Injured Hiker Airlifted from John’s Brook Valley - Wilderness Rescue in Keene NY

Keene, Essex County — A 74-year-old hiker from Queensbury was rescued from the rugged backcountry of the High Peaks Wilderness on Friday, September 13, after suffering a knee injury near the Slant Rock lean-to in John’s Brook Valley.

The call for assistance came in to Ray Brook Dispatch at 10:50 a.m. Due to the remote location, New York State Police (NYSP) Aviation Pilot Engle and Forest Ranger R. Praczkajlo coordinated an aerial response. Rangers Foutch and H. Praczkajlo were inserted at the John’s Brook Outpost landing zone, approximately two miles from the injured hiker.

After navigating challenging terrain, Rangers reached the hiker at 3:20 p.m. and determined that a hoist rescue was necessary to safely extract him from the valley. NYSP Pilot Engle and Ranger R. Praczkajlo successfully hoisted the patient into the helicopter and transported him to Keene Valley, where an EMS ambulance was waiting.

This rescue underscores the importance of preparedness when hiking in the Adirondacks, where rugged trails and long distances from road access can make even minor injuries serious. Officials remind hikers to carry proper gear, plan ahead, and know their limits when venturing into the wilderness.

Sources: https://dec.ny.gov/news/press-releases/2025/9/dec-forest-rangers-week-in-review-1