Cycling Switchback Way
Ride 2.5 miles gaining 1,134’ at 8.8% average grade.
Photo: Honeymoon Covered Bridge, Jackson Falls, NH
This is a challenging bike climb out of Jackson Falls. After a gentle, but brief, start, the road pitches up to double digits for several segments, maxing out at 12.4% for a quarter mile beginning at mil 1.6. This climb can be done in conjunction with Hurricane Mountain Road (East / West) which is only 10 miles southeast.
“Switchback Way is a steep test on a dead end road with two options near its end. It begins over stout grade within a mountain neighborhood, the grade gradually increasing. Soon you encounter several S turns and woods. Houses reappear higher up as the grade eases but soon you find the steepest sustained climbing on the hill. Continue straight at a four way stop to continue over double digit slope. At Washington Boulder on the left, the grade eases and soon you reach a junction. Turn right here to climb for 0.2 additional miles to a dead end. Turning left at the junction you find a slightly longer but less steep finish.” (This quote is presented with the approval of John Summerson, from his book, The Complete Guide to Climbing (by Bike) in the Northeast, pg. 94.)