A searchable record of fatalities, rescues, and search-and-rescue missions in the White Mountain National Forest, drawn from NH Fish and Game press releases, the Mount Washington Avalanche Center, and major regional outlets quoting agency statements.
Compiled and maintained by Nick Dube, NH 48 finisher and longtime White Mountains hiker · updated daily from NH Fish & Game. Modern-era (2015+) figures best represent current risk — the deep historical record skews fatal because routine rescues weren’t archived the way deaths were.
404
Total incidents
Documented since 1849
248
Survived
Self-rescued or rescued by SAR
150
Fatal
6 missing, never found
89%
Survival rate · 2015+
262 modern incidents
This database is a work in progress. We’re actively reviewing sources and adding incidents, so counts will grow and details may be refined over time.
Before you go: the Hiker Responsibility Code
Nearly every incident in this database was survivable — and many were preventable. You are responsible for yourself, so be prepared:
1.With knowledge and gear
2.To leave your plans
3.To stay together
4.To turn back
5.For emergencies
6.To share the hiker code with others
Check the current conditions before any hike, carry the Ten Essentials, start early, and turn around when weather or daylight runs short.
The long record
Documented incidents by decade. Survived rescues in forest green, fatalities in alert red. Hover a decade for its breakdown, or a year marker for the milestone. The pre-2015 period skews fatal not because the backcountry was deadlier then, but because rescues are not archived the way deaths are.
1849
1901
1954
1982
2015
SurvivedFatalMissing or unknown
When incidents happen
Documented incidents by month. Darker = more. Incidents cluster in July; winter incidents skew toward ice and traction, summer toward heat and exhaustion.
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Survived
5
16
12
15
25
29
39
33
27
25
11
11
Fatal
18
15
16
12
11
14
10
14
12
13
7
5
Based on incidents with a known date. Use it to plan the season — not to assume any month is “safe.”
What goes wrong
Primary cause of each incident, split by outcome. Click a row to filter the database below.
Incidents mapped to the peak they’re linked to — bigger, redder circles mean more incidents and a higher fatal share. Click a peak to see its record.
Only incidents linked to a specific peak appear here; trail- or region-only reports are in the database below.
The playbook
What works · what gets people out alive
The bulk of WMNF backcountry incidents end in successful rescue. NH Fish and Game handles 200+ a year statewide; what follows is what the documented modern record (2015+) shows about the patterns that get people home.
Bailey, hiking out alone after a night at Guyot Shelter, slipped and fell on a steep descent of the Bondcliff Trail, injuring his leg about 7.5 miles into the backcountry. He texted NH 911 and was hoisted out by an Army National Guard Black Hawk and flown to Dartmouth Hitchcock. Fish and Game noted he was well-prepared.
Lesson · Hikers are encouraged to be prepared for their trek by packing the ten essential items: map, compass, warm clothing, extra food and water, headlamp, fire starter, first aid kit, whistle, rain/wind jackets and pants, and a knife.
Susan Kuruvilla, 71, of Pennsylvania; Mini Kuruvilla, 52, of Texas; Joel Mathew, 21, of Connecticut
Three hikers started the Franconia Ridge Loop at 9:00 a.m. on May 11, 2026, and by 9:00 p.m. found themselves approximately 2 miles from the trailhead with no lights and unable to locate the trail as temperatures dropped into the low 20s. Conservation Officers hiked up the Old Bridle Path, located the group, provided lights, and assisted them back to the trailhead at 2:00 a.m. on May 12.
Lesson · NH Fish and Game reminded hikers that it is still winter in the mountains with snow, wind, and freezing temperatures, and to bring at least the 10 essentials on any hike.
Two female hikers, ages 38 and 43, from Quebec, Canada
On April 27, 2026, Jessica Fournier-Chartrand (38) and Annie Petrin (43) became disoriented on the Franconia Ridge Trail between Mount Liberty and Little Haystack Mountain due to fading light and knee-deep snow. They called for help while navigating with the AllTrails app, which they reported contributed to their confusion. Two conservation officers reached the pair at 11:15 p.m. and assisted them down 2.2 miles of steep icy trail, exiting at 2:22 a.m. on April 28 without injuries.
