New York State Forest Rangers responded to multiple wilderness rescues and one fatal recovery across the state over the past week, demonstrating the critical role they play in keeping outdoor recreation safe during peak hiking season.
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) released its weekly summary of forest ranger activity on Tuesday, highlighting seven major incidents that occurred between June 16 and June 22.
In Essex County, rangers were called to several high-traffic hiking areas. On June 16, a 45-year-old hiker from Schenectady was rescued from near the summit of Whiteface Mountain after suffering a broken ankle. Rangers splinted the injury and helped the party descend to the trailhead, where the hiker declined further medical care.
Another complex rescue occurred on Hurricane Mountain in the Town of Keene on June 22, where a knee injury required an aerial evacuation. A New York State Police Aviation Unit hoisted the injured individual and transported them to Adirondack Medical Center.
In the Town of Elizabethtown, rangers conducted two rescues. One on June 21 involved three hikers who became stranded on Giant Mountain without adequate lighting. The other, on June 22, required the use of a wheeled litter to evacuate a 68-year-old hiker from Owls Head Mountain due to an ankle injury.
Elsewhere in the state, a tragic call came from the Kaaterskill Falls Access Trail in Greene County on June 20. A 70-year-old hiker from Illinois sustained critical injuries in a fall. Rangers and local EMS provided immediate care and prepared the hiker for helicopter transport, but the individual died at the trailhead.
In St. Lawrence County, rangers used a boat to evacuate a 36-year-old injured hiker from the Cranberry Lake 50 trail system. And in Chautauqua County, a search ended safely when two missing teens were located in good health after spending the night camping without cell phones.
“Every day and in all conditions, Forest Rangers demonstrate their expertise and leadership in protecting the public and State lands,” said DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton. “Whether conducting a search and rescue or responding to a wildfire, Rangers are always ready when emergencies strike.”
According to the DEC, Forest Rangers completed 362 search and rescue missions in 2024, along with wildfire suppression and law enforcement duties.
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