FRANCONIA — On the afternoon of Monday, Aug. 17, 2026, North Country rescuers responded to the Garfield Ridge section of the Appalachian Trail to assist a hiker who was suffering from a significant injury over 5 miles into the woods from the nearest road.
Shortly before noon, New Hampshire Fish and Game Department Conservation Officers were notified that Jeremy Hooten, 51, of Fortville, Ind., had suffered a significant lower leg injury at a location approximately half a mile north of the summit of Mount Garfield. Mr. Hooten, a Paramedic by trade, splinted his injury but was unable to walk without assistance. Conservation Officers advised that help would be on the way, but that it would be a while given the fact that Hooten was 5.5 miles from the Garfield Trail trailhead.
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Keep it Clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, racist or sexually-oriented language.
PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK.
Don't Threaten. Threats of harming another person will not be tolerated.
Be Truthful. Don't knowingly lie about anyone or anything.
Be Nice. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism that is degrading to another person.
Be Proactive. Use the 'Report' link on each comment to let us know of abusive posts.
Share with Us. We'd love to hear eyewitness accounts, the history behind an article.