New York, US: A group of hikers in the Catskill Mountains had to be rescued over the weekend after reportedly consuming psychedelic “magic mushrooms” and suffering what authorities described as a “debilitating high” that left them unable to descend safely.
A Call for Help in the Mountains
Local rescue units were dispatched late Saturday after emergency services received a 911 call from another hiker who encountered the distressed group along a popular but rugged trail in the Catskills. Officials said the hikers exhibited erratic behavior, severe disorientation, and difficulty maintaining balance, making self-rescue impossible.
By the time authorities arrived, two members of the group were reportedly lying on the ground, incoherent and barely responsive. Others were described as “anxious, panicked, and unable to continue.” Rescuers had to administer first-response care before safely guiding them off the mountain.
“Debilitating High” Stalls Hike
Sheriff’s deputies later confirmed the hikers admitted to consuming hallucinogenic mushrooms earlier in the day. The effects, which can be unpredictable in intensity, appeared to overwhelm the group as they attempted to navigate steep terrain. Officials called it a “debilitating high” that left them stranded.
While none of the hikers required hospitalization, authorities stressed that their impaired state put them and rescuers at significant risk. Emergency teams faced added challenges due to worsening evening weather conditions, making the mission more dangerous.
Growing Safety Concerns
The Catskills, with their dense forests, sharp climbs, and changing weather patterns, already pose hazards for unprepared hikers. Recreational drug use in such environments compounds the danger, officials warned.
“Consuming psychedelics on a backcountry trail is not only irresponsible—it endangers everyone involved in a potential rescue,” one official said. “These resources need to be available for real accidents, not preventable incidents.”
Public Health and Legal Issues
Though magic mushrooms containing psilocybin remain classified as illegal under federal and New York state law, reports of recreational use in outdoor settings have been increasing. Advocates of psychedelics point to studies suggesting therapeutic benefits under controlled conditions, but law enforcement underlined that unsupervised recreational use in the wilderness falls squarely into the category of reckless behavior.
Legal consequences for those involved remain under review. Authorities did not release the names of the hikers but confirmed that citations may be issued for possession.
Rescue as a Reminder
The incident has sparked renewed calls for hikers to practice responsibility in New York’s mountain ranges. Outdoor safety groups emphasized the importance of preparation, clear judgment, and respect for nature’s unpredictability.
“Rescue teams are stretched thin across hiking season,” said one Catskills volunteer coordinator. “When preventable emergencies like this occur, they tie up critical resources that could be needed for someone experiencing a heart attack, a fall, or other life-threatening conditions.”
Looking Ahead
The rescue highlights a broader tension between the growing popularity of psychedelic drugs and the potential risks when users underestimate their impact. While discussions about decriminalization and therapeutic use are ongoing across parts of the country, incidents like this underscore the concerns authorities have voiced for years: safety, legality, and the burden on emergency services.
For now, officials are urging hikers to use sound judgment when exploring the Catskills and to avoid substances that impair judgment in such settings. “The mountains demand respect,” one rescuer said. “They don’t forgive poor decisions.”
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