Got it 👍 — here’s a complete package for the story about the hikers on mushrooms in New York:

Four Hikers on Magic Mushrooms, One with ‘Debilitating High,’ Rescued in New York

Headline

Lost in the Catskills: Four Hikers on Magic Mushrooms Rescued After One Suffers ‘Debilitating High’

Sub-headline

Forest rangers and local firefighters guided the group to safety after a dangerous trip in Slide Mountain Wilderness.

Summary (Bullet Points)

Four men in their 20s were hiking near Giant Ledge in New York’s Catskills on August 29, 2025.
They ingested psilocybin mushrooms, with one suffering a “debilitating high.”
A satellite text at 5 p.m. alerted authorities to their condition.
Forest rangers and Pine Hill Fire Department located them by 6:45 p.m. and escorted them out.
The group had also lost their car keys, later recovered by a ranger the next day.
The Police Benevolent Association of New York State praised the rangers’ efforts.
Similar incidents have occurred, including one in May 2025 where hikers mistakenly believed a friend had died on mushrooms.

Full Story

Four hikers in their 20s sparked a rescue operation in New York’s Catskill Mountains after taking magic mushrooms and becoming disoriented, with one suffering a “debilitating high.”

The incident unfolded on August 29, 2025, near Giant Ledge in the Slide Mountain Wilderness. At around 5 p.m., one of the hikers sent a satellite text to authorities, admitting they had ingested psilocybin mushrooms and needed help.

Three forest rangers responded to the alert, assisted by the Pine Hill Fire Department, and reached the group by 6:45 p.m. The hikers were safely guided to the trailhead, where they were evaluated by the Shandaken Ambulance team.

Complicating matters, the hikers had also misplaced their car keys. Rangers gave them a courtesy ride to their lodging, and the following morning, a ranger retraced the trail and successfully recovered the keys hidden under a log in tall ferns.

The Police Benevolent Association of New York State praised the rangers for their quick action and dedication—especially ahead of a busy Labor Day weekend.

This wasn’t the first time psychedelics caused backcountry confusion. In May 2025, two hikers under the influence of mushrooms panicked after believing a friend had died. Rescuers later found the individual alive and well, but the case highlighted how hallucinogenic trips can escalate into emergencies.

While psilocybin is being studied for its therapeutic potential, its use in challenging environments like wilderness terrain poses significant risks. Disorientation, panic, and impaired judgment can quickly turn a hike into a life-threatening situation.

Key Takeaways

Psychedelics + Wilderness = High Risk – Trips in rugged terrain can lead to confusion and danger.
Emergency Devices Save Lives – A satellite text allowed rangers to respond quickly.
Rescuers Go Beyond Duty – Rangers not only guided the hikers out but also recovered lost keys the next day.
Not an Isolated Case – Similar rescues tied to psychedelics have occurred in New York this year.