Hike and Hunt Rating Guide

General Information

Ratings given are for boxes planted only. Other letterboxers have their own systems for rating their hikes so do not assume "easy" here means "easy" somewhere else.

Speed is based upon the average five year old being able to walk on level sidewalk (when motivated) at a pace of 1.5 to 2 miles per hour. Individual boxes have explanations for why a certain rating was selected. It is assumed that persons with physical or mental disabilities, as well as children, will be accompanied by an able-bodied adult.

Distances given are the maximum. See individual boxes for actual distance from parking area to box location.

Fully Accessible

Open to all ages including early walkers and those in wheelchairs. Distance can be covered at a walking pace of 2+ miles per hour with no or almost no inclines of more than 100 feet. Trail may or may not be paved but is suitable for wheeled transportation (strollers, walkers, wheelchairs) and is safe for the visually impaired. Boxes located less than 1/4 mile from parking area.

Very Easy

Open to all ages including early walkers. Distance can be covered at a walking pace of 2+ miles per hour with no or almost no inclines of more than 100 feet. Trail suitable for large wheeled transportation but walkers and light strollers may have difficulty. Trail safe for visually impaired with assistance. Boxes located less than 1/2 mile from parking area.

Easy

Open to all ages including early walkers. Distance can be covered at a walking pace of 1.5 to 2 miles per hour with no inclines of greater than 200 feet. Trail suitable for large wheeled transportation but walkers and light strollers may have difficulty. Trail safe for visually impaired with assistance. Boxes located less than one mile from parking area.

Moderate

Open to strong walkers or babies in carriers. Distance can be covered at a walking pace of 1 to 1.5 miles per hour with no inclines of greater than 400 feet. Trail may not be suitable for wheeled transportation or the visually impaired. Box is accessible to children. Boxes located less than two miles from parking area.

Difficult

Open to experienced walkers or babies in carriers. Distance can be covered at a walking pace of 1 mile per hour average with some climbing involved. Trail not suitable for wheeled transportation or the visually impaired. Box may or may not be accessible to children. Boxes located less than three miles from parking area.

Challenging

For experienced older walkers. Distance covered at an average pace under 1 mile per hour or with many climbing segments or with the inclusion of off trail hiking for some distance. Trail not suitable for the very young (under 6), wheeled transportation, visually impaired and care should be take with mentally challenged. Box most likely not accessible to children. Boxes located less than five miles from parking area.

Extreme

Not recommended for walkers under the age of 10 and then only with previous experience. Distance covered may be more than 5 miles, include steep climbs and/or extensive off trail hiking. Not suitable for children, physically or mentally challenged. Box not accessible to children.

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