The Willey Range Trail earns its place on the Terrifying 25 through a brutal 1.1-mile section that gains nearly 1,650 feet below the summit of Mount Willey (4,285'), much of it via multiple sets of steep wooden ladders. The ladders provide traction where the slope would otherwise demand pure scrambling, but they are genuinely steep, and wet rungs combined with slick rock slabs above them make conditions dangerous in rain or mist. Above the ladder section, the grade stays punishing over rooted, rocky terrain all the way to the wooded summit, where a short spur leads to an overlook with views toward the Presidential Range.
The full segment covers roughly 3 miles on the west side of Crawford Notch, connecting the Ethan Pond Trail to the north with the A-Z Trail to the south. Below the ladder zone, grades are more moderate with reasonable footing, but the climb begins in earnest quickly once Willey Range Trail takes over. Hikers comfortable on the ascent should plan for the descent with equal care: looking down the ladders from the top is a noticeably different experience from climbing them, and the wet rock slabs above have caught people off guard.
The ladder infrastructure requires periodic maintenance and conditions can vary by season, so checking recent trip reports is worthwhile before heading out. In winter or icy conditions, the ladder section becomes extremely serious and full mountaineering gear is required. Poles are of limited use on the ladders, and both hands should stay free throughout the steepest terrain.
