Buzz
Strava’s heatmap has been around for some time, but it wasn’t until recently that I truly took a deep dive into it. This dynamic tool highlights popular locations where Strava users run, bike, swim, kayak, ski, and snowshoe—and you can filter these activities as you explore the map. Looking for hidden swimming spots? Curious about which high schools have publicly accessible tracks? The heatmap has the answers.
You don’t need to be a Strava member to explore the heatmap, but to zoom in to street-level details, you’ll need a free Strava account.
A note on privacy
The heatmap data is sourced from Strava users’ recorded routes. So if you’re a Strava user, here’s your reminder to consider using the privacy zone feature to keep your home or other locations you’d prefer to keep private off the map.
Discover safer routes
I live in a hilly neighborhood with roads that are often congested and lack sidewalks. I usually stick to well-known areas like local parks and residential streets, knowing they’ll be safer for running or cycling. But the heatmap allows me to see which other roads might be worth exploring, and which ones might not be as safe.
For instance, one of the main roads in my area appears dark on the heatmap—an indication that it lacks a shoulder suitable for biking or jogging. (Having driven this road, I can confirm it.) However, by looking for brighter spots, I’ve found several clusters of roads and paths that could be great to try. For example, there’s a cemetery with popular running paths, and a few small neighborhoods that seem to be peaceful jogging spots between busier streets.
Explore new trails
Many parks, schools, and other locations feature hidden trails that you might not be aware of unless you've explored the area. With the heatmap, however, it's easy to spot popular park pathways surrounded by winding lines that lead into the woods. Occasionally, you can also find routes that circle around a place, providing an opportunity to extend your run by jogging along nearby streets.
Take some time to browse the map and identify promising trail options, then visit park websites or check local signage for more details on the trails and how to navigate them.
Keep an eye out for ovals.
High schools often have tracks that are open to the public, as do some middle schools, community centers, and other locations you might not have thought about. Set the heatmap's filters to the running, walking, and hiking icon (represented by a small shoe) and look for ovals. Once you find one, switch to the 'Labels' layer to see the name of the school or site. If you change the filter to biking, you might uncover some cycling tracks as well.
As always, be sure to check the hours and regulations on the place’s website or look for posted signs in the area. The heatmap provides clues, but not official permission to access these places.
Discover pools and swimming spots.
There's also a layer featuring a water icon, which is perfect for identifying locations where people typically swim or enjoy other water activities. One large public pool shows several horizontal lines across the pool, indicating the lap lanes' positions. (I've visited, and that's exactly where the lap lanes are located.)
This feature can also help you locate the most popular beaches for swimming, and if you're located further inland, it can guide you to smaller lakes or ponds favored for swimming.
However, keep in mind that the water icon indicates places for swimming and other water sports like paddleboarding and kayaking. I know of one local lake that glows brightly on the heatmap, but swimming isn’t allowed there, and I’ve never witnessed anyone swimming. It's extremely popular for kayaking, though, and there are two boat rental shops located right on the lake. So, it’s helpful to cross-check with local businesses; if you're seeking a place to bring your kayak or paddleboard, their presence is a good clue.
Locate areas for skiing or snowshoeing.
There’s also a snowflake layer that highlights trails commonly used for winter activities like skiing and snowshoeing. However, the heatmap doesn’t differentiate between the two, so you’ll need to do your own research to confirm whether you’ve genuinely found a hidden cross-country skiing trail. (I’ve also spotted a few activities that seem to have been misclassified, such as a route on the swimming/water layer that’s clearly on a road.) But exploring the map can offer some guidance on where to start your search as you plan your next winter adventure.