Lesson · New Hampshire Fish and Game reminded everyone that winter conditions still exist in the White Mountains and directed hikers to hikesafe.com for safe hiking tips and essential gear information.
56-year-old male from North Reading, Massachusetts
Jonathan Gullotti, 56, left the Glen Boulder trailhead at approximately 8:45 a.m. on April 20, 2026, became caught in a snowstorm, made several wrong turns, and ended up on the Rocky Branch Trail. He called for help after realizing he was lost and needed directions out. Conservation Officers and US Forest Service members drove to within approximately 2 miles of Gullotti and directed him out by approximately 7:40 p.m.
Lesson · Hikers are reminded that spring conditions in the mountains can change quickly and preparation is important; having the 10 essentials, including a map, can greatly improve the outcome of a mountain trip.
On December 22, 2023, Allison Bean, 21, experienced a medical condition while hiking the Crawford Ridgepole Trail on Mt. Percival and called 911 at 4:28 p.m. EMS personnel assessed and treated her on the Mt. Percival Trail, and she was assisted approximately 0.5 miles to a rescue UTV. She was transported to the trailhead and then driven by her father to a local hospital for further evaluation.
Dominick Torro, 30, triggered an avalanche while skiing Airplane Gully in the Great Gulf on Mount Washington on December 9, 2023, sustaining a life-threatening lower-leg injury. Two other skiers on scene provided aid and called 911. Torro was hoisted into a National Guard helicopter at 3:55 p.m. and flown to Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center.
On November 16, 2023, Larry Frizzell, 70, suffered a medical emergency on the Boulder Trail near Mt. Major approximately 1.5 miles from the trailhead. He was hiking with his nephew, who called 911. Rescuers placed him in a litter and transported him via UTV to the trailhead.
On November 11, 2023, Nathan Stark, 22, called 911 from the Desolation Trail near the summit of Mt. Carrigain reporting frozen feet and inability to continue on the last day of a multi-day hike. His hiking partner returned and got him moving, but they hiked an 8-mile loop away from rescuers rather than the shortest route out. Both hikers arrived at the trailhead shortly after 5:30 p.m. without SAR extraction.
Lesson
Winter conditions are already present in the White Mountains; conditions at trailheads will not be an accurate predictor of conditions found at higher elevation.
On November 4, 2023, Joanna Ledoux, 45, slipped and injured her ankle shortly after descending from the summit of Mt. Kearsarge North, approximately 2.8 miles from the trailhead. She was unable to bear weight and required a litter carry by Conservation Officers, LRSAR, and AVSAR. The rescue party reached the trailhead at 11:25 p.m.
On October 20, 2023, Shelly Vizena, 52, slipped on wet rocks on the Cross Rivendell Trail on Mount Cube, injuring her leg. Conservation Officers and multiple rescue teams responded and carried her approximately one mile to the trailhead, arriving at 5:20 p.m. Injuries were non-life-threatening.
Lesson
Always check weather forecasts before hiking; wet weather and fallen foliage can make for slippery and dangerous trails.
Ignored forecast
·No specific peak·Arethusa Falls Trail
RescueFall
Susan Stilson, of Howell, MI
On October 18, 2023, Susan Stilson slipped and injured her ankle while returning from Arethusa Falls, leaving her unable to bear weight. She was hiking with two family members who attempted to assist her before calling for help. Rescuers stabilized her injury, carried her out in a litter, and she was transported to Memorial Hospital in North Conway.
·No specific peak·Huntington Ravine Trail
RescueFall
31-year-old male from Oakland, CA
Izem Guendoud, 31, fell on a steep, wet rock slab on the Huntington Ravine Trail and slid into rocks, suffering leg and head injuries. He was not prepared for the trail's difficulty and lacked necessary gear for the wet, cold, and icy conditions. A 22-person rescue team carried him out over approximately 13 hours, reaching the trailhead at 6:15 a.m. on October 18.
