Overview

• On May 24, two hikers on Cascade Mountain in New York’s Adirondack High Peaks called 911 to report their friend dead after ingesting hallucinogenic mushrooms.
• Forest Ranger Rob Praczkajlo and a Cascade Summit Steward discovered the pair in an altered mental state and escorted them to a waiting ambulance and New York State Police unit.
• The third hiker self-reported his status to park officials and was located alive and unharmed before being guided back to the group’s campsite.
• The hikers have been identified and treated for psilocybin intoxication, and authorities are reviewing whether to file charges.
• The episode underscores growing safety and legal concerns over recreational use of psychedelic mushrooms on popular backcountry trails.