New Hampshire Fish and Game officials responded to assist hikers in Franconia and Marlow Saturday after they found themselves unprepared for day hikes.

Two hikers and their four dogs were rescued by a New Hampshire Fish and Game Conservation Officer after getting lost in the woods by their home near Sand Pond in Marlow. The pair found themselves disoriented on a series of snowmobile trails and called 911 at approximately 10 p.m., according to Fish and Game officials.

Sgt. David Walsh of the Keene Fish and Game office responded to the pond at 11 p.m. He reached the stranded hikers by boat, transporting them and their dogs to safety by midnight. Neither of the hikers had a flashlight or map of the area.

Earlier in the day, at 4 p.m. in Franconia, a report was made of a medical emergency on Franconia Ridge between Little Haystack and Mt. Lincoln. A NH Fish and Wildlife officer advised the ill hiker to rehydrate after contacting them on their cell phone.

Conservation officers and volunteers from Pemi Valley Search and Rescue Team hiked up the 3.3 mile trail and made contact with the hiker's group less than two and a half hours after the call for assistance.

After rehydration and rest, the ill hiker from Honolulu, Hawai was able to walk out on her own, avoiding having to be carried out.

Those adventuring in the outdoors need to be prepared for the unexpected, said Fish and Game officials, as even a day hike can result in extended time outdoors if people are unprepared. Visitors to the White Mountains need to be ready for all types of weather and conditions regardless of the time of year and should be hydrated prior to a hike and continue to hydrate during. A good practice when hiking is to bring at least 2 liters of water, said Fish and Game officials.

More information on recommended equipment is available at www.hikesafe.com.