All incidents
RescueOutcome: Rescued by SARLost

Rescue — Mount Chocorua, Dec 12, 2011

·Mount Chocorua·Piper Trail / Brook Trail

Joshua Hayes, age 26, and Emily Smith, age 27, both of Shapleigh, Maine · party of 2

Two hikers from Maine summited Mount Chocorua via the Piper Trail and on descent missed a turn, inadvertently following the Brook Trail away from their vehicle. Caught by darkness with no headlamps and no map, they called 911 at 4:50 p.m. and were located and escorted to the Liberty Trailhead by Fish and Game officers around 7:10 p.m.

What we can learn

Hikers should carry a map and compass or GPS, a headlamp with extra batteries, and warm clothing; plan extra time especially in winter when darkness comes early; and let someone know their itinerary. Do not rely on cell phone coverage in backcountry areas.

Contributing factors

No mapNo headlampLate start
Before you head out: check the forecast, carry the Ten Essentials, leave your plans with someone, and be willing to turn back. See current conditions for Mount Chocorua →

Other recorded incidents on Mount Chocorua

Part of the WMNF Hiker Incident Database. Every entry cites a primary or near-primary source; details are refined as the record is reviewed.