Forest Rangers with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation were called to Hemlock-Canadice State Forest last week after a hiker was reported missing along Rob’s Trail in the town of Canadice.
The incident happened on Nov. 6 around 4:50 p.m., when a call came in that a hiker had been separated from their hiking partner.
Forest Rangers Dormer and Raffaldi-Smith responded to the scene and began searching the area. Just over an hour later, at 5:55 p.m., they located the missing 71-year-old hiker and successfully reunited the pair.
The DEC said the search was one of several incidents statewide over the past week involving lost or injured hikers and hunters, highlighting the need for preparation and awareness while on the trail.
Officials are reminding outdoor enthusiasts to plan ahead — especially as weather conditions shift in the late fall. Snow is already present at higher elevations in some regions, and early sunsets can quickly turn a routine hike into a risky situation.
Anyone in need of help on public lands — whether for a rescue, wildfire report, or suspicious activity — should call 833-NYS-RANGERS or 911 in an emergency.
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