‘Happy Days’ Star Cathy Silvers Breaks Leg Hiking, Rescued by Chopper

Cathy Silvers — best known for playing Jenny Piccalo on “Happy Days” — had a painful day biking and hiking SoCal mountains … ending up with broken bones and a helicopter rescue.

The actress tells TMZ … she and her new BF were mountain biking through the canyons in Santa Clarita, north of L.A., when they decided to do a little rock climbing as well. Pretty adventurous date!

Unfortunately, as they were making their descent on Sunday, Cathy says she heard a loud crack in her leg and was unable to walk. We’re told her BF had to carry her downhill for about an hour — while she was in shock — before he could finally call 911.

Once search and rescue was notified, we’re told it took another couple hours to locate Cathy because they were at altitude, and eventually a helicopter had to be dispatched to find her and transport her to a hospital. She says her pain was almost unbearable during the hours long ordeal.

At the hospital, doctors put her leg in a cast — turns out she broke 2 bones. Cathy thanks the L.A. County Sheriff Search and Rescue team and Fire Department for saving her … along with her heroic BF.

By the way … this was only their second date! Cathy says he’s a lock for a third.