What would 4-wheeler trail riding be without a system to grade the ease or difficulty of a trail? In some cases or on some trails there are posted signs stating: easy, more difficult, most difficult.
They are also rated on trail maps - usually by color. This is not only for the 4-wheeler experience one can gain by challenging yourself to more and more difficult rides, but also to help make wise choices for younger 4-wheeler family members as to what trails they should attempt. An inexperienced 4-wheeler driver should work through the difficulty levels and by the time they reach the most difficult level their skills should take them into off road areas which may not be rated at all.
The Easy Trail designation means the 4-wheeler driver is looking at finding grades of less than 10%. These are places where 4-wheeler drivers will find relatively smooth and easy surfaces with little traction problems. The trails are an average of 24 inches wide at the widest point. Even 4-wheeler drivers with limited skills or 4-wheeler driving knowledge should be able to navigate these trails.
A More Difficult trail post usually means the grade pitch can rise up to 30%, and on average, they will vary from 10% to 15%. There may be some rough patches a 4-wheeler driver will encounter. The 4-wheeler trail will be less than 24 inches in most places, but not less than 12 inches over all. This is a learning trail and 4-wheeler skills can be developed here.
The Most Difficult trail posting designation is for 4-wheeler trails that have pitches grades at over 30% throughout, with grades normally 15% to 20%. Most of the trail surface will be rough and the 4-wheeler trail will by and large be 12 inches wide. This type of 4-wheeler trail does require a high degree of skill to navigate, and is a challenge to the 4-wheeler driver throughout the run. Now that you know the basics, pick the trail difficulty that suits your skills on your next ride!
