More than a dozen New York State Department of Conservation Forest Rangers took part in rescuing two injured hikers over two days on Rondaxe Mountain (also known as Bald Mountain), in the Adirondack town of Webb in Herkimer County, NY, early last week.
On Monday, July 15, at about 11:15 am, Herkimer County requested Forest Ranger assistance for a hiker with an unstable ankle injury on Rondaxe Mountain.
Seven Forest Rangers and an Assistant Forest Ranger responded with the Eagle Bay, Old Forge, and Webb Fire Departments. Rescue crews reached the 53-year-old from Pennsylvania and secured her in a wheeled litter.
Rangers used rope techniques to lower the subject through several steep sections along the trail. At about 12:37 pm, the rescue team reached a waiting ambulance in the parking area.
The very next day, on Tuesday, July 16, at about 12:50 pm, five Forest Rangers responded to a call for a hiker with a lower leg injury on Rondaxe Mountain.
Old Forge Fire and EMS splinted the subject’s fractured heel. Rangers used rope techniques and a e-bike to lower the 51-year-old from Avon through several steep sections along the trail.
At about 2:18 pm, crews reached a waiting Old Forge ambulance. Inlet and Eagle Bay Fire Departments assisted with the rescue.
Rondaxe Mountain, also known as Bald Mountain, is a popular hiking destination just outside Old Forge. It offers a short one-mile hike to a wide-open rocky summit and firetower that overlooks the Fulton Chain of Lakes and the forests and mountains of the Western Adirondacks.
The short hike with a big reward makes it a popular destinations for hikers, especially families.
Read past Forest Ranger search and rescue reports here.
Photo of rescue crews aiding hiker with broken heel on Rondaxe Mountain provided by DEC.
Leave a Reply