Trying to determine locations of switchbacks (past or present) on lines east of the Mississippi. Thought I recall reading about an existing one on NS or CSX in the Carolinas in the last few years.<br>Anyone know of any?<br><br>

Several spring immediately to mind. First and foremost, and still in service, the incredible pair of switchbacks at Cass Scenic RR in West Virginia. Featuring a stretch of 11% grade which drops the Shay engines down to a crawl!<br>The Reading had another pair on its Williams Valley Branch near Lykens, PA. This line was in service until the early 1970's. The PRR had a triple switchback on it Bellefonte & Snowshoe Branch west of Bellefonte. Not sure when this line was closed, but have heard first-person accounts of hand-firing H-9 2-8-0's up the hill. There are probably others, but these are known to me.<br>



K4s1361@hotmail.com

The DL&W's branch from Owego to Ithaca NY had a switchback on the South Hill of Ithaca. This line has been abandoned for years and before the switchback was built, an inclined railway hauled passengers to the top of the hill where the line began. The original railway, before the DL&W acquired it, dates from 1840's I believe.<br>

Also the Ontario and Western had a switchback that was abandoned after the Northfield tunnel was built. Many railroads originally built switchbacks before replacing them with tunnels at a later date.<br>