Man Dies After Falling on a Popular Hiking Trail

A 70-year-old has tragically died after he fell while hiking on a popular trail in the Hudson Valley.

The Hudson Valley is one of New York's most popular destinations for anyone who enjoys hiking. We are lucky enough to be surrounded by some of the best hiking trails in the state, including the Hudson Valley Rail Trail, Lemon Squeeze, Mohonk Preserve, Mt. Beacon, and Breakneck Ridge.

Thousands of hikers from all across the country visit the region every year to hike these amazing trails, but sadly, sometimes a normal hike can turn tragic.

Hiker Dies at Kaaterskill Falls in Haines Falls, NY

According to the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), a 70-year-old Illinois man has died after he reportedly fell along the Kaaterskill Falls Access trail in Haines Falls, NY. It's unclear exactly what led to the man falling, but the DEC did say that Forest Rangers were called to respond to a report of an injured hiker at approximately 6:45 p.m. on Friday, June 20th, 2025.

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Upon arrival, Rangers said they located the man with serious "fall-related injuries" and immediately began to administer first aid while they transported him back to the trailhead. As the rangers began to stabilize the man and prepare him for an emergency helicopter transfer, he died from his injuries.

Hiker Identified

According to WTEN, the New York State Police have identified the man as Jack Wersching, of Park Ridge, Illinois. The DEC didn't reveal any other details about the accident or if the man was hiking alone or not, but did say the incident is under investigation.

When more information becomes available, we will update this article.