Rescuers say they came to the aid of two unprepared hikers who needed help getting down Mount Liberty on Monday night.
The hikers from Quebec started hiking across Franconia Ridge after reaching the summit of Mount Liberty. As darkness fell, they experienced winter-like conditions that still remain at higher elevations in the White Mountain National Forest.
The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department said Jessica Fournier-Chartrand, 38, and Annie Petrin, 43, of Quebec, became disoriented due to fading light and knee-deep snow as they began hiking across the Franconia Ridge. They said that their use of the AllTrails app contributed to their confusion.
When they felt lost and called for help, a conservation officer convinced them to turn around and head back to the Liberty Spring Trail, according to Fish and Game.
Responders met up with the pair at 11:15 p.m. and provided them with gear to assist them down more than two miles of steep, icy trail.
The hikers were off the trail by 2:22 a.m., and no injuries were reported.
Fish and Game officers point out that winter conditions still exist in the White Mountains. They encouraged hikers to be prepared, pack essential gear, and monitor mountain and higher-elevation forecasts.
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