The great outdoors is perfect when you want to be with nature, get off the grid, or chill out with your buddies for a long weekend. However, one group of hikers had quite the trip a couple of weekends ago on Cascade Mountain in every sense of the word.
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation frequently posts press releases. They usually document various wildness rescues or searches but reported a particularly unusual case a few weekends ago. The incident occurred on May 24 in the Town of North Elba, Essex County. At around 9 AM, Forest Ranger Praczkajlo responded to a report of an alleged deceased hiker on Cascade Mountain.
A pair of hikers dialed 911 and explained that their friend had died. They also reportedly told the Cascade Summit Steward they were lost. The Steward eventually tracked them down but noted they were in an ‘altered mental state.’
Authorities Blame Shrooms For The Hikers Wild Outing
The press release also explains that the third member, who was reported deceased, called and was alive and well. Authorities blame the incident on the hikers ingesting “hallucinogenic mushrooms.” Ranger Praczkajlo escorted the pair who made the call to a waiting ambulance and police unit. They then took the third back to their campsite.
Authorities have not named any of the hikers, and it’s unclear if they face any legal penalties. Per Medical News Today, Magic Mushrooms contain a chemical called Psilocybin. This ingredient is responsible for a wide range of effects, including hallucinations and euphoria.
The DEA class Psilocybin as a Schedule 1 substance, meaning it has no legitimate medical purpose and has a high potential for abuse. Fortunately, the hikers were fine, although their story may have been even more wild if they were exploring Colorado Forest at the time.
On that same weekend, Bigfoot was allegedly spotted in the area. A group even caught the urban legend’s escapades on camera! Colorado River Expeditions has posted several clips on its Instagram page, although many internet sleuths are unconvinced that it was anything more than someone playing dress-up.