Injured Hiker Airlifted After Overnight Stay on Maine’s Mount Katahdin

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Two hikers rescued from Maine’s Mount Katahdin after spending a night stranded on the mountain say they were well-prepared but caught off guard by an unexpected injury. The hikers, 47-year-old Beata Kosc and her companion Courtney Doyon, had set out to summit the state’s tallest peak in Baxter State Park before Kosc suffered a serious knee injury that left them unable to descend safely.

Despite their preparations, the pair found themselves forced to shelter in place overnight on Knife’s Edge, a narrow and exposed section of the trail. “I believe I was prepared. I believe we had everything that we needed. That being said, you can only prepare for the known and not so much for unknown,” Kosc told WMTW, a local affiliate.

Along with two other hikers—a father and son—who descended behind them and also stayed overnight, the group endured cold, rainy, and windy weather while awaiting assistance. Rescue operations were hampered by the conditions, but the group was reportedly well-stocked with food, water, and emergency supplies.

Doyon emphasized their decision to remain stationary rather than risk injury in darkness. “We knew that was the safest option for us. The goal of the hike is to always get off the mountain to complete your next hike,” she said.

Kosc was airlifted the following morning, while the remaining hikers were escorted down safely by search and rescue personnel. Both Kosc and Doyon expressed appreciation for the coordinated response from park rangers, paramedics, and the Air National Guard crew.

Reflecting on the experience, Kosc advised future hikers to carefully consider the sources of any last-minute advice. “This is one of the lessons I’m walking away with: to warn hikers who they talk to, who they take advice from. Because we actually changed our plans based on the advice that we kind of regretted a little bit,” she said.

Mount Katahdin, located in North Central Maine, stands as the highest point in the state and is a well-known challenge for hikers due to its rugged terrain and unpredictable weather. The incident underscores the importance of caution and preparedness even for experienced adventurers.