Another rescue was conducted at Moreau Lake State Park in July. The details are below. At the end of this post is information that will help you prepare and plan your hike – even if it’s just for a couple hours. And remember – in this hot weather, you also put your dog at risk so consider not bringing them along.
Town of Corinth
Saratoga County
Wilderness Rescue: On July 31 at 4:23 p.m., DEC’s Ray Brook Dispatch received a request for assistance for two 28-year-old male hikers from Rochester who became disoriented while hiking the Western Ridge Trail. They advised they were unsure of their location and out of food and water. Saratoga County 911 provided coordinates placing them on a trail in Moreau Lake State Park. Forest Ranger Donegan responded and at 7:48 p.m. located the hikers and walked them out of the woods.
In May, NYS DEC responded to a call for assistance from two hikers. Here is the report:
Town of Moreau
Saratoga County
Wilderness Rescue: On May 4 at 3:30 p.m., Saratoga County 911 transferred a call to DEC’s Ray Brook Dispatch from two female hikers in Moreau State Park who called for assistance after taking a few wrong turns trying to get back to the trailhead off Old Saratoga Road from the summit of Grant Mountain. Dispatchers obtained coordinates that placed the hikers on the west side of the mountain when they should have been on the east side. The 22-year-old from Mechanicville and 23-year-old from Gansevoort were directed to remain at their location until help arrived. Forest Rangers Joe Hess and Tony Goetke responded to the hikers’ location along with New York State Park Police, who had also received a call and were heading to assist. At 5:08 p.m., Dispatch received notification that Park Police located the hikers and were walking them out to the trailhead.
Getting lost can happen to anyone. Here are a few tips to help reduce the chance of that happening:
- Carry a map and compass, a location/mapping application on your smartphone and/or GPS. The park has cell coverage throughout;
- Let someone know your plans;
- Carry water, protein bars, flashlight and basic first aid supplies;
- Plan your hike with plenty of time to return in daylight;
- Talk with the park staff about the trail you are taking to make sure you can handle it.
Below is an excellent article on what to do if you are lost.
Please keep in mind – when you need to be rescued, others are putting their lives at risk. It can happen to any of us so please take an extra minute to check to make sure you are prepared.