Second Hiker Rescued From Kinsman Ridge Trail In Franconia

FRANCONIA, NH — New Hampshire Fish And Game officers responded to the Kinsman Ridge Trail for the second time in two days to rescue a hiker.

Dispatch received a call about a hiker with a leg injury around 2 p.m. on Friday. The hiker had been descending the Kinsman Ridge Trail at the time of the injury.

Conservation officers from NH Fish and Game along with volunteers from Pemi Valley Search and Rescue Team responded to the trailhead. Enduring the extreme heat and humidity, the rescue team reached the injured hiker a little under a mile up the trail at 3:45 p.m. After stabilizing the injury, the hiker was placed in a litter and carried down the hazardous Kinsman Ridge Trail to the trailhead where they arrived just before 6 p.m.

A hiking companion took the injured hiker from the trailhead to Littleton Regional Hospital for further treatment and evaluation.

The hiker was identified as Jim Hawes, 62, of Pittsburg. Hawes and his companion hiker had hiked to the summit of Cannon Mountain and were descending via the Kinsman Ridge Trail when the incident occurred. While navigating thru an area of the wet, slippery ledge he fell or slid about 15 to 20 feet down the ledge, suffering minor lacerations and an injury to his leg. After placing a makeshift splint on the injured leg, it was soon realized that they would not be able to continue down the trail without assistance and a call for help was made.

Conservation officers say the hikers were prepared with proper equipment for a day hike in the White Mountains.

For safe hiking tips and a list of essential gear, visit hikesafe.com. Outdoor enthusiasts are encouraged to purchase a Hike Safe card at wildnh.com/safe. The card helps support Fish and Game search and rescue activities.