Post-Hurricane Son Hikes 11 Miles Through Chaos to Check on Parents

In an incredible display of devotion, Sam Perkins, a determined son, hiked 11 miles through dangerous terrain to make sure his parents were safe after Hurricane Helene wreaked havoc on North Carolina. After learning from local police that the road to his parents’ home was closed, Perkins didn’t let that stop him.

Setting off on Saturday, just an hour outside hard-hit areas, he faced a literal uphill battle—climbing over 2,000 feet through a gauntlet of downed trees, power lines, and mudslides. With cell service down and unable to reach his parents by phone, Perkins even hitchhiked part of the way, driven by concern for his family’s well-being.

“When I heard the road was impassable, I knew I had to find another way,” Perkins said. “I love my parents so much, and I just had to know they were okay.”

The journey was grueling, but his efforts paid off. Upon finally reaching their driveway, his parents were stunned. “He came walking down the driveway, and it was like a hallucination,” his mother shared. “I couldn’t believe what I was seeing.”

Sam’s story serves as a powerful reminder of the lengths people will go for their loved ones, especially in the face of disaster. Despite the devastation left by Hurricane Helene, Sam Perkins' incredible trek shows that love can overcome even the most formidable obstacles.