NH Fish & Game Rescues RI, CT Inadequately Prepared Hikers In NH

FRANCONIA, NH — New Hampshire Fish and Game Conservation Officers responded to two hikers requiring assistance off the Greenleaf Trail in Franconia.

The hikers had planned to hike the popular Franconia Ridge Trail and began their hike at 7 a.m. Saturday. After hiking across the ridge, the pair made it to Greenleaf Hut, but instead of taking Old Bridle Path, the planned trail, they started to descend the Greenleaf Trail. The hikers had a hard time following the trail as weather conditions made it hard to see tracks or trail markers. When they approached Eagle’s Pass, they called for assistance because they thought they were hypothermic and off-trail.

Conservation Officers responded to the hikers’ location near Eagle Pass. The hikers were identified as Louis Scotti, 33, of Cranston, Rhode Island, and Bartosz Zienkiewicz, 34, of Naugatuck, Connecticut.

The rescue crew broke trail to Scotti and Zienkiewicz’s location, approximately three-fourths of a mile up steep terrain. The crew was able to warm the hikers and begin their descent at approximately 4:32 p.m.

The crew made it back to the parking lot at 5:10 p.m. Scotti and Zienkiewicz refused medical treatment. The pair were found to be inadequately prepared for the conditions that were forecasted, officials said. Neither Scotti nor Zienkiewicz possessed hikeSafe cards.

The area was forecasted to receive rain, sleet, and snow for the weekend. Conservation Officers remind you if you choose to adventure, it is imperative that you prepare yourself for all weather conditions or mishaps.

Think about having proper footwear for the activity you are engaged in, a headlamp, and adequate layers for the changes in temperatures and precipitation. For more information about preparing for your hike, see www.hikeSafe.com.