The Mount Morgan Trail's ladder route earns its place on the Terrifying 25 through a compact sequence of obstacles that demand more than ordinary hiking fitness. After a moderate first mile through open forest south of Squam Lake, the trail steepens toward the ridge, joining the Crawford-Ridgepole Trail before arriving at a fork roughly 2 miles from the trailhead. The left fork commits hikers to the technical section: three wooden ladders set against a rock face, the first two stacked directly above each other, the third requiring a reach to the right that can challenge shorter hikers. Above the ladders, the route threads through a narrow cave, tight enough that packs may need to come off before squeezing out the far end. A short scramble over exposed granite follows, delivering broad views of Squam Lake and the surrounding hills.
The segment covers just under 2 miles, gaining elevation steadily before arriving at its most demanding terrain. The technical character of the ladders and cave makes this route inappropriate for anyone with a fear of heights or confined spaces. Descending the ladders is strongly inadvisable; most hikers return via the bypass trail after completing the ascent. Good grip footwear is essential on the smooth exposed granite.
The ladders are a serious hazard when wet or icy, and the route is best reserved for dry conditions between May and October.
