Terms of Service
Please read these terms carefully before using our service
Last Updated: October 29, 2025
Agreement to Terms
By accessing or using Scout Hiking Trails ("the Service"), you agree to be bound by these Terms of Service ("Terms"). If you disagree with any part of these terms, you may not access the Service.
Description of Service
Scout Hiking Trails is a community platform that allows users to discover, share, and review hiking trails. The Service provides features including trail submissions, search and filtering, interactive maps, user accounts, and community moderation.
User Accounts
To use certain features, you must create an account:
- You must provide accurate and complete registration information
- You are responsible for maintaining the security of your account and password
- You must be at least 13 years old to create an account
- You are responsible for all activities that occur under your account
- You must notify us immediately of any unauthorized use of your account
- One person or entity may not maintain more than one account
User Content
When you submit trail information, reviews, reports, or other content ("User Content"), you agree that:
- You own or have the right to submit the content
- The content is accurate to the best of your knowledge
- The content does not violate any laws or infringe on others' rights
- You grant us a non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free license to use, display, and distribute your content
- We may modify or remove your content at our discretion
Prohibited Conduct
You agree not to:
- Submit false, misleading, or inaccurate trail information
- Post offensive, abusive, or harassing content
- Violate any laws or regulations
- Infringe on intellectual property rights
- Attempt to gain unauthorized access to the Service or other users' accounts
- Use automated systems (bots, scrapers) without permission
- Spam or post commercial advertisements
- Impersonate others or misrepresent your affiliation
- Interfere with or disrupt the Service
- Collect or harvest information about other users
Safety and Disclaimers
IMPORTANT: Hiking and outdoor activities involve inherent risks. By using this Service:
- You acknowledge that trail information is user-generated and may be inaccurate or outdated
- You are solely responsible for your safety and should verify all trail information
- You should assess your fitness level and prepare appropriately for any hike
- Weather, trail conditions, and access may change without notice
- We are not responsible for any injuries, accidents, or losses that may occur
- Always check local regulations and obtain necessary permits
- Inform someone of your hiking plans and expected return time
Intellectual Property
The Service and its original content, features, and functionality are owned by Scout Hiking Trails and are protected by international copyright, trademark, and other intellectual property laws. Our trademarks may not be used without prior written permission.
Content Moderation
We have a three-tier moderation system with regular users, moderators, and administrators. We reserve the right to:
- Remove or modify any content that violates these Terms
- Suspend or terminate accounts that violate these Terms
- Edit trail information for accuracy or safety
- Review and act upon user reports
- Change user roles and permissions
Limitation of Liability
TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, SCOUT HIKING TRAILS SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES, OR ANY LOSS OF PROFITS OR REVENUES, WHETHER INCURRED DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, OR ANY LOSS OF DATA, USE, GOODWILL, OR OTHER INTANGIBLE LOSSES RESULTING FROM:
- Your use or inability to use the Service
- Any conduct or content of any third party on the Service
- Unauthorized access to or use of our servers and/or any personal information
- Any interruption or cessation of transmission to or from the Service
- Any injuries, accidents, or property damage resulting from hiking activities based on information from the Service
Indemnification
You agree to indemnify and hold harmless Scout Hiking Trails, its officers, directors, employees, and agents from any claims, damages, losses, liabilities, and expenses (including legal fees) arising from your use of the Service, your User Content, or your violation of these Terms.
Termination
We may terminate or suspend your account and access to the Service immediately, without prior notice or liability, for any reason, including breach of these Terms. Upon termination, your right to use the Service will cease immediately. You may also delete your account at any time.
Changes to Terms
We reserve the right to modify these Terms at any time. We will provide notice of material changes by posting the updated Terms and updating the "Last Updated" date. Continued use of the Service after changes constitutes acceptance of the modified Terms.
Governing Law
These Terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with applicable laws, without regard to conflict of law provisions. Any disputes shall be resolved through binding arbitration or in the courts of appropriate jurisdiction.
Contact Information
If you have any questions about these Terms of Service, please contact us:
- Email: legal@scouthikingtrails.com
- Website: www.scouthikingtrails.com
Severability
If any provision of these Terms is held to be unenforceable or invalid, such provision will be changed and interpreted to accomplish the objectives of such provision to the greatest extent possible under applicable law, and the remaining provisions will continue in full force and effect.