Rescuers Work 6 Hours To Rescue Inexperienced Massachusetts Hiker

FRANCONIA, NH — A Massachusetts man was rescued from Cannon Mountain Friday and suffered serious injuries when rescuers reached him.

NH Fish and Game Conservation Officers were made aware of an injured hiker near the Kinsman Ridge Trail on Cannon Mountain at about 9 p.m.

The solo hiker reported that he had lost the trail, and as he was trying to make his way back to the summit of Cannon Mountain to find the trail, he fell off a ledge, landing on rocks 20-30 feet below.

During the fall the hiker suffered serious upper body injuries, according to conservation officers. The injured hiker advised that he was currently situated on another rocky ledge that was too steep to move in any direction without falling further.

Conservation officers with ATVs and volunteers from Pemi Valley Search and Rescue Team responded to Cannon Mountain. Able to access the summit by ATV, the first team of rescuers started towards the hiker’s location on foot at 10:45 p.m. By 11:15 p.m., the team had made voice contact but due to the steep, thickly vegetated terrain, the team did not arrive with the hiker until around midnight.

While situated precariously on the ledge, the team stabilized the injured hiker’s injuries and eventually placed him in a harness so that they could safely lower him by rope to the more stable ground below.

The hiker gained enough energy to bushwhack with assistance the 500 feet back to the Kinsman Ridge Trail and the final half mile up the Kinsman Ridge Trail to the Summit of Cannon Mountain.

State Park personnel had arrived at the mountain and sent a tram car to the summit to help bring supplies up and the hiker back down the mountain.

Just before 3 a.m., the rescue team arrived at the tram building and were safely at the bottom shortly after. Visibility was quite poor during the entirety of the rescue as thick clouds, rain, and lightning had arrived at the start of the rescue and were present throughout. Littleton Fire Rescue took the injured hiker to Littleton Regional Healthcare to evaluate his injuries.

Officers identified the man as Matthew Blessing, 21 of Marlborough. He was a self-described inexperienced hiker that learned of this hike from a coworker. Blessing was not well equipped for a day hike and lacked a map, light source, and rain gear.

Steady rain has fallen over June and into the early part of July, creating slippery trail conditions which have led to many of the injuries seen by Conservation Officers recently.

NH Fish And Game remind hikers to wear appropriate footwear while hiking, hiking boots that provide support, protection, and traction are recommended. For safe hiking tips and a list of essential gear, visit hikesafe.com. Outdoor enthusiasts are encouraged to purchase a Hike Safe card at wildnh.com/safe. The card helps support Fish and Game search and rescue activities.