Hiking is an excellent way to get some fresh air, exercise, and explore nature. Whether you are a seasoned hiker or a beginner, having the right tools can make all the difference in your hiking experience.
With the advent of technology, Hiking apps have become a popular way to help hikers plan and navigate their routes, track their progress.
But with so many options available, it can be challenging to know which ones to choose. In this article, we have compiled a list of the 10 best hiking apps that will take your adventure to the next level. So, without further ado, let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Best Hiking Apps for you to try in 2023
1. AllTrails
AllTrails is one of the most popular and highly-rated hiking apps available. With over 100,000 trails in its database, AllTrails offers a vast selection of hiking options for hikers of all levels. The app provides detailed trail maps, reviews, and photos from other hikers, as well as real-time GPS tracking and offline maps for when you don’t have a signal. The app is free to download, but some features are only available with a paid subscription.
Features:
- Over 100,000 trails across the world
- Detailed trail maps with reviews and photos from other hikers
- Real-time GPS tracking
- Offline maps for when you don’t have a signal
- Save and share your favorite trails
Benefits:
- Access to a massive database of trails
- Detailed information from other hikers to help plan your hike
- GPS tracking and offline maps for safety and convenience
2. Gaia GPS
Gaia GPS is another top-rated hiking app that offers a range of features to help hikers plan their routes and stay safe on the trail. The app provides access to high-resolution topographical maps, weather forecasts, and real-time GPS tracking. It also allows hikers to record and track their progress and share their adventures with friends and family. The app is free to download, but some features require a paid subscription.
Features:
- Detailed topographical maps for hiking and other outdoor activities
- Real-time GPS tracking
- Offline maps for when you don’t have a signal
- Ability to create and share custom maps and routes
- Weather forecasts and alerts
Benefits:
- Highly detailed maps for advanced hiking and outdoor activities
- Ability to create and share custom maps and routes
- GPS tracking and offline maps for safety and convenience
3. PeakFinder AR
PeakFinder AR is a unique hiking app that uses augmented reality technology to help hikers identify peaks and mountains around them. The app uses your phone’s camera and GPS to provide a 360-degree view of your surroundings, with detailed information about the peaks and mountains in view. It also allows you to save your favorite views and share them with others. The app is available for a one-time fee.
Features:
- 360-degree panoramic views of mountains and peaks
- Detailed information on over 650,000 peaks across the world
- Real-time GPS tracking
- Augmented reality feature to identify peaks in real-time
- Sunrise and sunset times for each peak
Benefits:
- Stunning panoramic views and detailed information on peaks
- Augmented reality feature for a unique hiking experience
- GPS tracking and real-time information for safety and convenience
4. Hiking Project
Hiking Project is a free hiking app that offers a comprehensive selection of hiking trails across the United States. The app provides detailed trail maps, reviews, and photos, as well as real-time GPS tracking and offline maps for when you don’t have a signal. It also allows hikers to save their favorite trails and share them with others.
Features:
- Over 75,000 miles of trails across the United States
- Detailed trail maps with reviews and photos from other hikers
- Real-time GPS tracking
- Offline maps for when you don’t have a signal
- Save and share your favorite trails
Benefits:
- Comprehensive database of trails in the United States
- Detailed information from other hikers to help plan your hike
- GPS tracking and offline maps for safety and convenience
5. MapMyHike
MapMyHike is a user-friendly hiking app that offers a range of features to help hikers plan and track their routes. The app provides access to detailed trail maps, real-time GPS tracking, and personalized training plans to help you reach your fitness goals. It also allows hikers to connect with friends and share their adventures on social media. The app is free to download, but some features require a paid subscription.
Features:
- Real-time tracking of distance, pace, and calories burned
- Integration with other fitness apps and devices
- Personalized training plans and coaching
- Access to a database of over 5 million routes
- Offline maps for when you don’t have a signal
Benefits:
- Detailed tracking and analysis of fitness data
- Personalized training plans and coaching for hikers of all levels
- Access to a massive database of routes and offline maps for convenience
6. Komoot
Komoot is a popular hiking app that offers a range of features to help hikers plan and navigate their routes. The app provides access to detailed trail maps, real-time GPS tracking, and personalized recommendations based on your fitness level and interests. It also allows hikers to save their favorite routes and share them with others. The app is free to download, but some features require a paid subscription.
