Off-roading is a sport or activity where participants have specialized vehicles made for off-road terrain (sand, gravel, mud, rocks, snow, rivers, and more).

Off-roading is one of the few activities in life where driving though swamps and rock quarries is encouraged. Using vehicles specially designed to conquer the toughest of conditions, off-roading has an immensely popular competitive and non-competitive following. Safety is always a concern, as serious injury can occur when driving over such extreme terrain.

Drive a specially outfitted vehicle over extremely rough terrain.

Off-roading rules are completely dependent on the type of off-roading being performed. Non-competitive forms of off-roading have few rules and restrictions. Rules that are in place mostly relate to personal safety and the well being of the environment. Competitive forms of off-roading have rules mostly relating to the status and condition of the vehicle a participant is using. This is especially the case with trials, the most common form of competitive off-roading.

Off-roading has been a popular activity since automobiles were invented. The growth in popularity of sport utility vehicles in the 1990's expanded off-roading to a much wider audience. Today off-roading is a very diverse field, with a number of different activities and events that fall under the off-roading umbrella.

Vehicles may vary based on a number of factors. All must possess extra ground clearance, sturdy tires, four-wheel drive and front and rear locking differential.

Off-roading can be dangerous due to the unpredictable terrains involved in the sport. Participants should never attempt to cover terrains outside their level of experience.

Off-roading requires excellent driving abilities and above-average knowledge of auto mechanics.

Four-Wheel Drive - a transmission system that provides power directly to all four wheels of a vehicle

Mudding - off-roading in a large area of wet mud or clay

Rock Crawling - a highly technical form of off-roading where participants drive over extremely uneven terrain using a vehicle outfitted with specialty tires and suspension components

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Off-road