Lesson
The Huntington Ravine Trail should not be attempted by anyone without experience, skills, and ability to rock climb and use ropes, harnesses, and other technical gear. Hikers are encouraged to be cognizant of changing temperatures and daylight and to bring the 10 essential items on any hike.
Inadequate clothingSoloNovice in winter terrain
·Frankenstein Cliff·Frankenstein Cliff Trail
RescueLost
Two 24-year-old female hikers from Massachusetts
On October 9, 2023, two hikers became off-trail on the Frankenstein Cliff Trail and were unable to reacquire the trail. They were not equipped with lights. Conservation officers and volunteers located them at approximately 9:50 p.m., provided lights, and escorted them back to the trailhead unharmed.
Lesson
Hikers should always familiarize themselves with the area and equip themselves with the 10 basic essentials, including flashlights and headlamps, and should not rely solely on cell phones.
On October 8, 2023, Andrew Pate slipped on wet ground near the summit of Pine Mountain and sustained a significant leg injury while on a day hike with his wife. Conservation Officers and AVSAR volunteers, assisted by Good Samaritan hikers, carried him in a rescue litter to Pine Mountain Road. He was transported to Androscoggin Valley Hospital in Berlin for treatment.
Two male hikers, ages 65 and 69, from New York and Florida respectively
On October 4, 2023, two hikers on the 9-mile Franconia Ridge Loop ran out of daylight and water, losing the trail in the dark on Falling Waters Trail. A Conservation Officer hiked 1.3 miles up the trail, reached the pair at 8:35 p.m., provided lights, and assisted them safely to the trailhead by 10:00 p.m. The hikers were cold, wet, and without food or water when located.
Lesson
Hikers are reminded to be especially cognizant of changing temperatures and daylight, and to bring the 10 essential items when going out for a day hike.
64-year-old male from Methuen, MA, hiking alone with his dog
Michael Harvey, 64, of Methuen, MA, fell while descending Mt. Washington on the Tuckerman Ravine Trail after stepping on an unstable rock, sustaining non-life-threatening injuries. A fellow hiker called 911, and AMC rescuers and Conservation Officers responded, providing medical aid and assisting Harvey out via ATV on the Sherburne Ski Trail. Harvey was assessed at Pinkham Notch and chose to self-transport to the hospital.
SoloOff trail
·No specific peak·Lonesome Lake Trail
RescueFall
30-year-old female from Boston, Massachusetts
On September 23, 2023, Leenah Hassan, 30, slipped on a wet rock while attempting to take a photo at Lonesome Lake, sustaining a significant lower leg injury. AMC Lonesome Lake Hut staff stabilized and packaged her in a rescue litter, and with help from hiking companions and Pemi Valley Search and Rescue Team volunteers, she was carried 1.2 miles down the Lonesome Lake Trail. She was transported by LinWood Ambulance to Littleton Regional Healthcare for treatment.
Lesson
Appropriate footwear should be worn while hiking; hiking boots that provide support, protection, and traction are recommended.
·No specific peak·Avalon Trail
RescueFall
64-year-old female hiker from Shrewsbury, Massachusetts; second incident involves an unidentified hiker on Jewell Trail near Mount Washington with a knee injury
On September 17, 2023, Cynthia Plude, 64, slipped on a wet rock slab on the Avalon Trail and injured her ankle while descending from a multi-peak hike; she was carried out by litter and transported to Littleton Regional Hospital. A separate incident the same day involved an unidentified hiker with a knee injury on the Jewell Trail near Mount Washington, who was evacuated by the Cog Railway during its last trip of the day.
Lesson
At times rescues are coordinated due to poor planning or poor decisions; this rescue was simply an accident when she slipped on a wet rock slab and injured her ankle.
On September 17, 2023, Jocelyn Bishop, 51, of Westford, MA, tripped and fell forward on the North Spur Trail on Mt. Cube, sustaining a head injury. Her hiking partner called 911, and a good Samaritan provided first aid until rescuers arrived. Bishop was assisted down the trail to a UTV and transported to Dartmouth Health for further evaluation.
