Teen From Sudbury Massachusetts Rescued After Being Injured On New Hampshire Hiking Trail

FRANCONIA, N.H. — A 17-year-old hiker from Sudbury, Massachusetts, was successfully rescued in the early hours of Sunday morning after sustaining a leg injury on the Old Bridle Path in Franconia.

The operation, which involved dozens of rescuers battling slippery, high-elevation conditions, concluded safely after more than three hours. New Hampshire Fish and Game Conservation Officers were first alerted to the incident at 10:20 p.m. Saturday. The teen had reportedly slipped on a wet section of the trail, leaving him unable to continue without immediate assistance.

The challenging mission brought together Conservation Officers and volunteers from the Pemi Valley Search and Rescue Team. The initial team set off from the trailhead around 11 p.m. and located the injured hiker at 11:45 p.m., approximately 1.7 miles up the path.

Just after midnight, the large rescue party — totaling over 20 rescuers — began the careful descent. Rescuers encountered snow and increasingly slippery conditions at the higher elevations, adding to the complexity of the nighttime operation.

Despite the rugged terrain, the team made efficient progress by utilizing a rescue wheel attached to the litter. They arrived back at the trailhead at 1:25 a.m. Sunday, where the injured teen was met by his family and transported for evaluation of his leg injury.

The successful rescue prompted a reminder from New Hampshire Fish and Game for all hikers to exercise caution as the seasons change.

“Days are getting shorter and snow and ice can be encountered at any time,” the department cautioned. They urged hikers to be prepared with proper footwear, clothing, and a light source, stressing the importance of always carrying the 10 Essentials — even on a day hike.

For more information on safe hiking in New Hampshire’s White Mountains, the public is encouraged to visit hikesafe.com.