Benefits of Using GPS Hiking Apps
GPS hiking apps have become increasingly popular among hikers of all skill levels. These apps offer a range of benefits that can enhance your hiking experience. In this article, we will explore the top benefits of using GPS hiking apps.
Inspiration
One of the great benefits of GPS hiking apps is the inspiration they provide. These apps can be used to find new trails and explore new areas. They offer information on the difficulty level of the hike, the length of the trail, and the scenic views along the way. This can help you plan and prepare for a hike that meets your interests and abilities.
Navigation
GPS hiking apps can help you navigate trails with ease. They offer offline maps that can be downloaded before your hike and used without an internet connection. This is particularly useful when hiking in areas with poor cell phone coverage. The apps also offer turn-by-turn voice navigation, so you can focus on the trail instead of worrying about getting lost.
Learning
Another benefit of GPS hiking apps is the learning opportunities they provide. The apps offer information on the flora and fauna along the trail, as well as the history of the area. This can help you gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of the environment you are hiking in.
Performance Tracking
GPS hiking apps can also be used to track your performance on the trail. They offer information on your speed, distance, and elevation gain. This can help you set goals and track your progress over time.
Overall, GPS hiking apps can greatly enhance your hiking experience. They provide inspiration, navigation, learning opportunities, and performance tracking. In the following sections, we will explore the top GPS hiking apps in more detail.
Top GPS Hiking Apps
There are many GPS hiking apps available on the market, each with their own unique features and benefits. In this section, we will explore the top GPS hiking apps in detail, using information from various sources.
AllTrails
AllTrails is a popular GPS hiking app that offers a range of features to enhance your hiking experience. The app offers over 100,000 trail maps, along with reviews and photos from other hikers. It also offers offline maps, turn-by-turn directions, and elevation profiles. AllTrails is available for free, but a premium subscription offers additional features such as real-time weather updates and custom map printing.
Gaia GPS
Gaia GPS is another popular GPS hiking app that offers a range of features for hikers. The app offers offline maps, turn-by-turn directions, and tracking features. It also offers over 250,000 trails maps and the ability to create your own custom maps. Gaia GPS is available for a free trial, with a premium subscription offering additional features such as national park maps and expanded weather forecasts.
Hiking Project
Hiking Project is a GPS hiking app created by the team at REI. The app offers over 74,000 trail maps, along with reviews and photos from other hikers. It also offers offline maps and turn-by-turn directions. Hiking Project is available for free, with no premium subscription option.
National Park Service App
The National Park Service App is a GPS hiking app that offers information on over 400 national parks in the US. The app offers maps, trail information, and alerts for park closures and emergencies. It also offers suggested itineraries and a calendar of events. The National Park Service App is available for free.
Seek by iNaturalist
Seek by iNaturalist is a GPS hiking app that offers information on the flora and fauna along your hiking trail. The app uses image recognition technology to identify plants and animals in real-time. Seek by iNaturalist is available for free.
In the following sections, we will explore other recommended GPS hiking apps in more detail.
More Recommended GPS Hiking Apps
In addition to the top GPS hiking apps mentioned in the previous section, there are many other apps available that offer unique features and benefits. In this section, we will explore more recommended GPS hiking apps.
Cairn
Cairn is a GPS hiking app that offers a range of features for hikers, including offline maps, turn-by-turn directions, and tracking features. The app also offers an emergency alert feature that can be used to notify friends and family in case of an emergency. Cairn is available for a free trial, with a premium subscription offering additional features such as detailed weather reports and detailed route planning.
Komoot
Komoot is a GPS hiking app that offers a range of features for hikers, including offline maps, turn-by-turn directions, and tracking features. The app also offers detailed route planning and custom recommendations based on your fitness level and preferences. Komoot is available for free, with a premium subscription offering additional features such as detailed weather reports and detailed route planning.
A-GPS Tracker
A-GPS Tracker is a GPS hiking app that offers a range of features for hikers, including offline maps, turn-by-turn directions, and tracking features. The app also offers real-time location sharing and detailed statistics tracking. A-GPS Tracker is available for free.
