Trail rating system Ratings are "maximum"; ie. most of the trail may be a rating
"1", but there may be a difficult obstacle somewhere on the trail that may
increase the rating to "3".
Easy; suitable for brand-new riders. Generally wide open and fairly flat,
with minimal off-camber sidehills, and the occasional cross-ditch. May have
"safe" assents or desents, no steep drops offs.
Moderately easy; suitable for new riders who are looking to expand their
skills. Some minor off-camber sections, hill-climbs, rocks, mud, and other
obstacles.
Moderate; suitable for riders with experience. Some off-camber
sections, hill climbs, rocks, mud, water, and other obstacles. Some narrow or
twisting areas requiring slow speeds, high shelf roads, trees, etc.
Moderately difficult; suitable for experienced riders who are looking for a
bit of a challenge. May contain off-camber sidehills, rock climbing, narrow,
twisting trails through the trees, steep sections, water crossings, deep mud,
and plenty of the usual obstacles.
Difficult; suitable for very experienced
riders only. Tough, technical trails, dirt-bike trails, tight squeezes, tires in
the air, and lots of obstacles such as large rocks, bottomless mud, or deep
water.
Remember, trail difficulty can increase with inclement weather, and trails can
become degraded due to landslides, deadfall, and industry. By the same token, a
once-difficult trail can become easier for various reasons.
This guide is adopted from the rating guide posted on
QUADS.CA.