2 hikers rescued from Kaaterskill Falls Saturday

HAINES FALLS, N.Y. (NEWS10)-- Two hikers were rescued at Kaaterskill Falls on Saturday after a chunk of ice fell and hit them. One hiker, a 29-year-old woman from Brooklyn, was struck in the head by the ice, the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) said.

According to the DEC, around 3:53 p.m., 10 Forest Rangers responded to a call of a hiker struck in the head by a chuck of ice at the bottom of Kaaterskill Falls. About 10 minutes later, rangers were alerted of another hiker, injured from the same chunk of ice.

DEC officials said at 4:17 p.m., rangers were able to reach both hikers and immediately began to assess the situation. When the 29-year-old was unable to walk out of the trail herself, the Greene County Paramedics and the Technical Rope Rescue Team were dispatched.

"Thankfully they were able to find and extricate their patient after a long and arduous process, in below-freezing conditions," Greene County Paramedics said.

The first victim was secured in a litter and wheeled back to Laurel House Road where they were met by a Hunter ambulance. The second victim was able to walk out on their own, the DEC said.

According to the Greene County Paramedics, this was the third time the ropes team had to be used in under a month. About two weeks ago, the DEC was dispatched to an ice climber who fell 30-to-40 feet.

The DEC recommends those who decide to visit Kaaterskill Falls during the winter to use micro spikes for better traction and to be aware of overhead ice. For more hiking in winter tips, visit the DEC's website.