Hare scrambles are conducted on closed course tracks which can vary from 2.5 to 40+ miles (8 to 64+km) in length. The terrain chosen for these events is wooded and fairly rugged in order to test the riders' skills and endurance. The majority of the course consists of a wooded, single and double width trail, with occasional pasture and sand crossings. An event may incorporate a short portion of a pre-existing motocross track. The natural terrain tests the riders' abilities to navigate through obstacles such as creek beds, logs, hills, mud, rocks and ruts.

By Riders' Skills

The competitors are typically categorized by their relative skill levels and the size of their motorcycle's engine. For example, many hare scrambles categorize rider ability by having three rider skill categories. These categories are typically denoted by the letters A, B, and C. The "A" class would be for the riders with the highest skill level. The "C" class would be for the riders with the lowest level of skill and is usually populated by riders who are in their first couple of years of competition or by riders who infrequently compete. There is usually a point system that regulates the progression of a rider's progress from the entry level class (the C class) on up to the top class (generally the A class). Generally, a very high level of skill is needed to progress through the various skill categories. Many riders never progress out of the C category of competition, and very few riders have the skill and determination to progress to the A category.