What would ATV trail riding be without a system to grade trails difficulty or ease? In some cases or on some trails there are posted signs stating: easy, more difficult, most difficult. These may be called out on trail maps. This is not only for the ATV experience one can gain by challenging yourself to more and more difficult rides, but also to help make wise choices for younger ATV family members as to what trails they should attempt. An inexperienced ATV 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 posted at all.
The Easy Trail designation means the ATV driver is looking at finding grades of less than 10%. These are places where ATV 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 ATV drivers with limited skills or ATV 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 an ATV driver will encounter. The ATV trail will be less than 24 inches in most places, but not less than 12 inches over all. This is a learning trail and ATV skills can be developed here.
The Most Difficult trail posting designation is for ATV 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 ATV trail will by and large be 12 inches wide. This type of ATV trail does require a high degree of skill to navigate, and is a challenge to the ATV driver throughout the run. Overall, ATVers should heed posted signs for their safety and enjoyment.
