Hiking is a popular pastime for many travellers that love nature and adventure. It does not matter if you are a novice hiker or a seasoned one, finding great hiking routes requires some planning. The applications listed below are very helpful in helping you navigate your hiking experience. Better still, all these apps are either free or have a nominal cost. Now is the time to plan your next epic trek with these top apps for incredible hiking adventures.
GPS Tracks
Cost: from $4 monthly Compatibility: iOS only
This application has the best GPS tracking and is worth every penny. GPS Tracks helps the user discover and plan several hiking trails in your selected area. Users can then customize these routes and store them for later use while offline. Users can also monitor their hiking speed and distance traveled. This application can also specify each trail’s latitude and longitude. The app has another great feature-the ability to color code overlapping routes so that you avoid confusion while hiking.
REI Co-op Guide to National Parks
Cost: Free Compatibility: iOS and Android
This free application can be your ultimate guide to all the US National Parks. This wonderful application is compatible with iOS and Android devices, and has detailed maps of several popular parks. The user can download a best of list that was curated by other hikers for the National Parks including Grand Canyon National Park, Yellowstone, Acadia National Park, and many more. The app user can also view detailed information such as nearby lodging, trail rankings and the ability to create to do lists for use offline.
PeakFinder
Cost: $5 Compatibility: iOS and Android
As the name implies, PeakFinder helps adventurous hikers identify any mountain with only a snapshot. There are more than 350,000 mountains worldwide stored in this topography based application. The app also has compasses and motion sensors that provides a panoramic view of the surrounding landscape. Plus, the application provides users with daily sunrise and sunset times for hiker’s reference. PeakFinder is available for both iOS and Android users.
ViewRanger
Cost: Free Compatibility: iOS and Android
ViewRanger assists iOS and Android users with thousands of hiking trails in 23 countries. A few countries featured in the app include the United States, New Zealand, Italy, France, Canada, and many more. This application also has the ability to check GPS location, record personalized routes, download terrain maps for use offline, and get real time statistics such as hiking speed and distance traveled.
MapMyRun
Cost: Free Compatibility: iOS and Android
MapMyRun is a multipurpose application for those that love to exercise outdoors. The application allows users to discover trails, track distance, and save popular trails. On iOS and Android devices, this digital tool can help you monitor your physical fitness activity as well. This application can be synced so that users can use the device like FitBit, and can monitor calories burned, hiking pace and duration.
AllTrails
Cost: Free Compatibility: iOS and Android
AllTrails is an application used for hiking, biking, and running. The application has several useful features including finding routes, hiking tips and photos of scenic spots for your reference. This incredible application also has the ability to let the user know about any obstacles in your way, such as downed trees. The AllTrails application is available on iOS and Android devices.
