Hiker Rescued by Helicopter After Fall on Maine’s Katahdin

A hiker had to be rescued by helicopter after falling and suffering a serious injury on Maine’s tallest mountain.

According to the Maine Forest Rangers, the rescue happened Sunday morning on Katahdin, near Pamola Peak on the Knife Edge Trail. Officials say the hiker fell about 20 feet and suffered an open leg fracture.

WGME is reporting that Baxter State Park rangers were able to reach the injured hiker and provide medical treatment at the scene. Because of the location and the severity of the injury, crews determined the hiker would need to be flown off the mountain.

The rescue, however, was delayed while storms moved through the area. Once conditions improved enough for a helicopter to safely get in, the hiker was hoisted from the mountain and flown to a waiting ambulance on the ground, the news station reported.

The hiker’s current condition has not been released.

The Knife Edge Trail is one of the most well-known and challenging trails in Maine. The narrow ridge connects Baxter Peak and Pamola Peak and is known for steep drops, exposed rock, and unpredictable weather. Even experienced hikers can run into trouble quickly, especially when storms move in.

Katahdin is a bucket-list hike for many people, but rescues like this are a reminder that conditions can change fast in the mountains. Rangers urge hikers to be prepared, pay attention to the weather, and avoid exposed trails when storms are possible.