Sometimes conditions in the mountains can prove challenging even for experienced, prepared hikers.
That was reportedly the case last night when a hiker who officials described as experienced and well-prepared became disoriented in thick fog on Mount Monadnock.
According to New Hampshire Fish and Game officials, they received a report of a hiker who needed assistance on Monadnock’s White Dot Trail at 8:59 p.m. on Wednesday, May 6.
The 44-year-old hiker was reportedly 1.25 miles from the trailhead. She had hiked to the summit and shortly after beginning her descent, low light and heavy fog made visibility difficult and she became disoriented.
Because she could not see the trail—despite having a light—the hiker called for help.
A rescue team comprised of a volunteer from the Upper Valley Wilderness Response Team and a conservation officer responded and started up the White Dot Trail at approximately 10:15 p.m.
The hiker decided to continue hiking down the trail on her own once weather conditions improved, and she contacted the rescue team at 10:28 p.m. when she was a quarter mile from the trailhead.
The hiker was able to continue walking out without assistance, and she and the rescue team returned to the trailhead at approximately 10:45 p.m.
Officials said she was an experienced hiker who was prepared for a hike to the summit of Mount Monadnock and had extra food, water, and an additional source of light with the anticipation of hiking out in the dark.
