Lost, cold hikers use dying cellphones for light to descend mountain, NY officials say
A group of hikers was rescued after they got lost descending a mountain trail with dying cellphones, New York rangers say.
Using their “phones for navigation and light,” the five hikers made their descent down “Beaver Meadow Falls Trail on the east side of Gothics Mountain” near Keene Valley the evening of Friday, Oct. 4, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation said in an Oct. 8 news release.
Their phones, however, were low on battery, officials said.
The hikers, “cold and concerned about the steep terrain,” called for help just before 9 p.m., the agency said.
Rangers found the lost hikers just before 10:30 p.m. and escorted them back to their cars, officials said.
While speaking to the group, rangers learned they started their hike at 4 p.m. with a larger group of nine but split “due to different abilities,” officials said.
After ensuring the other four hikers had also made it back safely to the trailhead, rangers left the area at about 11:30 p.m., according to the agency.
“While phones can be useful, they can lose their charge quickly in the wilderness,” officials said, adding that phones should not be relied on as a light source.
Those planning to visit the backcountry should bring a “head lamp or other light source,” map and compass, the agency said.
“Beaver Meadow Falls is a popular, picturesque waterfall in the Adirondacks, commonly passed by when hikers are going up Gothics and the Upper Great Range,” according to the Lake Placid website.
The trail, near Keene Valley about a 125-mile drive north of Albany, is a 6.4-mile round trip with an elevation of 900 feet, the website says.
What to do if you get lost while hiking
If you think you’re getting lost, experts say it’s best to stop where you are and not panic. You should go over how you got to that point and if you’re able to see any landmarks around.
“Do not move at all until you have a specific reason to take a step,” officials with the U.S. Forest Service said.
You should come up with a plan but stay put unless you are “very, very confident in the route.”
There are steps hikers can take to avoid getting lost and be better prepared for the unexpected:
Have more than enough food and water with you.
Take a compass that you know how to use, or have a GPS device on hand.
Don’t rely solely on your cell phone. It probably won’t work because of a lack of signal or a depleted battery.
Study the terrain and your route, and you should know how you’ll return.
Have the right clothing. Sturdy hiking boots and layers can help you be prepared for rapidly changing weather.
Pack a blanket, flashlight and matches.
Check with a local ranger for special warnings. They can tell you about “fires in the area, bear sightings, flooding, trail or road closures.”