On September 5, 2023, Alys Cohen, 57, suffered two separate knee injuries while descending the Jewell Trail on Mt. Washington approximately 2/10 of a mile below the Gulfside Trail junction. With assistance from her three hiking companions and a knee brace, she was able to work her way up to the Gulfside Trail junction where rescuers met her. She was ultimately transported down the mountain via a Cog Railway train that stopped to assist.
·No specific peak·Arethusa Falls Trail
RescueFall
46-year-old female from Millbury, MA
Jennifer Lambert, 46, slipped and injured her knee while descending the Arethusa Falls Trail on September 3, 2023. A passing hiker relayed a message to rescuers, who responded along with ambulance personnel. Lambert stabilized her injury with a brace, was provided crutches, and reached the trailhead under her own power.
·No specific peak·Bunnell Notch Trail
RescueFall
37-year-old male from Windham, ME
Scott Briggs, 37, tripped and suffered a leg injury while descending Bunnell Notch Trail during a 10.6-mile loop hike. His party of 10 had completed approximately 7.8 miles when the incident occurred. Conservation Officers and AVSAR volunteers carried him out via litter to waiting ATVs; he was transferred to Lancaster Ambulance and transported to Weeks Medical Center.
·Mount Guyot
RescueFall
42-year-old female hiker from Brooklyn, New York
On August 31, 2023, a hiker slipped on wet rock near Guyot Shelter while on day one of the 32-mile Pemi Loop, sustaining a leg injury that prevented weight-bearing. She was carried to the Guyot Shelter overflow tent site by a companion and a Good Samaritan, where she spent the night. The next morning, the New Hampshire Army National Guard performed an aerial rescue, transporting her to Littleton Regional Healthcare by 11:15 a.m. on September 1.
Lesson
Appropriate footwear should be worn while hiking; hiking boots that provide support, protection, and traction are recommended, especially given rainy conditions causing slippery trails.
·No specific peak·Appalachian Trail
RescueFall
57-year-old female from Jarrettesville, MD
On August 27, 2023, Maria Whyte, 57, injured her knee after missing a step on a bog bridge on the Appalachian Trail. She and her hiking partner made it to Gentian Pond Hut for the night and called for assistance the following morning. Rescuers used ATVs and a litter to evacuate her to the Austin Brook Trailhead, where she was transported to Androscoggin Valley Hospital.
Bradford Nelson, 39, hiked to the summit of Mt. Kearsarge North on August 25, 2023, went off trail exploring, and became lost. Unable to self-rescue due to cold, wet weather and no light, he called 911 at approximately 11:00 p.m. Conservation Officers located him near the summit at 2:40 a.m. and escorted him back to the trailhead by 5:15 a.m.
Lesson
New Hampshire Fish and Game reminds hikers to prepare before venturing into the wilderness, including packing the ten essential items: map, compass, warm clothing, extra food and water, headlamp, fire starter, first aid kit, whistle, rain/wind jackets and pants, and a knife.
Off trailNo headlampInadequate clothing
·No specific peak·Falling Waters Trail
RescueFall
43-year-old female from Rigaud, QC; also a 60-year-old male from Londonderry, NH experiencing a medical incident on the Kinsman Ridge Trail
On August 20, 2023, two separate rescues occurred in Franconia Notch. A 43-year-old female hiker fell on wet rocks near Cloudland Falls on the Falling Waters Trail sustaining serious injuries; she was carried out by volunteers and Conservation Officers and transported to Littleton Regional Healthcare. Separately, a 60-year-old male hiker suffered a medical incident on the Kinsman Ridge Trail near the Cannon Balls and was assisted down to Lafayette Campground by a Conservation Officer.
Lesson
Appropriate footwear such as hiking boots that provide support, protection, and traction should be worn while hiking, especially given slippery trail conditions caused by steady rain.
Phaneendra Uppalapati, 44, and Shirisha Mallala, 41, both of Nashua, NH
During severe weather (steady rain, 58 mph gusts, 29°F wind chill) the pair slowed significantly and were found extremely wet and cold just below the Lion Head Trail junction, about a half-mile below the summit, during a night of multiple back-to-back rescues around Mt. Washington.
