MUDDY CREEK TWP — People tending to a boat at Moraine State Park's Davis Hollow Marina heard cries for help from the woods Monday that were coming from a hiker who suffered a leg injury on a trail and had been stuck for more than 24 hours.

Moraine State Park manager Dustin Drew said park rangers were able to locate the hiker around 12:30 p.m. The Portersville Muddy Creek Township Volunteer Fire Department rescued the man, and he was airlifted to a hospital for treatment.

Drew said park rangers believe the hiker was walking the mountain bike trail system near the Davis Hollow marina, but had to drag himself closer to the trail head after suffering a leg injury.

“We believe he was hiking,” Drew said. “From what we heard, he fell at one point, sustained an injury and continued to move as best he could until he could call for help.”

Injuries this severe are relatively uncommon at Moraine, according to Drew. He is also the park manager of McConnells Mill State Park, which he said generally has more difficult terrain than Moraine.

He said visitors who plan to hike any park trail should be as prepared as possible to avoid potential injury.

“There are a lot of factors that can play into a fall,” Drew said. “Moraine has some rougher areas. If you step on a rock the wrong way, if you're not wearing the right shoes, you could slip and fall.”

Letting other people know your plans is another good safety precaution to take before embarking on an excursion, Drew said.

“Let someone know where you are going, when you think you will be back,” he said. “Having a cell phone with you, even though service can be limited, can be a good safety measure to call for help if needed.”