicopters, and a drone unit. His family, including his daughter, say they remain hopeful due to his strong survival training and decades of experience in the mountains.

What Authorities Know About His Disappearance

According to early reports, Hosch set out on the 4-mile out-and-back Byron Herbert Reece Trail, a well-known route that leads hikers toward Blood Mountain. The trail contains both manageable sections and steep, rocky terrain, making it unpredictable for search teams. Before vanishing, Hosch successfully reached the summit, where he briefly spoke with a Ham radio operator, marking the last verified point of contact before he disappeared.

Search and rescue teams have been combing the mountain area ever since, retracing his expected path using aerial units and on-foot teams. Officials say the mountainous terrain and fluctuating weather conditions have made the search particularly challenging.

Family Shares Concerns and Hope for His Survival

Hosch’s daughter, Julia Hosch-Singh, described her father as reliable, highly communicative, and a man who has retained his Gainesville, Georgia upbringing and outdoor experience. She emphasized that he has Eagle Scout training, which could drastically increase his ability to survive if he is stranded or injured somewhere on the mountain.

She told reporters that if anyone could figure out survival techniques, identify shelter, and navigate the terrain creatively and calmly, it would be her father. She also noted that his Boy Scout troop from 1970 and several longtime family friends have traveled up the mountain to assist, believing he may have successfully reached the top and simply needs help making it back down.

Search Efforts Intensify as Hypothermia Becomes a Concern

Authorities say that hypothermia is now a major concern, especially with cold temperatures settling over the mountain region at night. Blood Mountain, located along the Appalachian Trail, is known for rapid temperature drops and limited shelter, making prolonged exposure dangerous.

Search operations now include:

• More than 95 search and rescue personnel
• Specialized K-9 teams
• Helicopters scanning tree lines and valleys
• Drone teams mapping terrain from above

Despite these extensive efforts, no confirmed sightings have been reported since his last Ham radio conversation on the summit.

Officials Ask for Public Assistance Around the Trail Area

Authorities are now urging residents, hikers, and cabin owners in the Blood Mountain and Byron Herbert Reece Trail area to check their game cameras, outdoor surveillance systems, and trail footage for any sign of Hosch.

Union County Sheriff’s Office is asking anyone with relevant footage or information to call 706-439-6091 immediately.

Search teams remain active in the area, and Hosch’s family continues to hold hope that his survival expertise will help sustain him until rescuers locate him.

If you want ongoing updates on major search operations, missing-person alerts, and community safety coverage, stay connected with NapervilleLocal.com for the latest developments.