Hi All,

First post. I am planning an overnight trip - wanting to head up Avalon to Mt. Tom. Then bag Field and Willey before descending down Willey Range Trail and spending the night at Ethan Pond. My question involves the ladders. I have seen videos and read multiple pages stating going up is no issue for dogs but a little less info on going down. Our lab has a handful of 4000 footers and is an experienced hiker. Should we worry about going down or do dogs usually have a pretty easy time?

Thanks!

Welcome aboard!

I've done the Willet "ladders" twice going down both times. I'd call them stairs more than ladders. However along the sides of the stairs/ladders are also worn and may be easier for the pup. If your dog has done other WM hikes then I don't think it will be a problem but agree going down is harder than up for them

Someone who used to post a lot here brought their yellow lab and did o.k. The real headache began when they got home and discovered their dog could now climb into their above ground pool ANYTIME!

hahaha backyard swimming pool sounds like heaven for a lab! Thanks for the input- hopefully late September will cooperate with the weather!

Best

Hahaha! In such case, I may be able to bring our little Leroy as well.