Updated May 29 at 12:30 p.m. to include quotes and background from the New York Department of Environmental Conservation.
Hitting the trails high on psychedelic mushrooms? That’s a recipe for trouble. On the morning of May 24, around 9 a.m., New York 911 dispatchers got a bizarre call from two hikers on Cascade Mountain in the Adirondacks. They claimed their friend had died on the mountain and asked for help.
But things weren’t quite what they seemed.
When the hikers later ran into the Cascade Mountain summit steward—a trained guide on a routine patrol—they admitted they were actually lost. According to the New York Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), the steward quickly realized the pair was “in an altered mental state” after taking psychedelic mushrooms.
The story got even weirder. While the hikers were still talking with the steward, the third member of their group called in. Their friend wasn’t dead at all—just separated from the others. The steward contacted Forest Rangers, who sent help.
DEC Forest Ranger Rob Praczkajlo met the hikers on the trail. He guided the two tripping hikers down the mountain to an ambulance and police waiting at the base, then reunited the third hiker with the group at their campsite. Luckily, nobody was hurt.
DEC confirmed to GearJunkie that the hikers won’t face criminal charges.
For some perspective, Cascade Mountain is one of the forty-six High Peaks in the Adirondacks, standing close to 4,100 feet, and it’s a favorite among hikers. DEC notes that Forest Rangers handle more than 300 search-and-rescue calls each year across the state, mostly in the High Peaks and Catskills. Their advice? Always be prepared before heading out on the trails.
Hiking on Hallucinogens Doesn’t Always End So Well
The hikers on Cascade Mountain this month got lucky—their friend was found alive, and nobody was hurt. But not every trip into the wilderness ends so well.
Back in 2022, a woman hiking near Gold Bar, Washington, had taken psychedelic mushrooms with a friend. The two got separated, and when one returned, she reported her friend missing. Tragically, the missing hiker’s body was found in the river the next day.
Other substances can be just as dangerous. In 2018, two snowshoers on Mount Seymour in North Vancouver mixed ecstasy and cannabis and ended up in a violent fight. One reportedly had a psychotic break, and both men stabbed each other with Bowie knives—narrowly avoiding death. Rescuers responding to 911 calls arrested both men.
Even alcohol can get people into serious trouble outdoors. In 2006, two men left a bar in Vancouver and went hiking on Burnaby Mountain. They lost their way and were found dead at the bottom of a 200-foot ravine the following day.
Speaking to King 5 News about the 2022 Gold Bar case, Dr. Nathan Sackett, a medical researcher at the University of Washington, said it’s not necessarily the substances themselves that are dangerous—it’s where and how they’re used. Psychedelics in particular make accidents “prone to happen,” he said.
“As psychedelics become more normalized, it’s really important that people take them in a controlled environment,” Sackett explained. “Hopefully, one day, people won’t feel like they have to hide out in the woods to experience them safely.”
FAQ’s
What was the cause of death of the hikers found dead on Katahdin?
The hikers on Katahdin sadly died from exposure to harsh weather. It seems they were caught in freezing conditions without enough shelter or gear to keep them safe.
What was the cause of death for mostly harmless hikers?
“Mostly Harmless” is a nickname used in reports, but the details suggest accidental causes—like getting lost, injuries, or exposure—typical risks when hiking in remote, rugged areas.
What is the mostly harmless hiker’s real name?
The real name hasn’t been widely released in the media, probably to respect the family’s privacy.
What is the scariest hike?
That’s subjective, but many hikers say trails like Mount Katahdin in Maine, the Dyatlov Pass in Russia, or Angel’s Landing in Utah can feel truly terrifying due to steep cliffs, unpredictable weather, or remote conditions.
Did they find out who Mostly Harmless was?
Not publicly. The authorities and media mostly keep the real identity private, referring to the hiker by the nickname.
Who was the actor found dead on the hike?
Some reports mention an actor, but the details are usually limited. In many cases, names aren’t released until the family confirms it.
What happened to the hikers in the Dyatlov Pass incident?
In 1959, nine hikers died mysteriously in the Ural Mountains of Russia. Theories range from an avalanche to hypothermia, in-fighting, or even more unusual explanations. The exact cause is still debated.
Who was the father and daughter found dead on Katahdin?
They were part of a hiking group caught in sudden, severe weather. Reports indicate they died due to exposure, but details beyond that are limited to protect the family’s privacy.