Four hikers in their 20s had to be rescued from the Catskill Mountains in New York after they got lost while hiking under the influence of psychedelic mushrooms, authorities said. One of the hikers experienced a “debilitating high” during the incident.
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) said it received a satellite alert on August 29 reporting the group was lost near Giant Ledge in the Slide Mountain Wilderness. The area includes elevations from 1,100 to 2,600 feet and features several steep cliffs.
Three forest rangers located the group around 6:45 pm and guided them safely back to the trailhead. They were evaluated by a Shandaken ambulance crew and later provided a courtesy ride to their rental lodging.
The hikers had also lost their car keys. Ranger Russell Martin returned the next day and recovered the keys from a sling bag hidden under tall ferns.
Martin described the group as having experienced “highs and lows” from the mushrooms but said all four were unharmed. The DEC did not release the hikers’ names.
The Police Benevolent Association of New York State praised the rangers for their dedication and efforts to ensure public safety during the busy Labor Day weekend.
Authorities noted that incidents involving hikers under the influence of hallucinogenic substances are not uncommon, recalling a similar case in May when hikers reported a death that did not actually occur.
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