In a psychedelic misadventure on Cascade Mountain, two hikers mistakenly reported a friend's demise after consuming hallucinogenic mushrooms, only to find their 'deceased' companion alive and well, enjoying nature's finest highs.

On May 24, 2025, a trio of hikers in the Adirondack Mountains experienced a shocking twist when two of them, under the influence of psilocybin, prematurely declared a third 'dead.' Park officials quickly intervened, not to recover a body, but to escort the confused pair back down the mountain, where they were reunited with their shockingly unharmed companion, proving once again that not all who wander are lost—some are just experiencing a very intense trip.

The incident began when the two hikers dialed 911, reporting a grave situation. However, the only thing truly dead in this scenario was their grasp on reality. They were found to be in an altered mental state—clearly a side effect of their mushroom-fueled adventure. It's not uncommon for those who ingest the colorful fungi to misinterpret the world around them, and in this case, they mistook their friend’s peaceful repose for a tragic ending.

Cascade Mountain, with its striking views and winding trails, is a favorite among outdoor enthusiasts, but as Saturday unfolded, the mountain became the site of a serious misunderstanding. The two hikers described their misapprehension to the dispatcher, who likely wished they had recorded the call for a future documentary on ‘What Not to Do While Hiking’. They mistakenly believed a third member of their party had died due to their altered mental state, which stemmed from their consumption of hallucinogenic mushrooms.

It wasn’t until a state forest ranger arrived on the scene that the reality of the situation started to unravel. According to the ranger, the 'deceased' hiker was hanging out at the campsite, blissfully unaware of his supposed demise. One can only speculate what kind of philosophical epiphanies he was experiencing while minding his own business, possibly pondering the meaning of life or if he should invest in a better sleeping bag.

Park officials opted to call an ambulance for the two hikers who were in dire need of a reality check rather than for the 'corpse' they had conjured in their mushroom-induced state. As it turns out, their true concern was for the well-being of the living, and perhaps too, a wish for some better decisions when it comes to culinary choices in the wild.

After ensuring their safety, the ranger guided the two back down to the ambulance. There’s something deeply ironic about having to seek rescue on a popular hiking trail, a place meant for exploration and self-discovery, yet finding oneself in a situation where they mistakenly believed a member of their party had died due to being under the influence of hallucinogenic mushrooms.

Finally reunited, the trio shared a laugh about the ordeal, which will undoubtedly go down in their personal history as the ‘Great Mushroom Caper’. They realized that while nature can indeed be a mesmerizing experience, it is also advisable to check for living friends before placing an emergency call. Through their mix-up, they not only solidified their bond but also provided a new anecdote for those who enjoy the thresholds of consciousness—one that shall endure in the annals of hiking history.

In all seriousness, this incident serves as a reminder about the potential dangers of indulging in hallucinogens while adventuring through the woods. It seems rather evident that hiking in a state of heightened perception doesn’t guarantee savvy judgments. Perhaps next time, the mushrooms could be traded in for granola bars: the only trip being the one to the soup kitchen for hot meals.