Tumbledown Mountain is seen from Parker’s Ridge in Township 6, north of Weld in Franklin County. (Courtesy photo)

State forest and recreational rangers will conduct patrols during the three-day Labor Day weekend on popular Tumbledown Mountain in Township 6, north of Weld in Franklin County, to try and keep hikers safe.

The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, Bureau of Parks and Lands, and the Maine Forest Service remind visitors to Tumbledown Mountain that rangers may be on site to promote safe, responsible recreation, according to a news statement.

The forest and recreational rangers routinely conduct patrols to check trailhead parking and trail use and monitor for camping, which is prohibited on the mountain. These patrols are part of an ongoing effort to maintain a safe and welcoming experience for everyone visiting.

The Weld Fire Department has responded six times just since June 8 to help hikers who have either been hurt or lost on Tumbledown Mountain, with one on Little Jackson Mountain, which connects to Tumbledown via trails. One of those search and rescue missions turned into a recovery after the hiker died from medical issues there.

Rangers remind visitors that camping has been prohibited on Tumbledown Mountain since 2021 in an effort to protect fragile natural resources and improve the hiking experience for all visitors.

Compliance with this rule has been strong, and the bureau encourages hikers to continue respecting the ban. Nearby state and private campgrounds provide overnight accommodations for those wishing to extend their trip. Reservations are strongly encouraged.

Other hiker tips are:

• Pack out all trash and belongings.

• Stay on marked trails to reduce erosion and protect plants and wildlife.

• Wear proper footwear and bring water and weather-appropriate clothing.

• Cellphone coverage is limited, and people should not rely on immediate emergency assistance in remote locations.

Ultimately, safety is a hiker’s responsibility, according to the state.

Bill Patterson, the bureau’s deputy director of Public Reserved Lands, said in the statement that they appreciate the cooperation they have seen from hikers since instituting the camping ban, and they want to keep the momentum going.

“With increased use during holiday weekends, these patrols help reinforce the shared responsibility we all have to protect Tumbledown for future generations,” Patterson said.