by Manidoo
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Last Updated: August 29, 2022
This is a custom-made hiking trail difficulty rating system. The purpose is to explain to hikers a trail’s level of difficulty. Remember to always bring your 10 Essentials when hiking. For more information on hiking, check out Hiking for Beginners: How You Can Get Started Today!
| Hiking Trail Difficulty |
What to Expect |
| Novice |
- Completely paved trail
- Entirely or mostly flat
- Can be completed in any attire. No special gear needed
|
| Easy |
- Unpaved trail, mostly light terrain
- Has changes in elevation, but nothing strenuous
- Some gear recommended: Light backpack, walking shoes/proper footwear, appropriate outdoor clothing
- Typically a short day hike
|
| Intermediate |
- Unpaved trail, moderate terrain
- Frequent changes in elevation
- Recommended to bring good hiking gear: A daypack, fitted hiking boots and non-cotton socks, extra food and water, all previously mentioned gear
- Typically a long day hike
|
| Advanced |
- Unpaved. This will likely require some climbing and careful careful footing
- Frequent changes in elevation, strenuous
- Recommended gear: A multi-day back, overnight equipment, emergency gear(i.e. weather protection, survival pack), all previously mentioned gear
- Typically a couple of days to hike to complete
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| Expert |
- Unpaved trail. This will require a good level of fitness to complete
- Likely includes high changes in elevation
- Recommended gear: Likely area-specific/situation-specific equipment, all previously mentioned gear
- Typically several days to weeks to complete
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| Master |
- Unpaved trail. This will require a very high level of fitness to complete
- High changes in elevation, likely require special training beforehand to complete
- Recommended gear: Any specific gear required for the trek, all previously mentioned gear
- Risk of death
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