Forest Ranger Rescues Downstate Hiker

SHANDAKEN — On April 5 at 10:30 a.m., Ray Brook Dispatch received a call from a hiker requesting Forest Ranger assistance due to exhaustion on the Slide-Cornell-Wittenberg Trail. The 37-year-old from Rego Park originally planned to hike the “Catskill 9.” The subject underestimated the difficulty of the hike, which was more challenging due to heavy rain and fog. After camping the night, the hiker decided to skip Cornell and Wittenberg Mountains and planned to hike over Slide Mountain back to the Denning Road trailhead. While making that hike, the subject decided they couldn’t continue and called for help. Ranger Horn made contact with the hiker and encouraged them to drink water and head towards the Slide Mountain trailhead. Ranger Franke and Horn hiked in and met the hiker on the trail, provided hot tea and food, and assisted them to the trailhead. Resources were clear at 1:45 p.m.