Mountain Biking Difficulty Ranking

Trail Ranking: Beginner/Intermediate

• Likely to be single track with a moderate gradient, variable surface and some obstacles. Short sections may exceed these criteria

• Trail is handlebar width or greater

• Trail Surface Mostly firm and stable

• Climbs and descents are mostly shallow, but trail may include some moderately steep sections

• Clearly signposted

• Trail may have obstacles such as logs, roots and rocks

• Suitable mountain bikers with basic mountain bike skills Suitable for most bikes

Trail Ranking: Intermediate/Difficult

• Likely to be a challenging single trail with moderate gradients, variable surface and obstacles

• Trail is handlebar width or greater

• Trail Surface Possible sections of rocky or loose tread

• Mostly moderate gradients but may include steep sections

• Signposted

• Exposure to either side of the trail corridor includes downward slopes of up to 25%

• Trail will have obstacles such as logs, roots and rocks

• Suitable for competent mountain bikers with good mountain bike skills

• Suitable for mountain bikes

Trail Ranking: Extremely Difficult

• Likely to be a challenging single trail with steep gradients, variable surface and many obstacles

• Trail can be less than handlebar width

• Trail Surface Widely variable and challenging

• Expect prolonged steep, loose and rocky descents or climbs

• Quality of Markings Trailhead signs and route markers may be limited

• Exposure to either side of the trail corridor includes steep downward slopes or freefall

• Unavoidable obstacles such as logs, roots, drop off’s or constructed obstacles

• Suitable for highly experienced mountain bikers with excellent skills, used to physically demanding routes

• Navigation and personal survival skills are highly desirable

•  Suitable for quality mountain bikes