New York Forest Rangers Rescue 16 Lost Hikers in the Adirondacks
New York Forest Rangers rescue 16 lost hikers in the Adirondacks. It's easier than many think to get disoriented when hiking the Adirondacks. A couple of recent incidents proves just how true it is.
In the midst of last week's storms, the scare factor doubled when 16 hikers set out from the DEC's Nicks Lake Campground for a hike to Remsen Falls. Six adults and ten children age 5 to17 years old took on the eight-mile round trip. Thirteen of the hikers got lost on the trail, while two others had gone ahead of the main group. Rangers and Town of Webb police officers set up a command post and using text messaging were able to obtain the coordinates of the main group. Ranger Brandon Poulton located the group of 13 about 9 p.m. and walked them back to the campground.
About an hour later, Ranger Howard Thomes and Webb Police Officer Trevor Tormey located the 11 and 17-year-old that had gone ahead of the group. The two had attempted to turn back during the hike but heavy storms forced them to seek shelter at the Nelson Lake lean-to.
The other lost hiker rescue may not have been as scary as 16 lost hikers, but it was frightening enough for a New Jersey couple and their three kids under 8 years old. They became disoriented on Rogers Rock trail. The became lost attempting to hike to the overlook atop Rogers Rock. Again, using cell phone technology they were able to locate the family.
Two more of examples of how important it is to be prepared when hiking in the Adirondacks. Even if you're hiking in the daytime, take a flashlight just in case. Put a bottle of water and a healthy snack in a backpack too. Make sure your phone is charged and have important numbers on hand. The DEC has other hiking safety tips that may not seem so obvious but could be vitally important in an emergency. Even in the Rogers Rock trail incidents, it took nearly 4 hours to get the family back to their campground. The incident has the DEC reminding hikers of basic hiking safety tips.
SOURCE: NY Department of Conservation