Features:
- Turn-by-turn navigation for hiking, biking, and other outdoor activities
- Detailed trail maps with reviews and photos from other hikers
- Ability to plan multi-day trips with overnight stays
- Offline maps for when you don’t have a signal
- Personalized recommendations based on your fitness level and interests
Benefits:
- Comprehensive navigation features for multiple outdoor activities
- Personalized recommendations for route planning
- Offline maps for safety and convenience
7. REI Co-op National Parks Guide
The REI Co-op National Parks Guide is a comprehensive hiking app that offers information and guides for over 400 national parks in the United States. The app provides detailed trail maps, reviews, and photos, as well as information on park amenities and regulations. It also includes a “must-do” list for each park, curated by REI experts. The app is free to download and use, and it’s a great resource for anyone planning a trip to a national park.
Features:
- Information and guides for over 400 national parks in the United States
- Detailed trail maps with reviews and photos from other hikers
- Information on park amenities and regulations
- Curated “must-do” lists for each park
- Ability to plan and save trips within the app
Benefits:
- Comprehensive information and guides for national park trips
- Detailed trail maps and reviews to plan your hike
- Curated recommendations to ensure you don’t miss any must-see sites
8. ViewRanger
ViewRanger is an all-in-one hiking app that offers a range of features to help hikers plan, navigate, and track their routes. The app provides access to detailed trail maps, real-time GPS tracking, and personalized recommendations based on your fitness level and interests. It also allows hikers to save their favorite routes and share them with others. The app is free to download, but some features require a paid subscription.
Features:
- Access to detailed trail maps across the world
- Real-time GPS tracking and navigation
- Personalized recommendations based on fitness level and interests
- Ability to save and share favorite routes
- Offline maps for when you don’t have a signal
Benefits:
- Comprehensive trail maps and real-time GPS tracking for safety and convenience
- Personalized recommendations for route planning
- Ability to save and share favorite routes and offline maps for convenience
9. Cairn
Cairn is a safety-focused hiking app that provides real-time tracking and communication in case of emergencies. The app allows hikers to share their trip plans with friends and family, and it will send alerts if they do not check in on time. Cairn also provides detailed trail maps, reviews, and photos from other hikers, as well as offline maps for when you don’t have a signal. The app is free to download, but some features require a paid subscription.
Features:
- Real-time tracking of location, elevation, and weather conditions
- Ability to set up automatic check-ins with designated contacts
- Integrated search and rescue alerts
- Offline maps for when you don’t have a signal
- Ability to add custom notes and photos to trips
Benefits:
- Advanced safety features for outdoor activities
- Ability to set up automatic check-ins and search and rescue alerts
- Offline maps and ability to add custom notes and photos for convenience and customization
10. TrailLink
TrailLink is a free hiking app that offers a comprehensive selection of trails across the United States. The app provides detailed trail maps, reviews, and photos, as well as real-time GPS tracking and offline maps for when you don’t have a signal. It also allows hikers to save their favorite trails and share them with others.
Features:
- Access to over 36,000 miles of trails across the United States
- Detailed trail maps with reviews and photos from other hikers
- Real-time GPS tracking and navigation
- Ability to save and share favorite routes
- Offline maps for when you don’t have a signal
Benefits:
- Comprehensive database of trails in the United States
- Detailed information from other hikers to help plan your hike
- GPS tracking and offline maps for safety and convenience
FAQs
Are these hiking apps only available in the United States?
No, most of these apps have trails and maps from all over the world.
Do I need a signal to use these hiking apps?
Some apps have offline maps available, but for real-time GPS tracking, a signal is required.
Are these hiking apps safe to use?
Yes, these apps are all reputable and safe to use. However, it’s always important to use caution and common sense when hiking, even with the help of technology.
Conclusion
Hiking apps are a valuable tool for hikers of all levels. They provide access to detailed trail maps, reviews, and photos from other hikers, as well as real-time GPS tracking and offline maps for when you don’t have a signal. With the help of these apps, hikers can plan their routes, track their progress, and stay safe on the trail. Our list of the 10 best hiking apps includes options for every type of hiker, from beginners to seasoned pros. So, download one of these apps before your next hiking adventure and take your experience to the next level!
