Terms of Service

These Terms of Service (“Terms”) govern your access to and use of the Trail Buddies website, mobile applications, and related services (collectively, the “Platform”) operated by Trail Buddies LLC (“Trail Buddies,” “we,” “our,” or “us”).

By accessing or using the Platform, you agree to be bound by these Terms. If you do not agree with these Terms, you should not access or use the Platform.

1. Overview of the Platform

1.1 Platform Purpose

Trail Buddies provides an online platform that helps people discover trails, share outdoor experiences, and connect with others who enjoy hiking and similar activities.

1.2 Platform Features

The Platform may allow users to:

a. View trail maps, route data, events, groups, and hiking information

b. Upload challenges, photos, and reviews

c. Create or participate in hiking groups, meetups, or outdoor events

d. Communicate with other users

1.3 Nature of the Service

Trail Buddies acts solely as a technology platform that facilitates the sharing of information and user connections.

Trail Buddies does not organize, host, supervise, verify, or control outdoor activities, trails, routes, events, or user interactions.

2. Eligibility

2.1 Minimum Age

You must be at least 18 years old to create an account or participate in user-organized events, groups and challenges through the Platform.

2.2 User Representations

By using TrailBuddies, you represent and warrant that:

a. You are legally capable of entering into a binding agreement

b. The information you provide is accurate and current

c. Your use of the Platform complies with all applicable laws and regulations

2.3 Account Enforcement

TrailBuddies reserves the right to suspend or terminate accounts at its discretion.

3. User Accounts

3.1 Account Requirement

Certain features of the Platform require a registered account.

3.2 Account Responsibilities

You are responsible for:

a. Maintaining the confidentiality of your login credentials

b. All activity conducted through your account

c. Promptly notifying Trail Buddies if you suspect unauthorized access

3.3 Account Suspension

TrailBuddies may suspend or terminate accounts that violate these Terms or pose risks to the Platform or its users.

4. Outdoor Activities and Assumption of Risk

4.1 Inherent Risks

Outdoor recreation—including hiking, backpacking, trail running, and other activities can involve significant and unpredictable risks.

4.2 Potential Hazards

These risks may include, but are not limited to:

a. Steep, unstable, or poorly maintained terrain

b. Remote locations with limited access to emergency services

c. Falling rocks, trees, or other natural hazards

d. Rapidly changing weather conditions

e. Wildlife encounters

f. Navigation errors or becoming lost

g. Physical injury, illness, property damage, or death

4.3 Remote Locations

Many trails and natural areas shown on the Platform may be located in remote or undeveloped environments where:

a. Cellular service may be unavailable

b. Emergency assistance may be delayed or inaccessible

c. Trail conditions may change without notice

d. Hazards may not be marked or maintained

4.4 User Responsibility

By using the Platform, you acknowledge and agree that:

a. Outdoor activities involve inherent and unavoidable risks

b. You are solely responsible for evaluating the safety and suitability of any trail or activity

c. You assume full responsibility for your own safety and preparedness

4.5 No Safety Guarantee

TrailBuddies does not guarantee the safety, accessibility, or condition of any trail, route, or outdoor location displayed on the Platform.

TrailBuddies shall not be responsible for injuries, accidents, rescues, property damage, or other harm that may occur in connection with outdoor activities undertaken after using the Platform.

5. GPS, Mapping, Trail Ratings, and Navigation Information

5.1 Mapping and Navigation Data

The Platform may display information such as:

a. GPS route lines

b. Maps and trail overlays

c. Elevation profiles

d. Estimated distance or duration

e. Trail difficulty ratings

5.2 Informational Use Only

This information is provided for general informational purposes only.

5.3 Trail Rating Limitations

Trail difficulty ratings and route descriptions may be subjective and may vary depending on a user’s experience level, weather conditions, or recent environmental changes.

A trail labeled as “easy,” “moderate,” or “hard” may not accurately reflect the actual conditions encountered.

5.4 Mapping Inaccuracies

Mapping data, GPS tracks, and user-generated data may contain inaccuracies caused by:

a. Satellite positioning limitations

b. Mapping errors

c. User-generated data permissions

d. Rerouted or closed trails

e. Environmental changes

5.5 Navigation Responsibility

TrailBuddies does not guarantee that any route, navigation information, or trail rating will be accurate, safe, or suitable for your abilities.

Users should always carry appropriate navigation tools and use independent judgment when traveling outdoors.

6. Weather, Environmental Conditions, and Wildlife

6.1 Environmental Conditions

Natural environments are dynamic and conditions can change rapidly.

TrailBuddies does not provide real-time environmental monitoring and cannot guarantee that trail conditions shown on the Platform are current.

