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Field Trip Hiking Difficulty Levels:

    There is no such thing as a perfectly flat, wide, trail in the Appalachia foothills where these field trips occur. All trails fall pretty much in the back-country realm of sophistication. However, there is a range of difficulties among them and all field trips are rated on the field trip pages. Difficulties range from Level A to E, rated both for hiker's agility and endurance
Agility

Agility A -- Trails that are relatively flat, no steps
Agility B -- Trails that are relatively wide flat trails but have some steps, okay for bad joints if you can handle some steps
Agility C -- Narrow uneven backcountry trails, sometimes cut into a hillside, may be some steps to navigate, a few stream crossings with possibly steep muddy banks, occasional logs to step over
Agility D -- Field trip very uneven footing, may be uneven rocks on the trail or hiking off-trail, possibly involving slopes and navigating over fallen logs, trails may not be cut into the hillside at all or very well
Agility E -- These trails require extreme agility and sturdiness, with an ability to hike four miles a day without pain. They may require wading in the water on slippery rocks for some distance, or they may require navigating down very steep and slippery slopes off-trail. They have some level of risk as slipping, falling or getting dirty is a possibility, in some cases a good possibility!
 

Areobics

Aerobics A -- Field Trip is less than 1 mile, mostly flat,
Aerobics B -- Field Trip is less than 1 mile, mostly flat with some steps

Aerobics C -- Field Trip is 2- 3.5 miles, may have moderate slopes for short periods.
Aerobics D -- Field Trip is 2-4 miles, may have long moderate ascents and/or occasional scramble or difficult stream crossings. Recommended only for people who lead healthy active lifestyles, can hike without disturbing pain, and have good joints.

Aerobics E -- Field Trip is 3-4 miles, These trails require extreme agility and sturdiness. They may require wading in the water on slippery rocks for some distance, or they may require navigating down very steep and slippery slopes off-trail. They have some level of risk as slipping, falling or getting dirty is a possibility, in some cases a good possibility!

    Please read trail difficulty descriptions carefully so you can thoroughly enjoy your trip. If in doubt, especially if you have joint difficulties or you do not lead an active lifestyle (regardless of how much you wish you did!), please err on the side of caution and pick the easiest of the two levels you are considering. Although it is human nature to overestimate one's abilities, you'll have a lot more fun if you don't! TRAIL ENJOYMENT is in no way associated with trail difficulty. Some of our most beautiful trips are Level A through C trips.