Boston Man Separated From Hiking Group Spends Night On Mountain

JACKSON, NH — New Hampshire Fish and Game was notified of a hiker who was missing on Saturday on the Rocky Branch Trail in the area of Mt. Isolation.

Conservation officers responded to the area and determined the hiker Michael Papale, 31, of Boston was hiking to Mt. Isolation with friends. He stopped before reaching the summit while the group he was with continued the hiking. The group said they planned to meet him on the way back down the mountain, but he was gone when they returned.

Papale left items on the trail so his friends would know he was descending the mountain but when the group returned to their vehicle, he was not there. They drove to get cell phone service and called for assistance.

Conservation Officers responded and searched for him throughout the night. Heavy rain and high fast-moving streams added to the challenge of locating Papale. Papale said later he had missed a turn and was hiking out on a much longer trail.

Papale was overcome by darkness and found a rocky area off trail to take shelter throughout the night. In the morning he regained the trail and hiked out to a trailhead and was given a ride into town by a passerby. Shortly before 10:30 a.m. on Sunday, he was able to make a phone call alerting everyone that he was okay and out of the woods.

Conservation Officer Sgt. Alex Lopashanski said outdoor enthusiasts are encouraged to purchase a Hike Safe card at www.wildnh.com/safe. The card helps support Fish and Game search and rescue activities. For safe hiking tips and a list of essential gear, visit hikesafe.com.