Green Tracks
Green Tracks is a GPS hiking app that offers a range of features for hikers, including offline maps, turn-by-turn directions, and tracking features. The app also offers detailed weather reports and detailed route planning. Green Tracks is available for a free trial, with a premium subscription offering additional features such as detailed weather reports and detailed route planning.
Spyglass
Spyglass is a GPS hiking app that offers a range of features for hikers, including offline maps, turn-by-turn directions, and tracking features. The app also offers an augmented reality feature that allows you to view the landscape through your phone’s camera and see the names of surrounding peaks, towns, and other landmarks. Spyglass is available for a one-time fee.
In the following sections, we will explore other GPS hiking apps that are worth considering.
Free Hiking Apps
Not everyone wants to pay for a GPS hiking app, and luckily, there are many free options available. In this section, we will explore some of the best free hiking apps.
AllTrails
AllTrails is available for free and is a great option for hikers who don’t want to pay for a premium subscription. The app offers over 100,000 trail maps, along with reviews and photos from other hikers. It also offers offline maps, turn-by-turn directions, and elevation profiles.
Gaia GPS
Gaia GPS offers a free trial, but there is also a free version of the app available. The free version offers limited features, but it still includes offline maps and turn-by-turn directions.
Hiking Project
Hiking Project is completely free and offers over 74,000 trail maps, along with reviews and photos from other hikers. It also offers offline maps and turn-by-turn directions.
National Park Service App
The National Park Service App is completely free and offers information on over 400 national parks in the US. The app offers maps, trail information, and alerts for park closures and emergencies. It also offers suggested itineraries and a calendar of events.
Seek by iNaturalist
Seek by iNaturalist is completely free and offers information on the flora and fauna along your hiking trail. The app uses image recognition technology to identify plants and animals in real-time.
In addition to these apps, there are many other free hiking apps available that offer unique features and benefits. Some of these apps may have limited features or may be ad-supported, but they can still be useful for enhancing your hiking experience. In the following sections, we will explore more free hiking apps in detail.
Best Paid Hiking Apps
While there are many free hiking apps available, some hikers may prefer to pay for a premium app with additional features and benefits. In this section, we will explore the best paid hiking apps.
Cairn
Cairn is a popular paid GPS hiking app that offers a range of features for hikers. The app offers offline maps, turn-by-turn directions, and tracking features. It also offers an emergency alert feature that can be used to notify friends and family in case of an emergency. Cairn is available for a free trial, with a premium subscription offering additional features such as detailed weather reports and detailed route planning.
Komoot
Komoot is a popular paid GPS hiking app that offers a range of features for hikers. The app offers offline maps, turn-by-turn directions, and tracking features. It also offers detailed route planning and custom recommendations based on your fitness level and preferences. Komoot is available for a one-time fee.
Gaia GPS
Gaia GPS is available for a premium subscription, which offers additional features such as national park maps and expanded weather forecasts. The app offers offline maps, turn-by-turn directions, and tracking features. It also offers over 250,000 trails maps and the ability to create your own custom maps. Gaia GPS is available for a free trial.
Cairn
Cairn is a popular paid GPS hiking app that offers a range of features for hikers. The app offers offline maps, turn-by-turn directions, and tracking features. It also offers an emergency alert feature that can be used to notify friends and family in case of an emergency. Cairn is available for a free trial, with a premium subscription offering additional features such as detailed weather reports and detailed route planning.
Apple Watch Workout App
The Apple Watch Workout App is a paid GPS hiking app that is available exclusively for Apple Watch users. The app offers tracking features and detailed stats such as heart rate and calories burned. It also offers offline maps and turn-by-turn directions. The Apple Watch Workout App is available for a one-time fee.
In addition to these apps, there are many other paid hiking apps available that offer unique features and benefits. In the following sections, we will explore more paid hiking apps in detail.
