As you proceed down the path, keep your eyes peeled for signs, reflectors, flags, paint blazes, or other trail markers. There are the usual perils to watch out for, of course, like getting lost or stumbling across a type of bear , a large predator or unseen trail hazard. A great one will also give you directions to hidden gems like waterfalls, caves, and swimming holes. In the best-case scenario, a switchback trail will be more or less flat underfoot. More often than not, however, it will be rocky, root-strewn, and uneven from mile one.
When the road gets rough, remember to take small, careful steps and always check your footing before setting down your full weight. At times you may come upon places where the path is slightly angled, usually towards the lower end of the slope.
Make sure your footwear offers solid traction, as loose rocks and shifting soil are practically guaranteed no matter where you happen to be roving. Hiking poles, while not a necessity, can lend a little extra stability and can be a big help when testing your next step. Why, you ask? Because this sort of behavior can destroy vegetation and create or worsen soil erosion , which can, in turn, have harmful effects on any type of plant and animal life.
This is the last thing we want. You might occasionally be able to make out a faint footpath running up the middle of a switchback, but these are generally made by either park authorities or scoundrels who break the rules.
Remember, as lovers of the Great Outdoors, our foremost responsibility is to leave no trace. That means packing out food and trash, yes, but it also means actively taking steps to limit our interference with the course of nature.
One such step is to stay on the trail. Looking for a fun yet challenging switchback hike to kick off the season? Try out one of these well-trod favorites. Each offers stunning scenery and lots of tricky directional changes with no special equipment or overnight camping required. Still got questions? Here are answers to some of the most common queries about switchbacks, their uses, and how to hike them safely and successfully. For more information read our privacy policy.
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