Meet the Pugs Conquering New Hampshire’s Tallest Mountains

Quick Smiles:

• Erin McMahon and her 10-year-old pug, Woof, have conquered the New Hampshire 48, a collection of mountains each over 4,000 feet tall. They’ve also climbed 6,000-foot mountains and hiked up to 22 miles in a day.
• Erin recently adopted another pug, Lemon, who has joined them in their hiking adventures. Their journey is documented on their Instagram page @pugsonamountain.
• The pugs’ climbing achievements often surprise fellow hikers, earning them admiration and respect. Despite occasionally needing help, the pugs love the climb and are compared to “little billy goats.”

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Erin McMahon, a physical therapist assistant, and her trusty 10-year-old pug named Woof have accomplished an incredible feat.

These adventurous spirits have successfully scaled the New Hampshire 48, the state’s collection of mountains each exceeding 4,000 feet in height.

“We’ve even climbed some 6,000-ft. mountains, and hiked up to 22 miles in a day,” shares Erin, bubbling with the sense of accomplishment and camaraderie she shares with her four-legged companion.

“He follows right behind me on the trail, like a little baby duck. It’s my favorite thing just to look back and he has got this big dog smile on his face.”

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A post shared by Woof and Lemon (@pugsonamountain)

The pair’s adventures don’t stop at the summit. They enjoy their leisure time as well.

“He just loves being with me. He gets a really nice lunch at the top and he’s all about lunch,” says Erin.

She makes sure Woof’s effort gets rewarded with a tasty spread of kibble supplemented with pumpkin, cheese, or blueberries.

Adding more paws to their hiking party, Erin recently adopted a 3-year-old pug named Lemon.

Lemon has fittingly taken to the trails as well, joining Erin and Woof on their climbs, their escapades meticulously chronicled on their Instagram account, @pugsonamountain.

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A post shared by Woof and Lemon (@pugsonamountain)

One of the most delightful aspects of their journeys, according to Erin, is the surprised reactions they elicit from fellow hikers.

“People will say, ‘Oh my gosh. I’ve never seen a pug on a mountain,’ or, ‘Oh, if he can do it, I can do it,’” she recalls.

The doubters are quickly silenced when Erin tells them about Woof’s accomplishment, often earning the response, “Respect.”

Although the pugs sometimes hitch a ride, especially Woof when the trail gets a bit wet, they love the climb.

“They’re really little billy goats,” McMahon describes her pugs. “They just scamper up!”

The duo, or rather the trio, exemplify the joy of overcoming challenges together, no matter how steep the path.

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