Forest Rangers practice a rope rescue. (Provided photo — NY state Department of Environmental Conservation)

Forest rangers with the state Department of Environmental Conservation responded to several calls throughout the Adirondacks last week. It was a lower volume of calls than the several preceding weeks. They all, however, had one thing in common: the incidents happened at night.

The DEC reminds hikers venturing into the backcountry that they should be prepared with an adequate light source in the event of an unanticipated night in the woods, and for those planning to hike at night to be prepared for the added risks and navigational difficulties that come with it.

It’s also important to note that as winter approaches, the amount of daylight is getting shorter each day, and hikers now may need a light source several hours earlier than they would during the summer. Hikers should also keep in mind that it gets dark in the forest sooner than in open areas.

Those venturing into the backcountry should also be prepared for rapidly changing weather and trail conditions with elevation, and have the requisite gear for navigating ice and snow. Summit areas in the High Peaks region are expected to see several chances for snow showers through the weekend.

Hikers should also take note that the regular hunting season in the Adirondacks is from Oct. 25 to Dec. 7. For tips on how to safely recreate during hunting season from the Adirondack Mountain Club, visit tinyurl.com/ymp997ae.

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Separated night hikers helped

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KEENE — Ray Brook Dispatch received a call from a hiker who became separated from their spouse while hiking back to Adirondak Loj from Mount Marcy at 11:01 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 17. At 11:44 p.m., forest rangers located the 67-year-old from Connecticut and reunited the couple. Resources were clear at 12:42 a.m.

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Lost hikers relying on cellphone flashlight

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NORTH ELBA — Forest rangers David Corey and Logan Quinn responded to a call for three hikers lost off trail near Mount Van Hoevenberg at 8:21 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 17. The hikers were attempting to hike Cascade Mountain but got off trail. Their only light source was their phones. At 10:55 p.m., forest rangers located the three hikers and escorted them to the trailhead. While phones can be helpful, batteries often die in the wilderness, which is why rangers always recommend traveling with headlamps and extra batteries.

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Hiker found next morning without light

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KEENE — Ray Brook Dispatch received a call from a concerned mother who stated her daughter was overdue from hiking Mount Marcy and may not have a light source at 9:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 14. Forest rangers Charles Foutch, Allison Rooney and Neilson Snye responded. At 1:30 a.m., rangers located the 18-year-old’s vehicle at the Mount Van Hoevenberg Complex and then searched the trails from the trailhead and the Adirondak Loj to Marcy Dam. At 6 a.m., Rooney located the hiker from Potsdam on the trail to Mount Van Hoevenberg in good health but without an operational light source. Rooney escorted the hiker out of the woods and to their vehicle.