Dogs on the Long Trail

[pedxing]

I'm thinking of doing the Long Trail with my 2 1/2 year old mutt. She's supposed to be a terrier/Lab mix. She runs about 5 miles several days a week and has done well on shorter backpacking trips and loves the trail.

I'm trying to remember the LT from a dogs point of view. I know the ladders on Mansfield might pose a problem. Are there good ways around the ladders? Are there other things I should be concerned about. Since I've already done the trail as a purist, I'm not going to be a purist about passing every blaze if I go again?

Anyone ever hitched to resupply with a dog?
How was it?

 

[una_dogger]

I've done several individual "hundred milers" with my dog, a couple hundred of which on the LT.

Hitching with a dog is hit or miss. If its raining, its hard to get picked up.

Probably the smaller the dog the luckier you'll be. I keep a small brush in my pack to keep her groomed on trips (for her comfort) and I whip it out and give her a quick going over before trying to hitch. Just to present a "cleaner dog" picture. I've also been fortunate enough to be picked up by some really nice people. But I've also spent miles on the road with her walking into town in the rain.

I have been picked up by pick ups while hitching to resupply and have ridden in the back with her to keep her safe and calm.

On the LT, watch out for porcupines. Its a good idea to have a listing of vets along your route, just in case you need one.

I can't recall any problems on Mansfield. I've done from Camel's Hump to the Canadian Border and from Mass to Killington with a dog, plus the Breadloaf Wilderness and Abraham to Ellen.

Happy Trails,
Sabrina

 

[MikeM]

I have done a bunch of trips on the LT with my dog. He seems to really enjoy it. The one place that always gives us trouble is ladder ravine between Burnt Rock and Mt Ira Allen. The tall ladder provides access into and out of the ravine. We usually approach it from the south and Bogey tends to freak out when looking into the ravine knowing that the trail goes that way. I've had to leash him and pull him into my arms to carry him down the ladder. Not the safest maneuver. Bogey and I have been unsuccesful finding a way around this ladder. Before passing thru there again I should do some better scouting to find a bypass. His anxiety has increased with each time we have done this ladder so I owe it to him to find a better way.

We have encountered porcupines on the trail. I have been lucky that Bogey watches them but keeps a safe distance from them. I always check Bogey's pads at the end of each day and they hold up very well on the LT. Exposed rock in the whites and Adk's have caused him minor pad problems. Enjoy your hike

 

[jmegillon149]

another FYI, alpine zones in Vermont require leashes for dogs

GMC typically is more strict about the alpine veg, hence the designated "mud-season" and summit caretakers (btw-good resources).