Lesson
People venturing out into the backcountry, even in August, are reminded to pack for survival situations, thoroughly research the weather and trail conditions, and be prepared with gear and knowledge to self-rescue if things get bad.
Karen Glover, 55, slipped and twisted her ankle shortly after beginning her descent from the summit of Mt. Willard on August 19, 2023, leaving her unable to bear weight. Her hiking companion descended to notify AMC Highland Center staff, who called 911. Conservation Officers and LRSAR responded, placed Glover in a rescue litter, and carried her to the trailhead, where she was transported to a hospital by her companion.
53-year-old female hiker from Framingham, Massachusetts
On August 16, 2023, Margaret Dabrush, 53, slipped and struck her leg on rocks while ascending the Crawford Path near the summit of Mt. Eisenhower, sustaining an injury that left her unable to walk. An off-duty paramedic among passing hikers provided first aid and contacted rescue services. A party of 35 rescuers carried her 2.9 miles down the Edmonds Path to the trailhead, arriving at 10:00 p.m.
Frequently asked questions
How many hiking deaths and rescues are documented in the White Mountains?+
This database documents 404 incidents in the White Mountain National Forest — including 150 fatalities — dating back to 1849. It is not a complete tally of every rescue: NH Fish and Game responds to roughly 200 backcountry incidents a year statewide. It captures the documented fatality record plus a growing, primary-sourced sample of rescues, updated daily.
What is the most common cause of hiking incidents in the White Mountains?+
In this dataset, the most frequently recorded primary factor is fall, in 176 incidents. Getting lost, falls, hypothermia, and underestimating the terrain recur throughout the record — and most are preventable with preparation.
Which White Mountain peak has the most recorded incidents?+
Mount Washington has the most recorded incidents in this database (137). Higher counts reflect both terrain and popularity — the busiest, most exposed peaks generate the most calls, so this is not a pure measure of danger.
Is Mount Washington dangerous to hike?+
Mount Washington and the Presidential Range pair some of the world's most extreme, fast-changing weather with miles of exposure above treeline. The documented record shows hypothermia, falls, and getting lost as recurring factors — even in summer. It is regularly hiked safely, but it demands real preparation: check the Higher Summits Forecast, carry layers and traction, and be willing to turn back.
How can I avoid needing a search and rescue?+
Follow the hikeSafe Hiker Responsibility Code — you are responsible for yourself, so be prepared: (1) with knowledge and gear, (2) to leave your plans, (3) to stay together, (4) to turn back, (5) for emergencies, and (6) to share the hiker code with others. Check the forecast, carry the Ten Essentials, start early, and turn around when conditions or daylight run short.
Where does this data come from, and can I cite it?+
Every entry is drawn from a primary or near-primary source — NH Fish and Game press releases, the Mount Washington Avalanche Center, the American Alpine Club accident archive, or major regional outlets quoting agency statements — and the database updates daily from new NH Fish and Game releases. You're welcome to cite it; a suggested citation and a downloadable CSV are at the bottom of this page.
About this dataset
This database contains 404 documented incidents in the White Mountain National Forest. Each row is sourced from a primary or near-primary report — NH Fish and Game press releases, the Mount Washington Avalanche Center, the American Alpine Club's accident archive, or major regional outlets quoting agency statements.
The rescue-to-fatality ratio shown here is not the WMNF safety ratio. Fatalities have been consistently archived since the 19th century; routine rescues have not. NH Fish and Game handles roughly 200 backcountry incidents a year statewide — this database currently captures a fraction of them in detail, alongside the historical fatality record. Modern-era (2015+) figures are the most representative.
Every entry is a real person and a real event. We publish them as a public-safety resource, not as a memorial leaderboard. Names appear only when published in the cited source. If you are a family member and would like an entry adjusted or removed, contact us via the site footer.
Citing this data: HikerNerd. (2026). White Mountain National Forest Hiker Incident Database. https://hikernerd.com/safety/incidents