Injured hiker airlifted from Schunnemunk Mountain in Cornwall over Memorial Day weekend
The dramatic rescue comes as officials report multiple wilderness emergencies across the Hudson Valley and Catskills during a busy start to hiking season.
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A hiker injured on top of Schunnemunk Mountain in Cornwall was rescued by helicopter over Memorial Day weekend as officials report a busy stretch of wilderness emergencies across the Hudson Valley and Catskills.
Park Police and Forest Rangers say they received a call just after noon Saturday for an injured hiker inside Schunnemunk State Park.
Cornwall Fire and EMS staged on Taylor Road while rescuers worked through difficult terrain to reach the hiker.
Officials say the injured hiker was found around 1:43 p.m. in stable condition with a leg injury. Because of the terrain and weather conditions, State Police aviation was called in to help with the rescue.
By 3:25 p.m., the hiker was airlifted out of the woods and flown to a nearby landing zone, where New Windsor EMS transported the patient to St. Luke’s Hospital in Newburgh for treatment.
The rescue happened during a busy week for wilderness crews statewide.
According to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, Forest Rangers handled seven wilderness search-and-rescue missions in a one-week period.
Several happened in the Hudson Valley region, including a rescue in Sullivan County where officials say a 63-year-old fisherman injured his ankle after becoming trapped between rocks while fishing near Rock Hill.
One of the most dramatic rescues happened in Columbia County, where a hiker from Brooklyn became wedged inside a narrow crevice in Merlin’s Cave. Officials say rescuers spent about six hours freeing the subject using specialized equipment before the hiker was able to walk out.
Retired Town of Newburgh Police Chief and avid hiker Michael Clancy says many hiking emergencies can be avoided with preparation.
“People just have to be careful on the trails,” Clancy said. “They need to know where they’re going. They should have maps with them. They should have the essentials.”
Clancy says serious injuries in remote areas can leave hikers stranded for hours waiting for help to arrive.
The DEC urges hikers to follow its “Hike Smart NY” safety guidance before heading onto trails, including bringing maps and emergency supplies, checking weather conditions and telling someone where you plan to hike.
Click here for more hiking safety tips.
