Lone Hiker Rescued from Adirondack High Peaks After Two Nights in Freezing Conditions

New York Forest Rangers coordinate daring airlift to save stranded hiker in remote backcountry

Mar. 3, 2026 at 5:55am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A 58-year-old hiker from Mechanicville, New York spent two nights stranded in the frigid Adirondack High Peaks region after becoming separated from his planned route. After a multi-day search-and-rescue mission involving dozens of New York State Forest Rangers, the hiker was finally located off the Lillian Brook trail and airlifted to safety, exhibiting symptoms of mild hypothermia and frostbite.

Why it matters

The Adirondack backcountry is known for its rugged terrain and unpredictable weather, making search-and-rescue operations extremely challenging. This incident highlights the critical role of New York's Forest Rangers in responding to emergencies in remote wilderness areas and the dangers hikers can face, even on seemingly routine trips, when severe winter conditions set in.

The details

On February 25, dispatchers received a call from the hiker's spouse reporting him overdue from a planned two-day hike in the Dix Range. A team of Forest Rangers was immediately dispatched, locating the hiker's vehicle at the Elk Lake trailhead. The search continued through the night without success. On February 26, 20 additional Rangers joined the effort, with the New York State Police Aviation Unit providing aerial support. After hours of searching in harsh conditions, the hiker was finally located off the Lillian Brook trail, exhibiting symptoms of mild hypothermia and frostbite.

  • On February 25 at 8:45 p.m., dispatchers received a call from the hiker's spouse reporting him overdue.
  • On February 25, the hiker was last reported tired and moving slowly approximately six miles from the planned ending point.
  • On February 25 around 9:50 p.m., Rangers located the hiker's vehicle at the Elk Lake trailhead and began searching.
  • On February 26, a team of 20 additional Forest Rangers joined the search effort.
  • On February 26 at 2:55 p.m., the search crew located the hiker off the Lillian Brook trail.

The players

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Forest Rangers

The team of Forest Rangers responsible for conducting the search-and-rescue operation in the Adirondack High Peaks region.

Ranger Matthew Adams

A member of the search-and-rescue team who helped locate the missing hiker.

New York State Police Aviation Unit

The state police unit that deployed Rangers to higher elevations to conduct aerial sweeps of the High Peaks region.

58-year-old hiker from Mechanicville

The missing hiker who spent two nights stranded in the Adirondack backcountry.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“It was definitely dire straight that we had to find him as soon as possible.”

— Ranger Matthew Adams, Member of the search-and-rescue team

“We kept calling his name, and at one point, he responded back to us.”

— Ranger Matthew Adams, Member of the search-and-rescue team

What’s next

The hiker was transported to a local hospital for further evaluation and treatment of his injuries.

The takeaway

This dramatic rescue operation highlights the critical role of New York's Forest Rangers in responding to emergencies in the state's vast and rugged wilderness areas, where weather conditions can quickly turn treacherous for even experienced hikers. It serves as a reminder for outdoor enthusiasts to always be prepared for the unexpected when venturing into remote backcountry regions.