An experienced Maine climber was rescued Tuesday from Cannon Cliff in Franconia, New Hampshire after a dislodged rock sent him falling on the iconic multi-pitch face.
New Hampshire Fish and Game was notified at approximately 10:00am on June 9th, 2026 that a climber had been injured on the cliff. The climber, identified as Eric Johansson, 65, of Maine, was struck when a rock he was ascending broke free from the wall, causing him to fall.
Conservation officers from NH Fish and Game and members of the Pemi Valley Search and Rescue team responded to the scene. Rescuers hiked to the base of the cliff and located Johansson at noon. He was placed into a litter and carried down to the parking lot, arriving at 2:05pm.
Officials noted that Johansson was described as well-prepared and experienced, and that his climbing equipment performed as designed, likely preventing more serious injuries. He was evaluated by Littleton Ambulance on scene and then transported to Littleton Regional Hospital for further medical treatment.
Cannon Cliff, located within Franconia Notch State Park, is one of the top technical climbing destinations in the Northeast. Rockfall is a persistent hazard on the granite face, particularly during warmer months when freeze-thaw cycles and increased traffic can destabilize loose rock.
