A group of ill-prepared hikers called for rescue near the peak of New York's tallest mountain, which is prone to early season snowfall and chilling temperatures. Forest rangers with the Department of Environmental Conservation received the call late in the afternoon of Nov. 25 — three hikers were on the mountain's 5,300-foot summit in sneakers complaining of frozen feet. At least eight inches of snow were present in upper elevations at the time, according to rangers. In a rescue report sent Tuesday, rangers said locating the hikers offered added trouble. "The hikers could not read a map properly, making it more difficult for rangers to pinpoint their location," it read. Just before 10 p.m., approximately five hours after the initial rescue call, rangers were able to find the hikers and lead them back to their vehicle in the dark. Hiking safety resources provided by the state strongly recommend "sturdy, comfortable hiking boots" for any trails, regardless of the time of year. Snowshoes or skis are required in the High Peaks Wilderness Area when there are at least eight inches of snowfall. In addition to dressing appropriately, rangers also recommend hikers bring plenty of food and water with them when setting out in the mountains. "Being tired, hungry, or dehydrated makes people more susceptible to hypothermia," the group said. While temperatures can climb into the 40s during early December in the Champlain Valley and other low-lying areas, winter conditions have been present for weeks in the high peaks. Wind chill temperatures atop Mount Marcy are expected to drop as low as -18 degrees in the coming days. Forest rangers can be reached for search and rescue, among other reports, by calling 833-NYS-RANGERS. If a person needs urgent assistance, they are asked to call 911.