Solo Climber From Maine Rescued From Whitehorse Ledge After Becoming Stranded 500 Feet Up

William Carron of Portland, Maine, called for help after climbing to a location called "Sliding Board," where he felt unsafe.

By Jeffrey Hastings, Patch Staff

Oct 26, 2026 8:19 AM EDT

William Carron of Portland, Maine, called for help after climbing to a location called "Sliding Board," where he felt unsafe. (NH Fish and Game)

HALES LOCATION, N.H. — A solo rock climber was rescued unharmed on Sunday, October 25, after becoming stranded about 500 feet off the ground on Whitehorse Ledge.

Emergency responders were alerted shortly after 8:00 a.m. when 30-year-old William Carron of Portland, Maine, called for help. Carron had been climbing unroped on a route known as "Sliding Board" when he reached a section where he felt unsafe continuing either upward or downward. He secured himself on a stable spot on the cliff face and waited for help.

New Hampshire Fish and Game conservation officers coordinated a swift response alongside North Conway Fire and Rescue and the Mountain Rescue Service (MRS). A team of nine volunteer climbers from MRS ascended the cliff, reached Carron, and secured him before fixing ropes for a controlled descent back to the base.

The entire rescue party and Carron returned safely to the ground shortly before 10:00 a.m. No injuries were reported.

The Mountain Rescue Service is a volunteer organization specializing in technical search-and-rescue operations across New Hampshire. You can make tax-deductible donations to support MRS through the New Hampshire Outdoor Council at nhoutdoorcouncil.org. Officials also remind outdoor enthusiasts that purchasing a Hike Safe card at wildnh.com/safe helps fund Fish and Game search-and-rescue operations statewide. Safety guidelines and essential gear recommendations are available at hikesafe.com.