Last Updated: October 26, 2026
This Cookie Policy explains how HikeAdvice (“we,” “our,” or “us”) uses cookies, tracking pixels, and similar technologies on https://hikeadvice.com. This policy should be read alongside our Privacy Policy and explains how you can control which cookies are stored on your device.
1. What Are Cookies?
Cookies are small text files placed on your computer, tablet, or smartphone by websites you visit. They are widely used to make websites work efficiently, provide personalized content, remember preferences, and provide analytical data to website operators.
2. Types of Cookies We Use
We categorize cookies on HikeAdvice into the following groups:
- Strictly Necessary Cookies: Essential for the operation of our website, security, session management, and content delivery (e.g., Cloudflare security and LiteSpeed server cache tags). The website cannot function properly without these cookies.
- Analytics & Performance Cookies: Allow us to measure visitor counts, identify traffic sources, and see how readers navigate through our pages. This helps us optimize site performance and create better trail content.
- Functionality Cookies: Enable our site to remember choices you make (such as dark mode preferences or font scaling) to provide enhanced, personalized features.
- Targeting & Advertising Cookies: Placed by third-party advertising partners, including Google AdSense. These cookies identify your browser and device across the web to build a profile of your interests and deliver relevant, non-intrusive advertisements. They also prevent the same ad from showing repeatedly.
- Affiliate Tracking Cookies: Placed by affiliate networks (such as Amazon Associates or ShareASale) when you click a product link to ensure proper credit for referrals. These cookies contain no personally identifiable data.
3. Google AdSense & TCF v2.2 Compliance
In accordance with Google’s EU User Consent Policy and IAB Europe Transparency and Consent Framework (TCF v2.2), visitors from the European Economic Area (EEA) and the UK are presented with a Google-certified Consent Management Platform (CMP) banner. You have complete control to accept or reject non-essential cookies and personalize your vendor preferences.
4. How to Manage and Disable Cookies
You can manage your cookie preferences at any time:
- Via Browser Settings: Most web browsers allow you to block or delete cookies through their settings (Chrome, Safari, Firefox, Edge).
- Industry Opt-Out Tools: Opt out of third-party advertising cookies via the Digital Advertising Alliance or the Network Advertising Initiative. European users can visit Your Online Choices.
- Global Privacy Control (GPC): Our website respects GPC signals sent by your browser to opt out of data sharing.
5. Contact Us
If you have any questions about our use of cookies or this policy, please email us at [email protected].