Helicopter, K9 units, drones deployed in multi-agency rescue near Harriman State Park
By Myrek Zastavnyi
TUXEDO — A teenage hiker who became lost deep in the rugged woodlands of western Orange County was safely located late Tuesday night after a large-scale, multi-agency search that stretched across several hours and required air, ground, and K9 resources.
The incident began Tuesday evening, April 7, in the East Village section of Tuxedo, near the vast and often challenging terrain surrounding Harriman State Park — one of the largest state parks in New York and a frequent destination for hikers from across the Hudson Valley, including nearby Warwick.
According to the Town of Tuxedo Police Department, the teen had set out earlier in the day on local trails but became disoriented as daylight began to fade. Before her cellphone battery died, she was able to contact family members and report that she was lost somewhere in the woods, prompting an immediate emergency response.
With sunset in early April occurring around 7:30 p.m., visibility would have dropped quickly, particularly under the dense tree canopy common in the area. Overnight temperatures fell into the low 40s, increasing the risk of exposure.
What followed was a coordinated search effort involving multiple agencies from across the region. Responders included New York State Police, State Park Police, New York State Park Rangers, Orange and Rockland county sheriff’s K9 and drone units, a K9 unit from the Town of Woodbury, as well as local fire departments, EMS crews, and civilian volunteers. An New York Police Department helicopter was also deployed, providing aerial support and scanning the heavily wooded terrain that is often difficult to navigate on foot.
Search crews worked through dense forest, uneven ground, and a network of intersecting trails that can easily disorient even experienced hikers. After several hours, officials said the teen was located “very far into the woods,” underscoring how quickly someone can stray from marked paths in the region.
She was transported to a nearby hospital for evaluation and treatment for exposure to the cold. Authorities said her injuries were not life-threatening and she is expected to recover.
The incident serves as a reminder of the challenges posed by the trail systems in and around Harriman State Park, which spans more than 47,000 acres and includes over 200 miles of hiking trails, many of which intersect or lack clear signage in certain areas. For Warwick residents and others who regularly use these trails, officials say even familiar terrain can become dangerous when daylight fades or conditions change.
Search-and-rescue operations in this area can escalate quickly due to dense forest cover, limited visibility, multiple trail crossings, spotty cell service, and rugged terrain that includes steep slopes and rocky outcroppings. These conditions often require a combination of ground teams, K9 tracking, drones, and aerial support to locate missing individuals.
Authorities emphasized the importance of preparation when hiking, including carrying a fully charged phone, informing someone of your route, staying on marked trails, and bringing appropriate gear for changing weather conditions.
Officials credited the successful outcome of this incident to the rapid coordination between agencies and the use of advanced search tools. For communities across Orange County, including Warwick, the response serves as both reassurance and a reminder of how quickly a routine outing can turn into an emergency.
