Dog-Walker Gets Lost In Fog, Has To Be Rescued In State Forest

WAWARSING, NY — A 60-year-old man who was walking his dog and got lost in the fog was rescued by forest rangers.

The Department of Environmental Conservation forest rangers said there was radio traffic around 9:30 a.m. March 28 about a lost hiker in Shawangunk Ridge State Forest.

Authorities said a 60-year-old Mamakating resident had taken his dog for a walk on the Long Path from the Cox Road trailhead and became lost due to heavy fog.

He called his wife for help before losing his phone, rangers said, and was cold, wet and disoriented.

Two rangers conducted a linear search with the Bloomingburg and Cragsmoor fire departments.

At 11 a.m., the man made his way to the other side of the ride on Route 209, about 4 miles from the trailhead.

He used a good Samaritan’s phone to call his wife.

The Ulster County Sheriff’s Department provided transportation back to the trailhead.

The forest rangers said resources were cleared and returned to service at noon.