Backsloping tread
Overview
Backsloping tread is trail tread where the walking surface slopes inward toward the hillside rather than slightly outward, potentially influencing drainage and footing.
Key points
- Contrasts with outslope tread, which leans gently away from the hillside to shed water.
- Backsloped tread can retain water or debris on the trail surface in some conditions.
- The term describes the orientation of the tread and does not, by itself, assign quality or safety ratings.
Details
Trail construction and maintenance often aim for a modest outslope so that water flows off the tread. When tread is backsloped, the surface leans toward the uphill side instead, which can affect drainage patterns and how water, sediment, and debris move. In some contexts, backsloping may be a temporary condition due to wear or incomplete maintenance, while in others it may reflect specific design constraints. For hikers, backsloped sections may feel different underfoot and can influence where water and mud accumulate along a path.
Related topics
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