Privacy & Trust
Privacy Policy
Our commitment to protecting your data while you plan your next great adventure.
This Privacy Policy explains how RailTrail collects, uses, and safeguards your personal information across our digital platforms. This policy is effective as of October 2023.
Information We Collect
When you interact with RailTrail, we collect information you provide directly, such as when you subscribe to our wilderness skills newsletter, create an account to save bikepacking routes, or submit your own nature photography to our community galleries. We also collect basic technical data automatically, such as your browser type and device information, when you browse our site.
How We Use It
We use the information we collect to provide and improve the RailTrail experience. This includes delivering personalized adventure travel destinations, sending you updates on sustainable eco-tourism practices, and analyzing how visitors interact with our outdoor gear and equipment reviews to ensure we are producing the most relevant content for your expeditions.
Cookies and Analytics
We use cookies and similar tracking technologies to monitor site performance and understand user behavior. This helps us see which hiking and backpacking trails are most popular among our readers, allowing us to optimize site navigation and create better resources for your camping and off-grid living preparations.
Third-Party Services
Our website may integrate with third-party platforms, such as interactive topographical map providers, weather forecasting widgets, and social media networks. These external services have their own privacy policies governing the data they collect when you interact with their embedded features on our pages.
How We Share Information
At RailTrail, we respect your privacy and do not sell your personal data to data brokers. We only share information with trusted service providers who assist us in operating our website, securely managing our community forums, and delivering our weekly adventure dispatches.
How Long We Keep It
We retain your personal information only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this policy. Once you delete your RailTrail account or unsubscribe from our communications, we will securely delete or anonymize your data in accordance with standard industry practices.
Your Rights and Choices
You have the right to access, correct, or delete the personal information RailTrail holds about you. You can easily opt out of our marketing communications by clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any email, or you can manage your data preferences directly within your user profile settings.
Children's Privacy
Our outdoor recreation content is designed for a general adult audience. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under the age of sixteen. If we become aware that we have inadvertently gathered such data, we will take immediate steps to remove it from our systems.
Changes to This Policy
As our digital offerings evolve and we expand into new areas of outdoor survival and wilderness skills documentation, we may periodically update this policy. We will post any changes directly on this page and encourage you to review it regularly to stay informed about how we protect your information.
How to Contact Us
If you have any questions or concerns about this privacy policy or how RailTrail handles your data, please reach out to us. You can submit a secure inquiry through the contact portal on our website, and our support team will respond to your request promptly.