CONTACT:
Lieutenant James Kneeland
603-744-5470
September 8, 2026
Orange, NH – On Saturday, September 5, just before 11:00 p.m., Conservation Officers were made aware of an injured hiker on the Clark Trail in Orange. The hiker had suffered a lower-leg injury and could not bear weight. Canaan Fire-Rescue along with members of Grafton and Enfield Fire Departments had responded to the West Ridge Trailhead. They were soon joined by Fish and Game Conservation Officers and volunteers from the Upper Valley Wilderness Response Team. The first rescuers arrived with the injured hiker just after midnight and were able to stabilize the injury.
By 1:15 a.m., more rescuers and the recue litter arrived on scene, and by 1:35 a.m., the rescue party started towards the trailhead 1.5 miles away. The rescue was hampered by steady rain which caused slippery conditions. They arrived at the trailhead at 4:00 a.m. Canaan Fire-Rescue transported the injured hiker to Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center for further evaluation and treatment.
The hiker was identified as 47-year-old Joseph Gallagher of Grantham, New Hampshire. Gallagher had been on a night hike of Mount Cardigan with friends and family when a slip and fall occurred resulting in an injury to his lower leg. A member of the hiking party was able to contact NH 911 by cell phone. The hikers were well prepared for a night hike and complete this hike frequently.
Mountain weather is subject to rapid changes and extreme conditions. Hikers are encouraged to be prepared by checking the Higher Summits Forecast at the Mount Washington Observatory site MountWashington.org, and to be prepared for their trek to include packing the ten essential items: map, compass, warm clothing, extra food and water, headlamp, fire starter, first aid kit, whistle, rain/wind jackets and pants, and a knife. For additional information, please visit www.hikeSafe.com.