Severe Injury Leads to Epic Rescue on New York Mountain

A severe injury and dangerous conditions on a New York mountaintop sparked an epic rescue by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC).

From tracking down poachers to life-or-death water rescues, Rangers with the NYSDEC work tirelessly to keep both humans and animals safe. Recently, the New York State Police (NYSP) Aviation Division was called to assist with a mountain rescue in Clinton County, NY that required the skilled use of a helicopter to save an injured hiker.

The view from the peak of Catamount Mountain in Black Brook, NY (Google)

Emergency Helicopter Rescue on Catamount Mountain in New York

According to the NYSDEC, rangers were alerted to a stranded hiker at the peak of Catamount Mountain in Black Brook, NY. The 73 year-old had injured their ankle so badly on the rough terrain that rangers evaluated the only safe option for extraction was an aerial rescue (below).

The NYSDEC and NYSP conducted a joint helicopter rescue on Catamount Mountain in New York (NYSDEC)

About Catamount Mountain in the Adirondacks

While Catamount Mountain is one of the smaller peaks in the Adirondacks, it's still known for it's challenging rock scrambles, which are even more difficult to manage in colder months. Those exact conditions seem to be the reason the expert pilots with the NYSP were contacted. The agency has a storied history partnering with rangers to assist with technical recues (below).

A Canadian hiker required an emergency rescue in 2023 after they suffered a 40-foot fall on Mount Colden (NYSDEC)

Emergency Helicopter Rescues in New York

In August of 2023, a hiker on nearby Mount Colden required a helicopter evacuation after a serious 40-foot fall down the mountain's tallest waterfall (above), a recue one ranger called "the most complicated rescue I've ever been on". Luckily, not all NYSDEC activities are life and death.

The NYSDEC's "Fishmobile in action, releasing trout into local New York waterways (NYSDEC)

The NYSDEC "Fishmobile" in Action

Each spring, the NYSDEC gets to break out the "Fishmobile" to restock local New York streams with trout (above). Literal millions of trout are raised in fisheries before they are released into waters across the state, including the Hudson Valley's Plattekill Creek, Rondout Creek, and the Rondout Reservoir.

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Despite some inherent dangers, hiking in New York with proper preparation (and gear) can be rewarding beyond measure. Take a look at some of the most beautiful local hikes below, and keep scrolling to see which hike takes you to the abandoned Warner Bros. Zoo in Orange County, NY.

The 25 Absolute Best Hikes in the Hudson Valley

We've compiled a list of the 25 best hikes in the Hudson Valley. All of the hikes are of varying difficulties and lengths, so no matter your skill level or amount of time you have available there is a hike for you here.

Gallery Credit: Weston Loving