I've used those herd paths from time to time--going down from the Baldpates, up Mahoosuc Arm, and other steep descents and ascents--and usually when the rock was wet. If I could go down the rock I did. I recently watched a video by Craig "Hawk" Mains, where he criticizes hikers who do that and stated if you don't want to take the risk of going down the middle of the trail, don't hike the AT. I disagree, but I wonder what others think.