Injured Hiker Evacuated from Remote Trail at Baxter State Park

Over 40 people worked together for several hours Thursday morning to carry out a 20-year-old female hiker who was injured while descending the Hunt Trail in Baxter State Park.

The woman from Lakeville, Connecticut was serving as a leader for a hiking group from Camp Kieve-Wavus in Nobleboro, Maine, when she fell and was injured approximately 2.9 miles up the Hunt Trail at the base of the rocky “Hunt Spur.”

Unable to walk, the hiker was treated by Park Rangers and then carried by litter back to Katahdin Stream Campground where she was transported by ambulance to Millinocket Regional Hospital.

The evacuation required the effort of more than 40 people for nearly 10 hours, according to Park Director Jensen Bissell.

In addition to Park Rangers, rescuers included personnel from the Maine Association of Search and Rescue Wilderness Rescue Team, the Maine Forest Service, Maine Warden Service, Maine Conservation Corps and Park volunteers.

Park officials noted that more than 80% of hiking accidents on Katahdin requiring evacuation occur on the descent and urge hikers to recognize that they are more tired later in the day and falls on the descent can be very hazardous.