“The hiking trail does not exist”: a man stuck on a cliff after following the directions from Google Maps – Media7

The second rescue of this type in less than two months. Afterwards, Google ended up removing the path from its maps.

GPS are extraordinary tools. But they are not necessarily infallible. And it’s not uncommon to see users following routes that lead them to dead ends.

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But these devices are not the only ones to go off the rails from time to time. The giant Google may also have some flaws. This hiker learned it the hard way.

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The Canadian rescue services based in Vancouver (North Shore Rescue) inform that a hiker got lost despite himself. In fact, he found himself stuck on a cliff behind Mount Fromme after following the trail… on Google Maps.

The hiker ventured onto Mount Fromme.
Screenshot – @googlemaps

Ghost Trail

The unfortunate man had (and fortunately for him) to be rescued by helicopter. Two rescuers were airlifted to this area. According to the NSR cited by the New York Post, the hiker had “minimal equipment, no flashlight, and poor hiking shoes.” He was thus guided to an area where the helicopter was able to pick up the three men.

But it is not an isolated case. Indeed, rescuers from North Shore Rescue indicate that this is the second rescue of this type in the space of two months. Two hikers who also got lost on Mount Fromme. Blame it on bad directions… from Google Maps!

Still according to the New York Post, the area is extremely wooded and in reality, “there are no trails.” After hearing the news, Google rushed to remove this famous ghost hiking trail. For its part, NSR recommends using mobile applications specialized in hiking such as CalTopo or Gaia. Or… a paper map and a compass.