MOUNTAIN REST — Dozens of searchers combed the hills along the Chattooga River north of here Wednesday, eventually locating two of three hikers who had lost their way.

The hikers, all said to be in their 20’s, began making their way down the mountain from the Bull Pen area south of Highlands on Tuesday. When they did not arrive at the junction of SC Highway 28 and the Chattooga River at noon Wednesday, their parents notified authorities.

Involved in a search that began about 3 p.m. were U.S. Forestry, Dept. of Natural Resources and Oconee County Emergency Services personnel as well as rescue units from Salem, Walhalla and Westminster, and volunteers from the Mountain Rest Fire Department.

Two of the three hikers emerged on the Georgia side of the state line about 5 p.m. They were reported to be in good health.

Oconee Emergency Services Director Rodney Burdette said the search for the third hiker would continue into the evening. “Eventually we will have to decide whether to continue or start again in the morning,” Burdette said.

Searchers were on foot and using ATVs to comb the rugged terrain.