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| The trail ratings below
are based on those used in Moab and are also modeled on a system found here. The most difficult obstacle on
the trail will determine the trail's rating. If a bypass is available, the rating will be
adjusted accordingly. Although all rating systems are subjective, these are based soley on
a stock Jeep TJ with 30 inch tires. Weather will always play an intregal role in trail
difficulty. Generally, the wetter, the more difficult (duh!). Also, frequency of use
of a trail may impact the ratings. Typically, stock Jeep TJs will be unable to run 4 or 4+
rated trails. Finally, I'm new
at this so Comments on these trail difficulty ratings are welcome.
Mr TJ says: "Whenever on trails rated above 1+
travel with at least two vehicles!" |
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Unpaved Local Access Roads
1 - An
all-weather unpaved road that is frequently graded. 4WD is not normally needed.
A Sunday drive. Road is wide enough for vehicles to pass and reverse direction
(Yawn).
1 + - An unpaved
road that is occasionally graded. 4WD (H) is helpful, some erosion, rocks and loose
sand may be present. Vehicles may pass with caution. |
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Dirt Roads
2 - A road that
is rarely maintained. 4WD (H) may be necessary and good clearance required (get rid
of those factory steps!). Small obstacles (rocks) are present. Mud and stream
crossings may be found. Use of 4WD (L) may be needed occasionally. Drive with
caution. Passing usually requires one vehicle to give way.
2 + - The road is
not maintained. 4WD (H) and good ground clearance required. 4WD (L) will be
needed occasionally. Rocks are more numerous. Drive with caution. Wheel
placement may be important, but not critical. A bit of experience is
helpful. Undercarriage armor (i.e., gas tank, oil pan, and steering box skids)
recommended. Inexperienced drivers need to exercise patience and calmly follow the
directions of more trail-wise drivers. Passing may not be possible, direction
reversal may be difficlult. |
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Jeep "Roads"
3 - Unimproved
or rarely maintained trail. Eroded and strewn with small size boulders. Travel
is difficult. Wheel placement may be critical. Outside vehicle spotter is
recommended to give directions and check vehicle ground / side clearances. 4WD(L)
and good ground clearance are required (30" tires!). Gas tank, oil pan, and steering
box skids highly recommended. Good skill and some degree of daring are needed.
Inexperienced drivers must be under the direct supervision of a Trailmaster.
3 + - Unimproved
and trail not maintained. Badly eroded and strewn with moderate size boulders.
Travel is very difficult - wheel placement critical. Outside spotter is
required to give direction and check vehicle ground/side clearances. 4WD(L) used
exclusively. Additional body armor (i.e. rocker panel protection) highly
recommended. Drive with extreme caution. Considerable skill and a high degree
of daring are required. Not recommended for inexperienced off-road drivers. |
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Boulder Alleys
4 - Only for
the insane. Trail heavily eroded. Stock vehicles are in jeopardy. 4WD
modifications (e.g., lift and lockers) for improved off-highway performance needed.
The highest degree of skill is required to drive with absolute concentration. Total
caution and great daring is required. Must be attempted only by highly qualified
four-wheel drivers with considerable off-highway experience.
4 + - For those
not much in tune with vehicle durability or personal safety. These are the
"rock crawlers" among us who can afford to risk their highly modified (and
rarely street legal) Jeeps. It would not be uncommon for these trail rides to end with
major mechanical failures (busted gears, axles and driveshafts). |
SHHHHHH!
Trails for off-road vehicles
(ORV) of any type are difficult to find in Massachusetts. I'm sure that the same is true
in many other states. Since environmentalists and others are intent on closing ALL public
lands to ORV, I will not list any trail-head locations on this site. All locations are
code-named. If you are interested in trying trails rated here, e-mail the submitter using
the link provided. In my case, if I'm available, I will meet you AND your ORV at a
location NEAR the trail head. This way I get to meet you, check out your rig (how many
environMENTALists off-road?) and then lead you to the trail (you should never off-road
alone anyway). Questions? E-mail me. Also -- Join an off-road club in your area, check out
the Baystate Jeepers for MA. |
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