New Hampshire rescuers are warning hikers that not all trail ratings are equal after rescuing a group of exhausted hikers in the White Mountains on Monday.
New Hampshire Fish and Game officials received a report of a hiker having difficulty hiking near the summit of Whitehorse Ledge in North Conway, New Hampshire shortly before 4 p.m. on Monday, July 20.
Fish and Game officials requested assistance from the Lakes Region Search and Rescue (LRSAR) team shortly after.
According to a statement by LRSAR, team members responded to the Whitehorse Ledge Loop Trail and reached the group of four hiker, mostly from New Jersey. Fish and Game officials said the group was roughly two miles from the trailhead.
According to the LRSAR report, the group of hiker chose the Whitehorse Ledge Loop after seeing it listed as “Moderate” on the AllTrails app. By the time they requested assistance, the group of hikers—some in their 70s—had been on the trail for nearly five hours.
After reaching the party, rescuers evaluated the group and provided rehydration and time to recover. Once everyone was feeling better, three of the four hikers reportedly required physical assistance descending Bryce Path between Whitehorse and Cathedral Ledge before the group was safely escorted back to the trailhead at 7:30 p.m.
LRSAR members said the incident is a good reminder that trail ratings don’t always translate well between regions. A hike considered moderate in the White Mountains can feel challenging—or even advanced—to hikers accustomed to less rugged terrain elsewhere.
Before heading out, LRSAR memers said they recommend hikers consider more than just the rating. Look closely at:
- Total distance
- Elevation gain
- Weather conditions
- Trail surface and technical difficulty
- Your group’s experience and fitness level
