A hiker was found dead Christmas Day on Mount Lincoln after an all-night search by NH Fish and Game conservation officers.

The 28-year-old man set out on the Bridle Path/Falling Waters Loop in Franconia Notch State Park around 11 a.m. in the frigid weather. His family said he was an inexperienced hiker and didn't know what equipment he might have. A family member tracking him via GPS in China notified NH Fish and Game around 6:15 p.m. after it appeared he went off the trail south of Mount Lincoln. His phone was almost out of power.

A team of Conservation Officers began a search along the 8.6 mile trail the night of Christmas Eve and reached Franconia Ridge after finding tracks in the snow they believed were those of the missing hiker, according to NH Fish and Game. The tracks continued off trail and ended up in a drainage area that flows from between Little Haystack Mountain and Mount Lincoln.

The man's body was found around 6:45 a.m. Christmas morning, about a half a mile from the Falling Waters Trail in Franconia. His body was back at the trailhead by 2:30 p.m.

The man's identity was not disclosed, pending notification of family.

20-year-old hiker Emily Soto from Westford, Massachusetts, died in November while hiking at nearby Mount Lafayette. Her body was found on November 23, her 20th birthday.  Family said she was an experienced hiker but not in winter conditions.

NH Fish & Game said that hikers in winter should be prepared for the conditions and follow the guidelines of the Hiker Responsibility Code, and the website HikeSafe.com. Their guidelines include wearing warm, weatherproof clothing, and carrying a lighter and matches to start a fire, a pocket knife, a whistle, a first aid kit, and a flashlight.

Contact reporter Dan Alexander at Dan.Alexander@townsquaremedia.com or via Twitter @DanAlexanderNH

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