This past weekend, more than 20 ill-prepared hikers required rescue from Mount Washington, the highest peak in the northeastern United States. The 6,288-foot peak is subject to intense winter weather during this time of year, and—unfortunately—this caught many people off guard.
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Mount Washington State Park released a public service announcement on Facebook, warning hikers not to come unless they’re truly prepared for the elements.
“Be prepared or hike another day. It’s winter on the summit of Mount Washington,” wrote New Hampshire State Parks on Facebook. “At 12pm on October 26, it was 21 degrees with a 30mph wind [. . .] and there is no shelter. Multiple people have arrived at the summit the last few days very unprepared for winter and required assistance.”
[RELATED: Unprepared Hiker Will Get Charged for His Own Rescue]
In fact, more than 20 ill-prepared hikers reportedly required rescue from the Mount Washington Cog Railway. Andy Vilaine, the assistant general manager for the Mount Washington Cog Railway, wrote in a separate Facebook post that on Saturday, October 25, the railway brought down 20+ hikers from the summit.
“Many [hikers] were hypothermic and without gear even near suitable for the conditions. Most had no idea that Summit services would be unavailable and that the state park was closed for the season. A few indicated it was their first hike ever,” Vilaine wrote.
Please review our cold-weather hiking tips before heading out into winter-y weather.
Here’s a local news report highlighting the situation:
Header stock image by Jose Azel/Getty Images
