While running and mountain biking are both excellent (and ambitious) options, sometimes you just want to meander on a trail for hours, taking in the blooming wildflowers, lush green hills and silence that comes with being fully immersed in nature. Yes, we’re talking about hiking. A favorite activity in spring, summer and fall, there’s a lot to love about hiking. But sometimes it can be hard to find a trail that best suits your needs, and when you do, it’s easy to get lost. That’s why we rounded up the 14 best hiking apps to help you make the most of the season.
Best hiking apps
AllTrails
AllTrails is the app every avid hiker uses, and for good reason: It uses GPS to identify every trail in your vicinity, and as you scroll through options you can see how many miles each trail is, the average time it takes, and read reviews and see photos fro other hikers. If you upgrade to the pro option, you can download maps so that if you lose service you still won’t lose your way. (iOs, Android, free with in-app purchases).
Gaia GPS
Gaia GPS started as a backpacking app (read: for serious hikers only), but it now also serves as a navigation app for day hikes. Gaia gives you the option to find nearby trails and download maps, and if you like to ski or camp, Gaia will provide you with ideas for those options, too. (iOS, Android, free with in-app purchases).
National Parks Pocket Maps
National Parks are sure to be a popular destination for summer travel, and the National Parks Pocket Maps app will provide you with everything you need to get the most out of your national park visit, from park brochures and maps you can download to news alerts about the park and current weather conditions. (iOS, free with in-app purchases).
Hiking: Guthook Guides
Ever felt a little creeped out at the prospect of heading off into the forest and not having anyone know where you are? Especially if you enjoying solo hiking, this is the app for you. The most popular app for long-distance trails, Guthook uses your internal GPS to display your location to family members and friends who might be following along and will help you navigate trails less traveled without getting lost. (iOS, Android, free with in-app purchases).
PictureThis: Plant Identifier
OK, so this isn’t exactly a hiking app, but if you love nature, it will be your best friend while you hike. PictureThis identifies over a million plants every day through your camera. Whether you want to find out the name of a tree, flower, or another exotic-looking plant, Plant Identifier has you covered. (iOS, Android, free with in-app purchases).
Topo Maps+
Love to explore the backcountry? Try downloading Topo Maps+, which will provide you with planning tools, trustworthy maps (that you can download for offline use), and other on-trail tools, (iOS, free with in-app purchases).
Hiking Project
With over 74,000 miles of trails (and new trails that are constantly added), hiking project will provide you with a map that’s just as thorough as a printed one—but it uses GPS, ensuring you won’t get lost. Downloaded trails will also work offline, so you don’t have to worry about losing service. (iOS, Android, free with in-app purchases).
Footpath Route Planner
Like to be involved in the planning process when you’re hiking? Try Footpath Route Planner, which allows you to map routes with your finger so you can plan and navigate custom routes (iOS, Android, free with in-app purchases).
National Forest Explorer
There’s a lot to learn about the many forests in the U.S., and the National Forest Explorer app will give you access to forest facts, natural, cultural and historical information, offline GPS maps and any other information you need as you explore. (iOS, Android, free with in-app purchases).
REI Co-op
This is another app that isn’t technically for hiking, but it will help you get all the gear you need for your hiking excursions. REI sells hiking boots and pants, tents, rain jackets and any other outdoor gear you can dream up. The app also lets you check in-store availability and even find classes and events that will grow your skills. (iOS, Android, free with in-app purchases).
PeakVisor
One of the best parts of hiking is all the scenery there is to take in. If you love a mountainous hike, try PeakVisor, which will help you identify the names and elevations of nearby peaks through your iPhone’s camera and augmented reality (AR). You’ll also be able to 3D map your hike and plan hiking routes. (iOS, Android, free with in-app purchases).
Outdooractive
Whether you’re looking at a hiking, biking, or skiing excursion, Outdooractive will be your best friend. The outdoor route planner lets you easily plan and create routes based on your preferences, add text and photos, and more. (iOS, Android, free with in-app purchases).
Cairn
Considered the “ultimate hiking safety app,” Cairn helps you stay safe during your outdoor adventures by giving you the ability to share plans with loved ones, find spots with cell phone service, download offline maps and record your trail. (iOS, Android, free with in-app purchases).
Rash Plants
Is there anything worse than coming back from a hike only to find out that you’re covered in some sort of unknown rash, whether from poison ivy or something else? Rash Plants is an all-inclusive reference of everything you need to know about poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac so you can enjoy your hike worry-free. (iOS, free with in-app purchases). Next up, here are 100 hiking Instagram captions.
