ROYALSTON – A hiker reported missing Tuesday evening while on the trails of Royalston Falls was found following a search involving local and state police and fire services.

According to Royalston Fire Chief Eric Jack, a friend of the hiker called dispatch to report them missing shortly before 5:30 p.m. The hiker had entered Royalston Falls from the Richmond, New Hampshire, side and gotten lost.

Because their exact location wasn’t known, Jack said that dispatch activated the State Police and requested aid from Richmond Fire. Around a dozen searchers used UTVs, all-terrain vehicles designed to haul heavier loads or take on additional passengers, to get to the trails.

After roughly an hour of searching, Richmond Fire personnel found the hiker, a young woman from the area, according to Jack. The hiker wasn’t injured.

“They weren’t badly hurt, just lost,” Jack said.

Royalston Falls has multiple trails, leading into the center of town and New Hampshire. Jack said the department receives a few calls a year for lost or missing hikers.

“It can be easy to get lost, the trails go a ways,” he added. “It happens from time to time.”

Jack recommended that hikers plan their trips so that they can exit the trails before dark, and to avoid hiking alone.

Max Bowen can be reached at 413-930-4074 or at mbowen@atholdailynews.com.