HART’S LOCATION, N.H. – On Thursday, May 15, 2008 at approximately 8:30 p.m., two distressed hikers from Pennsylvania emerged early from a planned multi-day traverse of the Presidential Range in New Hampshire’s White Mountains.

According to Sgt. James Juneau of the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, a search and rescue mission for the hikers began Thursday morning.  The search was prompted when one of the hikers made a cell phone call for help to the Appalachian Mountain Club. 

Limited information provided by the call indicated the hikers’ location to be in the upper reaches of the Dry River Wilderness.  The hikers reported they were wet and cold, and off the hiking trail.  Deep snow conditions hampered the hikers’ efforts.  It was later determined that one of the hikers lost a sneaker while trudging through snow depths of 3-5 feet.

The hikers were identified as Gregory Pine, age 19 of Newtown, PA and Robert Hogan, age 20, of Langhorne, PA.  Pine and Langhorne eventually walked themselves out to Route 302 and were relayed to the AMC Highland Center in Crawford Notch.  Both hikers were in fairly good condition, although Pine sustained significant superficial wounds to both feet.  Sgt. Juneau stated that lack of snowshoes and appropriate footwear were significant factors leading to Pine and Langhorne calling for help.

In addition to Fish and Game Conservation Officers, personnel from the Appalachian Mountain Club participated in the search. 

Fish and Game reminds hikers that winter conditions still exist in parts of the White Mountains and they must be prepared with the right knowledge and gear for extreme changing conditions.  Though it may feel like summer where you live, the weather in the Whites is highly unpredictable. Some trails are clear, but many are muddy or icy, and others still have snow.

For information on safe hiking, www.hikeSafe.com.