How trails are rated for rides

The trail system itself is obviously a major component. Some trail systems are relatively easy and can be navigated by nearly everyone, while other systems will challenge the most experienced and fit riders. When describing the trails system to be ridden, TORC will use a color code:

• White - A very wide trail (72″) having a hardened surface with very mild average grade and no natural obstacles. Suitable for all cyclists. Our local greenways are an excellent example of this type of trail.
• Green - A wide trail (36″) having a firm and stable tread and a very mild average grade. Some small obstacles (< 2″) as well as avoidable obstacles may be present. Wide bridges may also be present. Sections of Lake Crabtree and Harris Lake are good examples of this type of trail.
• Blue - A typical singletrack trail width (24″) having a stable tread with some variability and an mildly challenging average grade. Unavoidable obstacles of up to 8″ are present as well as larger avoidable obstacles. Technical trail features may be present. All trail systems in the Triangle have examples of this level of trail.
• Black - Narrow Singletrack (12″) having a variable tread surface and a challenging average grade. Unavoidable obstacles of up to 15″ may be present as well as larger avoidable obstacles. Technical Trail Features (TTF) may be present. Some sections may exceed criteria. Sections of Harris Lake, Briar Chapel and Carolina North are examples of this type of trail.
• Double Black – Extremely narrow Singletrack(6″) having an unpredictable tread and a difficult average grade. Unavoidable obstacles of 15″ or more and narrow unavoidable bridges can be expected. Technical Trail Features (TTF) may be present, condition of riding surface is unpredictable. Many sections will exceed criteria. The best examples of this type of trail system are found outside the Triangle at destinations such as Pisgah National Forest