Does OpenStreetMap include trails on private property?
Yes. OpenStreetMap relies on the concept of “ground truth.” Features like trails are mapped as they exist on the ground, regardless of ownership.
How does OpenStreetMap respect private property rights?
OpenStreetMap has “access tags” to specify what activities are allowed by a landowner. Trails closed to public use should be marked as private—if they are not, this is considered a data error.
Beyond denoting private trails, access tags can describe complex situations. For example: a landowner may allow hiking, prohibit ATVs, permit cycling with advanced notice, and allow horseback riding on weekdays only.
Access tags should be verifable, typically in the form of real-world signage or posted regulations.
How does private trail data get into OpenStreetMap?
OpenStreetMap is a crowdsourced database maintained by volunteer “mappers.” Mappers use a variety of sources to compile trail data, including publicly-available aerial imagery, ground-level photos, and government datasets.
It’s not always clear from source data if a trail is public or private access. Some mappers conduct field surveys to gain additional info. If a trail is signed as private, the mapper will mark it as private on OSM.
How do apps use private trail data from OpenStreetMap?
OpenStreetMap is a database, not a single map. Many recreation-focused maps and apps are built atop OSM, and they each make their own decisions about how to handle private trails.
OSM-based maps typically mark private trails as no-access, or hide them entirely. Apps will not route users down private trails when giving directions.
What if OpenStreetMap says I can use a trail but a sign says I can’t?
Obey posted signage. OpenStreetMap data may be incomplete or outdated, and is no excuse to trespass. The individual trail user is responsible for complying with property law.
About the Digital Trails Handbook
This is a community-driven guide to the data we rely upon to navigate the great outdoors. It’s written by trail mapping experts (not by AI), with insight from trail users, land managers, and app developers.
This handbook comes out of the OpenStreetMap US Trails Stewardship Initiative, a collaborative effort to improve recreation data in the United States and beyond.
Passionate about trails? You can get involved or donate to support our work.
This chapter last revised Jan 30, 2025.
Something amiss? You can propose a change ➛
