Hiker descending Black Dome with severe cramping
Posted: Thu Oct 09, 2025 11:40 am
Wilderness Rescue in the Town of Windham in Greene County:
On Oct. 3 at 4 p.m., Ray Brook Dispatch received a call reporting a hiker with severe cramping who could not continue down from the summit of Black Dome. Forest Rangers Fox and Peterson hiked to the subject and provided electrolytes and food. After some rest and hydration, the 29-year-old from New Jersey was able to walk again. Rangers assisted the subject to Big Hollow Road trailhead. Resources were clear at 9 p.m.
Some of the common causes of leg cramping is caused by a couple possible factors: (1) Dehydration. Bring plenty of fluid (water or electrolyte drinks (like ProPel)). (2) Overdoing a hike. If you have not been hiking in a while, you need to condition your legs with smaller hikes (or walks). And, work your way up to longer and more difficult hikes. (3) Take breaks. Resting along the way helps your muscles rid itself of lactic acid, which is a byproduct of muscle usage.
Muscle cramps can be reduced by hydrating, resting, and taking an anti-inflammatory product, like Advil, aspirin, etc. Lactic acid causes inflammation and muscle cramps. Some people are more prone to muscle cramps then others. Many experienced hikers carry anti-inflammatory pills as a permanent part of their pack.
On Oct. 3 at 4 p.m., Ray Brook Dispatch received a call reporting a hiker with severe cramping who could not continue down from the summit of Black Dome. Forest Rangers Fox and Peterson hiked to the subject and provided electrolytes and food. After some rest and hydration, the 29-year-old from New Jersey was able to walk again. Rangers assisted the subject to Big Hollow Road trailhead. Resources were clear at 9 p.m.
Some of the common causes of leg cramping is caused by a couple possible factors: (1) Dehydration. Bring plenty of fluid (water or electrolyte drinks (like ProPel)). (2) Overdoing a hike. If you have not been hiking in a while, you need to condition your legs with smaller hikes (or walks). And, work your way up to longer and more difficult hikes. (3) Take breaks. Resting along the way helps your muscles rid itself of lactic acid, which is a byproduct of muscle usage.
Muscle cramps can be reduced by hydrating, resting, and taking an anti-inflammatory product, like Advil, aspirin, etc. Lactic acid causes inflammation and muscle cramps. Some people are more prone to muscle cramps then others. Many experienced hikers carry anti-inflammatory pills as a permanent part of their pack.