Trail Difficulty Rating System
Under the IMBA Rating System, trails are graded on a difficulty scale from Very easy to Extreme.
Very easy
Difficultly symbol: White circle
Wide trail with a gentle gradient smooth surface and no obstacles.
Suitable for beginner cyclists with basic bike skills, and most bikes.
Easy
Difficultly symbol: Green circle
Wide trail with a gentle gradient smooth surface.
Some obstacles such as roots, logs and rocks.
Suitable for beginner cyclists with basic mountain bike skills, and off-road bikes.
Intermediate
Difficultly symbol: Blue square
Single trail with moderate gradients, variable surface and obstacles.
May include steep sections.
Suitable for skilled mountain bikers with mountain bikes.
Suitable for competent mountain bikers, used to physically demanding routes.
Expect large and unavoidable obstacles and features.
Challenging and variable with some steep climbs or descents and loose surfaces.
Difficult
Difficultly symbol: Black diamond
Suitable for experienced mountain bikers, used to physically demanding routes.
Navigation and personal survival skills are highly desirable.
Expect large, dangerous and unavoidable obstacles and features.
Challenging and variable with long steep climbs or descents and loose surfaces.
Some sections will be easier to walk.
Extreme
Difficultly symbol: Black double diamond
Suitable for highly experienced mountain bikers, used to physically demanding routes.
Navigation and personal survival skills are highly desirable.
Severe constructed trails and/or natural features, all sections are challenging.
Includes extreme levels of exposure and/or risk.
Expect large, dangerous and unavoidable obstacles and features.
Some sections will be easier to walk.
