Hiker evacuated by helicopter from Abol Trail in Baxter State Park

BAXTER STATE PARK — Baxter State Park Rangers were assisted by the Maine Forest Service in the evacuation of a hiker from Mount Katahdin on the afternoon of Saturday, Sept. 9.

The 55-year-old Michigan man — Baxter State Park officials do not release the identities of injured parties — and Appalachian Trail hiker had just begun descending the Abol Trail with his wife and daughter after completing a summit of the Hunt Trail to Baxter Peak when his leg became wedged between two rocks. The injury occurred at 3:30 p.m. at the top of the Abol Trail at approximately 4,600 feet in elevation and 3.5 miles from the Abol Campground.

The party called 9-1-1 and park rangers responded after being contacted by the Penobscot Regional Communication Center. After evaluating the hiker, rangers contacted the Maine Forest Service and requested assistance with evacuating him.Rangers were assisted by members of the Wilderness Rescue Team.

After field treatment, the injured hiker was transported by helicopter to Caribou Pit at the southern entrance to the park and transferred to a waiting ambulance for transport to Millinocket Regional Hospital for treatment.