Hiker Airlifted After Fall at Split Rock Falls

Town of Elizabethtown, Essex County – August 3, 2025

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A 50-year-old hiker from Peru, New York, was rescued after suffering serious injuries from a fall at Split Rock Falls on Saturday afternoon.

At approximately 3:00 p.m., Essex County 911 requested the assistance of New York State Forest Rangers after the hiker fell into the first pool of the popular natural site. The individual sustained head and back injuries as a result of the fall.

Forest Rangers Bode, Lewis, and Quinn quickly responded to the scene and coordinated with New York State Police, as well as Keene and North Hudson Fire Departments, to execute a high-angle rope rescue due to the steep, rocky terrain surrounding the waterfall.

By 5:00 p.m., the injured hiker was successfully extracted and transferred to the care of Life Net, which airlifted the patient to a hospital for advanced medical treatment. The individual’s current condition has not been released.

Split Rock Falls, located in the Adirondack region, is a popular destination for hiking and swimming, but officials remind visitors that natural areas can present serious hazards, especially around fast-moving water and uneven terrain.

Sources: https://dec.ny.gov/news/press-releases/2025/8/dec-forest-rangers-week-in-review