Hiking Apps with Safety Features
Safety is a crucial aspect of any hiking experience, and there are many GPS hiking apps available that offer safety features to help hikers stay safe on the trail. In this section, we will explore some of the best hiking apps with safety features.
Cairn
Cairn offers an emergency alert feature that can be used to notify friends and family in case of an emergency. The app also offers offline maps, turn-by-turn directions, and tracking features.
AllTrails
AllTrails offers a Lifeline feature that allows hikers to share their real-time location with friends and family. The app also offers offline maps, turn-by-turn directions, and elevation profiles.
Hiking Project
Hiking Project offers a feature that allows hikers to download maps for offline use, which can be crucial in areas with poor cell phone coverage. The app also offers trail information and reviews from other hikers.
Spyglass
Spyglass offers an augmented reality feature that allows hikers to view the landscape through their phone’s camera and see the names of surrounding peaks, towns, and other landmarks. This can be useful for navigation and identifying nearby landmarks.
A-GPS Tracker
A-GPS Tracker offers real-time location sharing and detailed statistics tracking. The app also offers offline maps and turn-by-turn directions.
In addition to these apps, there are many other hiking apps available that offer safety features to help hikers stay safe on the trail. Some of these features may be basic, while others may be more advanced or require a premium subscription. In the following sections, we will explore more hiking apps with safety features in detail.
Regional Hiking Apps
Regional hiking apps can be useful for hikers who are planning to hike in a specific area or region. In this section, we will explore some of the best regional hiking apps.
AllTrails
AllTrails offers a range of regional hiking apps, including AllTrails Pro, which offers detailed maps and GPS tracking for specific regions. The app also offers offline maps, turn-by-turn directions, and elevation profiles.
Komoot
Komoot offers detailed maps and GPS tracking for specific regions, along with custom recommendations based on your fitness level and preferences. The app also offers offline maps and turn-by-turn directions.
Hiking Project
Hiking Project offers regional hiking apps for specific areas, including the Pacific Northwest, the Rocky Mountains, and the Appalachian Trail. The app also offers offline maps and turn-by-turn directions.
Spyglass
Spyglass offers regional maps and GPS tracking for specific areas, along with augmented reality features to help with navigation. The app also offers offline maps and turn-by-turn directions.
National Park Service App
The National Park Service App offers regional maps and trail information for over 400 national parks in the US. The app also offers alerts for park closures and emergencies, suggested itineraries, and a calendar of events.
In addition to these apps, there are many other regional hiking apps available that offer detailed maps and GPS tracking for specific areas. Some of these apps may be free, while others may require a premium subscription. In the following sections, we will explore more regional hiking apps in detail.
Get Ready to Hit the Trails with the Best GPS Hiking Apps
GPS hiking apps have revolutionized the way we explore the great outdoors. With features like offline maps, turn-by-turn directions, and detailed trail information, these apps can make any hiking experience safer and more enjoyable. In this article, we have explored some of the best GPS hiking apps available, including free and paid options, regional apps, and apps with safety features.
The next time you hit the trails, be sure to download one of these apps and start exploring with confidence. And don’t forget to check out our other great content for more hiking tips, gear recommendations, and outdoor adventure inspiration.
Happy trails!
Q & A
Who should use GPS hiking apps?
Anyone who loves hiking and wants to explore new trails with confidence.
What features should I look for in a GPS hiking app?
Look for apps with offline maps, turn-by-turn directions, and safety features like emergency alerts.
How much do GPS hiking apps cost?
Some apps are free, while others require a premium subscription. Prices can range from $0 to $30 per year.
What if I don’t have cell phone coverage on the trail?
Many GPS hiking apps offer offline maps and navigation features that work even without cell phone coverage.
How do GPS hiking apps improve safety on the trail?
GPS hiking apps can help hikers stay on the right trail, avoid getting lost, and communicate with friends and family in case of an emergency.
What if I prefer paper maps and a compass?
While paper maps and a compass are still important, GPS hiking apps can provide a helpful backup and make navigating easier.