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NH officials urge hikers to ‘practice personal safety’ as foliage reaches peak
“All hikers, regardless of experience, must know when to turn back.”
With large amounts of residents and visitors hitting New Hampshire’s hiking trails to soak up the peak of the season’s fall foliage, state officials are urging the public to “practice personal safety and responsibility.”
New Hampshire Fish and Game Law Enforcement Chief Colonel Kevin Jordan said in a statement on Friday that it is “imperative” for people to exercise a “high degree of caution” when exploring the state’s natural resources. “Unsafe and irresponsible behavior” puts first responders and volunteers at risk, he said.
“People hiking now must be aware of their physical limitations, rapidly changing conditions, and the unreliable cellular service in many of the Granite State’s most natural and scenic locations,” Jordan said. “Unpredictable weather, extreme temperature fluctuations between the trailhead and the summit, significantly reduced hours of daylight, and no electricity or wireless access mean that people must be prepared with light, layers of clothing that will keep them warm and dry, and accurate maps and directions. All hikers, regardless of experience, must know when to turn back.”
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According to WCVB, New Hampshire officials responded to several rescues on trails over the weekend, including seven on Saturday night.
The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department said when rescuers responded on Saturday afternoon for a report of an injured hiker on the Franconia Ridge Trail, they had difficulty getting to the trailhead due to traffic on I-93. The call for help came in around 1:45 p.m., but rescuers couldn’t reach the trail until after 3 p.m., the department said.
The solo hiker, a 33-year-old woman from Boston was on her way down after summiting on Mount Lincoln when she slipped and injured her lower leg.
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“Passing hikers had contacted 911 to report the incident, as the injured hiker’s phone had spotty service,” the New Hampshire department said. “The injured hiker was having difficulty staying warm with winds at 60-80 mph and temperatures in the thirties on Franconia Ridge.”
With wind chills in the single digits, a crew of two rescuers made it to the injured hiker just before 5 p.m. and helped her to a somewhat sheltered area, getting her into a sleeping bag to wait until the rest of the team arrived around 6 p.m. Eventually, a team of 25 helped carry her back down the trail, reaching the trailhead around 1:20 a.m. on Sunday.
Officials said the public can help support rescuers by buying a “Hike Safe Card.” The cost of the card supports search and rescue efforts and those who purchase one are not liable to repay costs if they need to be rescued.
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