GREENVILLE, S.C. —

Hiking experts are emphasizing the importance of preparedness and safety after four people were rescued from Caesar's Head State Park in South Carolina.

Greenville County Sheriff's deputies said the hikers, who are from the same family, were airlifted from a ravine on the Bill Kimbrell Trail on Tuesday.

REI Greenville stressed the necessity of carrying a medical kit, compass, food, water, and other essentials.

"Whether you're doing a day hike that's two hours long or a hike that several days long, you need to make sure you are prepared," Marionette Audifferen said.

The rescue took place hours after the hikers got lost. Greenville County Sheriff Hobart Lewis indicated the family may not have been fully prepared.

"We really didn't get a call saying, 'Hey, they're mis

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