One thing you should always take into consideration when choosing and planning a hike is the trail difficulty. These rating systems are based on the technical and physical difficulty hikers can expect.
Difficulty grades describe the attributes and challenges of the environment rather than the fitness level needed by the hiker.
Difficulty levels and descriptions can vary by location, so it is best to use them as a guideline rather than a strict rule. If in doubt, you should start on a lower difficulty level to get a feel for it.
What Goes into the Ratings
Not all systems use the same variables, but some typical considerations are terrain, elevation change, length/distance, altitude, and how well marked the trail is.
Factors for the terrain include obstacles on the ground, rock scrambles, river/creek crossings, stairs, ladders, rope climbs, narrow canyons, and cliff edges or drop-offs.
Related to terrain is how many feet or meters of elevation the trail gains or loses.
Altitude plays a role in oxygen levels and exposure (risk of a fall).
The distance (in miles or kilometers) may or may not be factored into the difficulty rating. While longer distances are typically harder, a long trail on flat terrain can be much easier than a shorter hike up a mountain.
Trail Difficulty Ratings
In the United States, most difficulty ratings are tied to a descriptor – Easy, moderate, and strenuous. There can be mid-levels (such as moderately strenuous and very strenuous) and accessible trails as well.
Easy
Easy trails are generally suitable for anyone. They have level terrain or a very slight incline – paved, boardwalk, or maintained dirt. Paths are well blazed.
Check out some of my favorite easy hikes which include universally accessible paths and short trails perfect for the whole family.
Moderate
Moderate trails are more challenging. They may or may not be suitable for a novice hiker. Moderate inclines with some steeper sections are common. Those on the more moderately strenuous side often have a steady, steep incline.
A good portion of my hikes are on moderate trails. Waterfall trails are often moderate and most state parks and national parks offer several moderate trails.
Strenuous
Strenuous trails are a challenge for most hikers. These hikes are usually long, steep, and include physical challenges like rock scrambles, river crossings, or other natural obstacles. If a short trail is rated strenuous, there is likely a significant amount of elevation change.
Strenuous hikes can also be called hard, rugged, challenging, or difficult. Hikers should be skilled or heavily prepared for difficult navigation.
I do not hike strenuous trails often, but they usually involve winding paths to mountain summits or into canyon and gorges. Pinnacle Mountain Trail at Table Rock State Park and Grandfather Trail at Grandfather Mountain are good examples.
Other Rating Systems
Other trail systems have color classifications or numerical difficulty ratings, typically ranging from 1 to 5.
It is important to understand the difficulty of a trail and what went into that specific rating. I can handle most moderate hikes; however, a moderate hike that climbs up the side of a mountain is much different than a longer moderate hike with smaller dips and inclines. I always try to read the trail description and other hikers’ perspectives on blogs or hiking apps before visiting somewhere for the first time.
Brilliant! Why I haven’t we come across this information before? You are always thinking of ways those of us who travel, hike can enjoy our surroundings even more. Great of you to share with us. Once again, thank you StephPurk
I only try the easy hikes, Love to read about the rest and keep sending the pictures.