In what looked like a scene pulled straight from an action movie, stranded hikers were recently retrieved in a daring maneuver that saw first responders lowered by ropes over a vertical cliff face.

Even with warmer temperatures, weather can still play a massive role in hiker safety in New York State. Instead of snow and ice, it was something else entirely that forced authorities to choose a more extreme method for their rescue.

Rope teams were recently called to help rescue stranded hikers in upstate New York (NYS DEC via Facebook/Canva)
Rope teams were recently called to help rescue stranded hikers in upstate New York (NYS DEC via Facebook/Canva)
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Cliffside Rescue of Hikers in Hi Tor Wildlife Management Area

It took the cooperation of forest rangers, two rope teams, and multiple fire departments to extract the hikers who found that high water meant exiting Conklin Gully the way they entered would be impossible (below).

On March 11, Forest Ranger Dormer responded to a report of two stranded hikers at Conklin Gully in Hi Tor Wildlife Management Area. Mud, erosion, and high-water flows made it difficult for the pair from Manchester and Farmington to return the way they had hiked in

Rope Rescue at Conklin Gully in Ontario County, NY

The rope teams, which were lowered into the gully, attached harnesses to the hikers before reversing course and "walking" up the cliffside with help from belayers above. Video footage below shows exactly how extreme the operation was.

Recent Rope Rescues in New York State

The maneuver was a more daring version of several other recent rope rescues, including a rescue of an adorable dog in Orange County, NY and the extraction of a car crash victim in Ontario County, NY.

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Of course, humans aren't the only New Yorkers that can be in need of a rescue. Check out what happened at Minnewaska State Park when a small dog became trapped in the bottom of a crevasse below.

Dog Rescued After Being Trapped in Rocky Crevice at Minnewaska

A 12-year-old dog named Liza was rescued after being trapped in a rocky crevice at Minnewaska for 5 days.

City of Newburgh Firefighters Save Dog on Frozen Hudson River

Lilly, the dog needed a little help from Truck 1 and the City of Newburgh Fire Department back on February 11th. Thankfully, she was returned to her owners without injury. Round of ap-PAWS for the City of Newburgh Fire Department for their quick response and heroic efforts.

Gallery Credit: Timothy Dexter

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