Dehydrated Hiker Rescued On Wittenberg Mountain

ULSTER COUNTY, NY — Forest rangers responded to a 23-year-old hiker with muscle weakness and leg cramps on Wittenberg Mountain reported at 4:50 p.m. Saturday.

Other hikers saw the dehydrated hiker from New Jersey and gave him food and water, but he was unable to stand on his own, DEC officials said.

Ranger Rusher reached the man at 7 p.m. and provided more nourishment. Taking multiple breaks along the way, Rusher and Stratton helped the subject to the trailhead where an ambulance from Shandaken was waiting. Resources were clear at 10:05 p.m.

DEC reminds hikers to be prepared by eating and hydrating prior to attempting a difficult hike.

Be sure to properly prepare and plan before entering the backcountry. Visit DEC's Hike Smart NY, Adirondack Backcountry Information, and Catskill Backcountry Information webpages for more information.