After being missing for over two weeks in the challenging terrain of Red River Gorge, 48-year-old Scott A. Hern was found alive on Saturday.

The Wolfe County Search and Rescue Team, which had been using dogs and Hern’s diary to guide their search, located him near a cliff line after hearing calls for help.

Hern had been hiking to find waterfalls when he disappeared.

Rescuers, who initially feared they were on a recovery mission, were elated to find him when someone heard a faint cry for help, CBS News has reported.

Hern was airlifted out and received medical attention, though his condition was not detailed. The rescue team described his survival as “truly a miracle.”

Written by B.C. Begley