Forest Rangers with the state Department of Environmental Conservation responded to one call in the Adirondacks last week. It involved two hikers and their dog on Haystack Mountain. The hikers lacked proper gear for the icy conditions, and as darkness approached, they did not have a reliable source of light. Rangers helped them back to the trailhead without incident.

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No traction or light on Haystack Mountain

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NORTH ELBA — Ray Brook Dispatch received a call about two hikers and their dog who were unable to continue their hike on Haystack Mountain at 5:35 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 1. The hikers did not have proper traction devices for the icy conditions and didn’t have headlamps to assist them in the dark. Forest rangers Jacob Jansen and Andrew Lewis met the subjects on the trail and escorted them out of the woods. Resources were clear at 8:03 p.m.

Rangers suggest hiking with the 10 hiking essentials, including proper footwear, traction devices and a light source. Haystack Mountain is located in the McKenzie Mountain Wilderness in the town of North Elba. The roughly 2,878-foot mountain is not to be confused with Mount Haystack. The latter is located in the town of Keene and, at 4,960 feet, is the third-tallest mountain in the state and one of the 46 Adirondack High Peaks.