Well, sandy, rutted trails are not a place for road bikes, even with 25 cm tires. I was just happy I didn't crash! I can ride this kind of stuff on a mountain bike; it was the rocks and roots of the northeast woodlands that did me in, a few years ago. Being in the woods is why I wanted to mountain bike, but when I really got out there, it was so technical and scary, I gave up. I'd be fine with gravel riding or easier trails, if I had the right bike. For now, I hike!
It's 55 and drizzly today, so maybe no more than a walk.