Trail grading system for walking and mountain biking

Easy walking for up to an hour.

• Suitable for people of most ages and fitness levels.
• Trails that are categorised as ‘easy access’ are also suitable for people using wheelchairs, buggies and strollers.
• The track is well-formed, with an even, well-drained surface. Stream and river crossings are bridged.
• Trails that are categorised as ‘easy access’ do not have steps or steep sections. 
• The track is well defined so there are no track markers.
• Wear basic walking shoes.

• Gentle walking from a few minutes to a day.
• Suitable for people with low to moderate fitness and abilities.
• Some tracks suitable for mountain biking.
• Track is clearly sign posted and marked where necessary either with orange triangles attached to trees, or marker poles if its above the bushline.
• Track is mostly well formed, some sections may be steep, rough or muddy. Stream and river crossings are bridged.
• Wear walking shoes or light tramping/hiking boots.

• Comfortable multi-day tramping/hiking
• Suitable for people with limited backcountry (remote area) experience.
• Some tracks suitable for mountain biking.
• Track has signs, poles or markers. Clearly marked where necessary with orange triangles attached to trees, or marker poles above the bushline.
• Track is generally well formed, some sections may be rough, muddy or steep. Major stream and river crossings are bridged.
• Wear light tramping/hiking boots.

• Challenging one-day or multi-day tramping/hiking.
• Suitable for people with moderate to high level backcountry (remote areas) skills and experience, navigation and survival skills required.
• Some tracks suitable for mountain biking.
• Track has poles, markers or rock cairns. Clearly marked where necessary with orange triangles attached to trees Above the bushline, marker poles or rock cairns are used instead.
• Track is mostly unformed, and may be rough and steep.  Expect unbridged stream and river crossings.
• Wear tramping/hiking boots.

• Challenging day or multi-day tramping/hiking.
• Suitable for people with high level backcountry (remote areas) skills and experience. Navigation and survival skills and complete self-sufficiency required.
• Track is mostly unformed and natural, may be rough, muddy and very steep. Expect unbridged stream and river crossings.
• Track has poles, markers or rock cairns. Track is clearly marked where necessary with orange triangles attached to trees. Above the bushline, marker poles or rock cairns are used instead.
• Wear sturdy tramping/hiking boots.

Fairly flat, wide, smooth track or gravel road. Suitable for beginner or inexperienced riders.

Mostly flat with some gentle climbs on smooth track with easily avoidable obstacles such as rocks and potholes. Suitable for beginner or inexperienced riders.

Steep slopes and/or avoidable obstacles possibly on narrow track and/or with poor traction. The track’s outer edge may be exposed. Suitable for intermediate-level riders.

A mixture of long, steep climbs, narrow track, poor traction and obstacles that are difficult to avoid or jump over. The track’s outer edge is generally exposed.

Most riders will find some sections easier to walk. Suitable for advanced-level riders.

Technically challenging. Big climbs, narrow track and many hazards including dangerous drop-offs, sharp corners and difficult obstacles. Expect to walk or carry your bike in sections. Suitable for expert level riders only.

Downhill/free ride specific tracks. Expect extremely steep sections with large drop-offs and other unavoidable obstacles. Might include built structures and jumps. Suitable for highly experienced expert riders only.