Three underage hikers from Massachusetts had to be rescued from Mount Monadnock in New Hampshire on the evening of April 10th after becoming stranded on the Red Spot Trail without adequate clothing, footwear, or lighting for the conditions they encountered.
New Hampshire Fish and Game Conservation Officers were alerted at 8:20 p.m. through the State Police Dispatch Center. The group was unprepared for falling temperatures, snow, and ice on the trail, a dangerous combination that left them unable to safely continue on their own.
Two Conservation Officers hiked up to locate the stranded group, making contact on the Old Ski Path Trail around 10:10 p.m. Officers provided the hikers with the gear needed to descend safely, and the group arrived at Monadnock Headquarters on Poole Road just after 11:00 p.m.
New Hampshire Fish and Game is reminding hikers that warming spring temperatures at lower elevations do not reflect the conditions that can exist on mountain summits. Ice and winter-like weather can persist well into spring, and hikers need to prepare accordingly before heading out.
Anyone planning to hike in New Hampshire is encouraged to review safe hiking tips and essential gear recommendations at hikesafe.com. Purchasing a Hike Safe card through that site is another way outdoor enthusiasts can directly support Fish and Game search and rescue operations.
