Unprepared Massachusetts Hiker Rescued In White Mountains

LINCOLN, NH -- A Massachusetts man who went for a hike in the White Mountains without snowshoes was recently rescued in what officials called a "classic" and dangerous example of hiking unprepared. The 22-year-old from Cambridge was rescued Saturday on the Garfield Ridge Trail after a 29-hour ordeal that started Friday at about 5:30 a.m. when he went for a solo hike.

Things went south when he encountered deep snow and ran out of food, according to New Hampshire Fish and Game. His parents contacted authorities when he didn't return at the planned time of 5:30 p.m.

The man spent the night in the woods. Early the next morning, he contacted rescuers by calling 911 on his cell phone. They gave him directions and he met up with them at about 11:30 a.m. -- cold, wet and hungry, according to Fish and Game.

"He did not bring snowshoes on his hike because he did not expect to encounter conditions in which he would need them," Fish and Game Sgt. Thomas Dakai said in a statement. "The incident is a classic example of how hikers sometimes underestimate winter hiking conditions and the challenges they can create. Winter hiking in the White Mountains can be extremely challenging even for experienced hikers."

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