CONTACT:
Conservation Officer Nicholas O Barron III
Lt. James Kneeland
603-744-5470
603-271-3361
September 14, 2026
Franconia, NH – At around 3:30 p.m., on Saturday, September 12, 2026, AMC notified Conservation Officers of an injured hiker close to the summit of Mount Lafayette. The hiker, identified as Johanne Hebert, 62, of La Prairie, Quebec, was descending Greenleaf Trail from the summit of Mount Lafayette when she slipped on a loose rock and sustained an injury. She was helped by fellow hikers to Greenleaf Hut where it was determined that a carry-out would be required.
Upon notification, Conservation Officers, members of Pemigewasset Valley Search and Rescue Team, Lakes Region Search and Rescue Team, and Upper Valley Wilderness Response Team responded to the Old Bridle Path Trailhead. Over fifty rescuers responded to the incident because many were just departing from a day-long SAR training event at Cannon Mountain. All the rescuers were utilized during this three-mile rescue over difficult terrain, arriving at the trailhead at around 9:15 p.m. Hebert was transported by personal vehicle back to her home region to seek medical care.
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.