Originally Posted By: Steve C
Originally Posted By: saltydog
Would it be useful to try to establish just what constitutes a switchback?

Definitely. There is some debate here.

I think one requirement is that the up-slope and down-slope side of the trail must switch from one side to the other.

I am not sure whether the number of degrees in the turn (how tight) should also be included.

I've got it.... any turns in question should photographed and displayed.

And does a "switchback" mean the actual turning point, or is it the straight section of trail between the two turns???


Defining "switchback" (The following quote was edited by me.)

Quote:
A hairpin turn, named for its resemblance to a hairpin or bobby pin, is a bend in a road with a very acute inner angle, making it necessary to turn almost 180° to continue on the road. Such turns may be called switchbacks in American English, by analogy with switchback railways.