Injured Hiker Rescued on Appalachian Trail’s Kinsman Ridge

On June 29, conservation officers and search and rescue volunteers battled incessant rain in an overnight evacuation of an injured hiker from Kinsman Ridge on the Appalachian Trail. The rescue crew endured a challenging, 10-hour mission in grueling conditions and slippery, rocky terrain, according to officials. 

Photo credit via New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, Law Enforcement Division

At approximately 5:30 p.m., authorities were notified of hiker Brittany Pulley, 34, of Virginia, who had sustained serious but non-life-threatening injuries to her leg. A New Hampshire Fish and Game Conservation Officer and 29 volunteers from the Pemigewasset Valley Search and Rescue Team located Pulley 2.5 miles along the Kinsman Ridge Trail, which required rescue crews to first hike 2.9 miles up the rugged Reel Brook Trail to reach her.

The team worked tirelessly through the night to safely package Pulley into a litter and navigate the difficult terrain back down to the trailhead. The mission concluded successfully just before 5:00 a.m. on June 30, and Pulley was safely transported to Littleton Regional Hospital for further treatment.

The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, along with White Mountain National Forest, stresses the importance of recreating responsibly to ensure safety by minimizing risks during outdoor activities. 

• Always know before you go. Do research prior to your hike and check the status of your destination. Keep a backup plan in mind if your chosen route is closed or crowded. 
• Prepare for potential closures of facilities, and always plan ahead by bringing your own essential hiking gear, food, et cetera.
• Opt for lower-risk activities to minimize the need for rescue operations and reduce strain on healthcare resources. Play it safe and know your abilities and limits. 
• Leave No Trace, always. Respect public lands, waters, and local communities. Pack out all garbage and leave the environment as you found it.