Charged Phone, Coverage Helps 2 Hikers Down Slide Mountain In The Dark

ULSTER COUNTY, NY — Two hikers who got lost Sunday in the Slide Mountain Wilderness Area were rescued because one had a charged cell phone and coverage.

At 5:50 p.m., Ray Brook Dispatch notified Forest Ranger Horn about the two hikers. Coordinates obtained by Dispatch placed the 28- and 31-year-olds near the summit. The pair from Dolgeville and Herkimer had lost the trail as darkness set in.

They called 911.

Ranger Horn called one hiker’s cell phone and helped guide the pair a short distance back to the trail.

As they descended, the hikers shared tracking information with Ranger Horn to ensure they made it back to the trailhead.

At 8:30 p.m., the hikers reached the trailhead where they were met by New York State Police and Shandaken Police.

Slide Mountain is the tallest peak in the Catskills. The Slide Mountain Wilderness encompasses more than 47,500 acres and is the largest and most popular wilderness area in the Catskill Forest Preserve. Foot trails provide access to the remote interior, often climbing over lofty peaks with spectacular views.