On Sunday, October 19th, at approximately 6:03pm, the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department was called to assist a hiker who was unprepared and requesting help near the summit of Little Haystack in Lincoln. According to the agency, because he was unprepared for the long hike, the individual will be charged for the cost of the rescue.
Rescuers were able to get in contact with the hiker before the rescue, identifying him as a 23-year-old from East Hampstead, New Hampshire. He was on the Franconia Ridge Trail above the tree line at the time of the call. The individual explained that he was unprepared, did not have water, food, or a light, and needed help getting down.
With temperatures dropping and a storm system moving in, officers hiked up the mountain to rescue the individual. A Conservation Officer located the an at approximately 8:13pm just below the Little Haystack summit on the Falling Waters Trail. They provided food, water, and a light before assisting him down the trail to the parking lot. The group arrived at the trailhead at approximately 9:50pm.
The hiker was otherwise uninjured and was able to leave the trailhead after rescue. He had reportedly not planned on a long hike and was not prepared to be out as long as he was, and thus will be charged for the cost of his rescue.
Hikers in New Hampshire are reminded to always bring the necessary equipment to stay dry and warm. Keep the ten essential items, including warm clothing, extra food and water, headlamp, fire starter, first aid kit, whistle, rain/wind jackets and pants, knife, map, and compass in your backpack or on yourself. For further information, visit hikeSafe.com.
