Trail Ratings

What do the trail ratings mean?

Trails are rated for incline and terrain so you can more easily choose which one will suit your walking style.  Elevation gain is cumulative, and is not decreased by downhill.

Part 1 -- Incline

[1] Very small hills or very little stair climbing.  Probably suitable for strollers and wheelchairs.  Elevation gain: up to 500 feet.

[2] Some moderate hills and stair climbing. Probably suitable for strollers. May not be suitable for wheelchairs.  Elevation gain 500-1500 feet.

[3] Some significant hill or stair climbing.  Not suitable for strollers or wheelchairs.  Elevation gain: 1500 - 2500 feet.

[4] Lots of significant hills or stair climbing.  Elevation gain: 2500-3500 feet.

[5] Many steep hills.  Elevation gain: more than 3500 feet.

Part 2 -- Terrain

[A] Almost entirely on pavement.  Probably suitable for strollers and wheelchairs.

[B] A significant part of the route is on well-groomed trails with very few obstacles.  Probably suitable for strollers.  May not be suitable for wheelchairs.

[C] A significant part of the route is on somewhat difficult terrain (rocky/rooted paths or soft sand.)  Not suitable for strollers or wheelchairs.

[D] A significant part of the route is on very difficult terrain.

[E] The majority of the route is on very difficult terrain.

Examples:
A route that is mostly on flat pavements would be rated 1A.
A beach walk would be rated 1C.
A route with moderate hills on well-groomed trails would be rated 2B.

Precautions:  Be aware that weather conditons will cause a variance in trail/route rating.  An unexpected hot or cold day can increase the degree of difficulty of a trail as much as one or two full points, so each participant should adjust accordingly.  It is as possible to become dehydrated in cold weather as in hot.  It is advisable to carry water to all volkssport events.