Recumbent - Trike on unpaved trails and/or snow?

I'm planning on getting a trike this spring - a tadpole type. Most, if not all, the bike trails around me are unpaved/dirt. I'd also like to be able to use the trike in snow conditions - like I do now on my MTB. So, what factors should I concider when shopping for a trike to use in these conditions? Anyone else use there trike in the snow?

With dirt trails you might have to worry about ground clearance but otherwise as long as you have proper tires there shouldn't be any issues. In snow you'll have 3 tracks to cut instead of only 1 or 2; and also the front tires will be smaller, so snow will be more work on a trike. If you have a 6-inch seat height, that might tend to limit your snow capabilities, too. Ice won't be as big of a big problem, though...

Blazingpedals has the right of it. My biggest problem with my trike on unpaved or in snow is the clearance of my rear derailleur. If the mud or snow is too deep, I end up scooping mud and gritting the chain. Snow collects and freezes the chain solid. Also, rutted ice is doom to a derailleur. I've busted one thanks to that.

Otherwise, the trike is great. Loose soil or gravel is fine. I've taken some fairly rock and root filled trails with just a bit of care to make sure that I pass with the rock or root on the left side. Smooth ice or just a small bit of snow, slap on a set nobby or studded tires and it's good.

One solution to that might be a tadpole with a 26" rear wheel. I've debated converting mine, but it would make it a bit too difficult to get in and out of the apartment. :p

I sometimes use my Leitra in thin snow. It is harder to push three wheels in that stuff but I prefer the stability of three wheels in snow. It has a mid drive so the rear chain is more effected by the sand and salt, and the longer front chain stays pretty clean. Last Spring the rear chain was a pile of rust. It would've been expensive to replace all the chain as most recumbents would need. The Rohloff hub was is little reluctant to shift when temps were in single digits, but a little extra hesitation when shifting gave it time to engage properly. I'd recommend an IGH as the rear fender can help keep the chain a little cleaner with a single chain line.

What trails to you have in mind? I regard a mountain bike better suited to offroad use.

Most of the trails I'd do w/ the trike are old railroad beds - not single tracks. As for snow, if I tried that it would be more on the paved roads/shoulders and only in fresh packed snow < 6" or so.