Hiker without map who took wrong turn may face bill for rescue, NH officials say

A hiker who made a wrong turn without a map will likely be billed for the cost of his rescue, New Hampshire officials reported.

A 39-year-old man from Woonsocket, Rhode Island, called 911 for help from Garfield Ridge just before midnight on Thursday, May 1, the New Hampshire Fish & Game Law Enforcement Division said in a news release.

The man told rescuers that he had set out Wednesday, April 30, but after hiking to the top of Mount Lafayette took the wrong trail and ended up on Garfield Ridge, near Franconia, officials said.

The hiker, who did not have a map, did not know where he was or where to find a trailhead, rescuers said. When snow and ice blocked his progress, he stopped but could not set up his tent.

Trying to shelter under his tent fly, he became cold and wet, prompting him to call for help, rescuers said.

Coordinates placed him north of Skookumchuck Trail on Garfield Ridge, rescuers said. Rescuers reached him at 4:20 a.m. and guided him back to the trailhead.

The hiker, who admitted “he was unprepared for this hike and failed to do the proper research,” will likely be billed for the cost of his rescue, officials said.

Franconia is about an 80-mile drive north from Concord.

This story was originally published May 4, 2025 at 12:52 PM with the headline "Hiker without map who took wrong turn may face bill for rescue, NH officials say."