CONTACT:
Lt. James Kneeland
603-744-5470
603-271-3361
August 5, 2024
Franconia, NH – At 4:00 p.m. on Friday, August 2, Conservation Officers were made aware of an injured hiker on the Falling Waters Trail. The hiker had slipped on wet slippery ledge falling 8-10 feet and suffering serious injuries. Conservation Officers along with volunteers from Pemi Valley SAR Team responded to a section of the Falling Waters Trail that they are called to far too often.
This 150-foot section of trail accounts for many of the injuries that occur on the Falling Waters Trail. Good Samaritan hikers rendered aid until the first rescuers arrived on scene at 5:40 p.m. The injured hiker was secured into a rescue litter with the carry out commencing at 6:00 p.m. The rescue team covered the 1 mile of trail in a little over an hour and arrived at the trailhead at 7:10 p.m. A waiting LinWood Ambulance transported the hiker to Littleton Regional Healthcare for treatment.
The 42-year-old male hiker was identified as Vincent Bissonnette of Drummondville, Quebec, Canada. Bissonnette was thankful for the passing hikers who called for help and rendered aid until rescuers arrived. He and his companion were prepared for a day hike in the White Mountains.
A large portion of the Falling Waters Trail parallels Dry Brook. Dry Brook is anything but dry. With much of the trail running along the edge of Dry Brook and several water crossings, trail conditions are often slippery. Proper footwear should be worn on the trail and extra caution taken when descending wet trails. Please visit www.hikesafe.com for more information.