6.2 Environmental Hazards

Potential environmental hazards may include:

a. Severe weather events

b. Extreme temperatures

c. Snow or ice conditions

d. Flooding or landslides

e. Wildfire risks

f. Poor visibility

6.3 Wildlife

Outdoor areas may also contain wildlife that could pose risks to visitors, including animals that may behave unpredictably when encountered.

6.4 User Preparedness

Users are responsible for:

a. Researching weather forecasts and environmental conditions

b. Understanding wildlife safety practices in the areas they visit

c. Carrying appropriate equipment and supplies

6.5 Liability Disclaimer

TrailBuddies is not responsible for injuries, damages, or other incidents resulting from environmental conditions or wildlife encounters during outdoor activities.

7. Park Rules and Local Regulations

7.1 Land Management

Trails, parks, and natural areas are typically managed by government agencies, private landowners, or conservation organizations.

7.2 User Responsibilities

Users are responsible for:

a. Complying with all posted rules and regulations

b. Obtaining any required permits or passes

c. Respecting trail closures and restricted areas

d. Following Leave No Trace principles

7.3 Access Disclaimer

The presence of a trail or location on the Platform does not imply that access is permitted or that conditions are safe or legal.

TrailBuddies is not responsible for violations of park rules, trespassing, fines, or enforcement actions resulting from user activities.

8. Groups, Meetups, and User Events

8.1 User-Organized Activities

The Platform may allow users to create or participate in hiking groups, meetups, or other outdoor gatherings.

8.2 Platform Role

TrailBuddies does not organize, supervise, screen, or verify these activities or their participants.

8.3 User Interaction Risk

All interactions between users—both online and in person—are undertaken at the users’ own discretion and risk.

8.4 Event Liability

TrailBuddies is not responsible for:

a. The conduct of other users

b. Disputes between participants

c. Injuries or damages occurring during group activities

8.5 User Responsibility

You are solely responsible for determining whether to attend any event and for assessing the safety and suitability of other participants.

9. User-Generated Content

9.1 Content Types

Users may post or submit content such as:

a. Trail descriptions

b. GPS routes

c. Photos and videos

d. Reviews or comments

e. Event listings

9.2 Ownership

You retain ownership of the content you submit.

9.3 License to TrailBuddies

By posting content on the Platform, you grant TrailBuddies a non-exclusive, worldwide, perpetual, royalty-free license to host, display, reproduce, modify, and distribute that content in connection with the operation of the Platform.

9.4 Accuracy Disclaimer

TrailBuddies does not guarantee the accuracy or reliability of user-generated content.

10. Acceptable Use

10.1 Prohibited Conduct

You agree not to use the Platform to:

a. Post misleading or fraudulent trail information

b. Harass or threaten other users

c. Impersonate another person

d. Distribute spam or unauthorized advertisements

e. Scrape or copy platform data without permission

f. Interfere with the operation of the Platform

10.2 Enforcement

TrailBuddies may remove content or restrict access for violations of these rules.

11. Intellectual Property

11.1 Ownership

All software, design elements, branding, and other materials associated with the Platform are owned by Trail Buddies LLC or its licensors.

11.2 Restrictions

You may not reproduce, distribute, or commercially exploit any portion of the Platform without prior written permission.

12. Limitation of Liability

12.1 Disclaimer of Damages

To the fullest extent permitted by law, Trail Buddies LLC and its owners, employees, and affiliates shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, consequential, or punitive damages arising from:

a. Use of the Platform

b. Reliance on trail information or mapping data

c. Outdoor activities undertaken by users

d. Interactions between users

12.2 Use at Your Own Risk

Your use of the Platform is entirely at your own risk.

13. Indemnification

13.1 User Responsibility

You agree to indemnify and hold harmless Trail Buddies LLC from any claims, liabilities, damages, losses, or expenses arising from:

a. Your use of the Platform

b. Your participation in outdoor activities

c. Your interactions with other users

d. Content you submit to the Platform

e. Violations of these Terms

14. Termination

14.1 Termination Rights

TrailBuddies may suspend or terminate access to the Platform at any time if a user violates these Terms or engages in conduct that may harm the Platform or its users.

14.2 Survival

Certain provisions—including disclaimers, limitations of liability, and indemnification obligations will survive termination.

15. Changes to These Terms

15.1 Updates

TrailBuddies may update these Terms from time to time.

15.2 Continued Use

Updated versions will be posted on the Platform with a revised “Last Updated” date. Continued use of the Platform after changes become effective constitutes acceptance of the revised Terms.

16. Governing Law

16.1 Jurisdiction

These Terms shall be governed by and interpreted in accordance with the laws of U.S. Federal courts and the New York State Unified Court System without regard to conflict-of-law principles.

17. Contact Information

For more information regarding our Terms of Service please contact: support@hiketrailbuddies.com