Best Apps for Hiking

Hiking has always been about the simple joy of exploring nature. It’s about discovering new paths and searching your surroundings. Now, however, your hiking experience can be greatly enhanced by using some of the best hiking apps available. 

Reliable hiking apps are not just about fancy maps and routes; they are like a buddy who knows all the trails and teaches you a thing or two about the plants and birds you see along your way. They're there to give you a heads-up on the weather and make sure you're on the right path. 

Whether you're a regular on the trails or just getting your boots dirty for the first time, these handy digital tools make hiking more accessible, fun and safe –  keeping the spirit of adventure alive while adding a touch of modern convenience.

Key Takeaways

• Navigation Made Easy: Modern hiking apps provide detailed trail maps and GPS navigation, making it easier to find and follow trails.
• Safety First: With features like first aid tips and emergency preparedness, these apps enhance safety on hikes.
• Nature Education: Apps offering plant and wildlife identification enrich the hiking experience by educating users about their natural surroundings.
• Weather Awareness: Stay updated on weather conditions specific to your hiking location for better planning and safety.
• Community Connection: Share experiences and get trail advice from a community of fellow hikers through certain apps.

Navigation Apps

Navigation is crucial in hiking, and the right app can be a game-changer. Let's look at some of the top choices:

Gaia GPS

Gaia GPS is like the Swiss Army knife of hiking navigation. Perfect for both casual strolls and intense backcountry adventures, Gaia GPS offers detailed maps and tracking features. The free version is handy for day hikes, but for those heading off the beaten path, the premium version with its offline maps is a lifesaver. It’s a bit like having a topographic map, compass, and GPS all rolled into one on your phone.

AllTrails

Think of AllTrails as the friendly community center of hiking apps. It’s a great place to start when planning a hike, thanks to its massive collection of trail maps, complete with reviews and photos from fellow hikers. It’s like getting advice from a bunch of friends who’ve already walked the paths you're considering.

Komoot 

For the planners and customizers among us, Komoot is like having a personal trail guide. It lets you tailor your route based on what you want to see and how tough you want the trek to be. It’s great to use to plot routes that match your hiking style, and the turn-by-turn voice navigation is a nice touch.

FarOut Guides (Formerly Guthook Guides) 

FarOut is excellent for long-distance hikers. It’s packed with detailed trail info, like a guidebook in your pocket. The offline maps and user updates are particularly helpful for trails like the Pacific Crest or Appalachian.

​First Aid and Safety Apps

Being prepared for emergencies is a non-negotiable aspect of hiking. Here are some first aid apps for hikers that will keep you prepared for anything:

Red Cross First Aid 

This app is an essential tool for emergency preparedness. It provides easy-to-follow advice for everyday first aid scenarios, including step-by-step instructions and videos. The information is pre-loaded, so you have access even without internet connectivity.

SAS Survival Guide

This app, based on the bestselling book, offers comprehensive information on surviving outdoors. It covers essential topics like basic survival skills, understanding and forecasting weather, and preparing for emergencies. The app also includes photo galleries of plants and animals to be aware of, making it an excellent resource for hikers.

Gaia GPS

In addition to its navigation features, Gaia GPS can be a vital tool for safety. Its tracking feature allows you to share your location with others, ensuring that someone always knows where you are, which is crucial in case of emergencies​

Besides being prepared with reliable hiking safety apps, there are some key safety items to always bring with you on adventures. Take a look at this first-aid checklist for insight on what you should always carry.

​​​Plant and Wildlife Identification Apps

Exploring the natural world while hiking isn't just about physical activity; it's also an opportunity for learning and discovery. Apps dedicated to plant and wildlife identification not only enhance safety by helping distinguish potentially hazardous flora and fauna but also provide you with educational information. Let's delve into some apps that make this possible:

PictureThis

Imagine walking along a trail and coming across a beautiful, unfamiliar flower. With PictureThis, identifying it is as simple as taking a photo. The app, powered by advanced AI, analyzes the photo and tells you exactly what plant you're looking at. It's incredibly user-friendly – just point, click, and within moments, you have a wealth of information at your fingertips. 

iNaturalist

More than just an identification tool, iNaturalist serves as an educational platform and a citizen science project. By using this app, you contribute to a global database of biodiversity. Sharing your observations and learning from others fosters a deeper understanding and appreciation of the ecosystems you explore.

PeakVisor 

While primarily for mountain identification, PeakVisor also provides information about surrounding natural elements. Its augmented reality technology allows you to learn about different peaks and landscapes, adding a unique dimension to your hiking adventures​

For those interested in learning about edible wild plants – a fascinating and practical aspect of hiking – this article on edible wild plants is an excellent resource. It covers essential foraging tips, safety guidelines, and detailed information on various edible plants you might encounter on your trails.

Weather Forecasting Apps

Understanding and preparing for weather changes is crucial for a safe and fun hiking experience. The right weather forecasting app can make all the difference, providing accurate updates and forecasts tailored to specific trails and locations. Let's explore some of the top apps for weather forecasting:

AccuWeather

Renowned for its precise weather forecasts, AccuWeather is a must-have for hikers. It provides detailed forecasts including temperature, precipitation, and wind conditions. Its MinuteCast feature offers minute-by-minute precipitation forecasts for the next two hours, tailored to your exact location, which is particularly useful for short hikes or sudden weather changes.

Weather Underground

This app stands out for its hyper-local forecasts derived from a vast network of weather stations. Weather Underground delivers real-time weather conditions, which is vital for planning longer or more challenging hikes. Its detailed forecasts include temperature, wind speed, humidity, and visibility, helping you make informed decisions about your hiking plans.

The National Park Service App

Specifically useful for hikers in national parks, NPS app provides not only general weather forecasts but also important alerts and information specific to each national park. It's an essential tool for hikers planning to explore these areas, ensuring they are well-prepared for any weather-related challenges.

Weather can be unpredictable and change rapidly, especially in mountainous or coastal regions. These apps offer valuable insights, allowing you  to plan accordingly and stay safe. Being aware of upcoming weather conditions can help in choosing the right gear, planning the timing of your hike, and deciding whether to proceed or seek shelter.

Always remember, no hike is worth risking your safety. If the weather looks challenging or dangerous, it's better to postpone and hike another day.

Community and Trail Reviews

The hiking experience is not just about the trail itself but also about the community and shared experiences. Apps that focus on community and trail reviews are essential for getting real-time insights and advice from fellow hikers. Here are some noteworthy apps in this category:

Hiking Project

This app is a treasure trove of user-submitted trail reviews, photos, and detailed information. It's a community-driven platform where hikers can find and share extensive knowledge about trails. From difficulty ratings to trail conditions, the Hiking Project app helps you know what to expect before you set foot on the trail.

TrailLink

Powered by Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, TrailLink is an excellent resource for finding trail maps and reviews. It's particularly useful for discovering rail-trails, which are repurposed railway tracks now used as hiking paths. The app includes detailed descriptions, reviews from users, and information about trail amenities, making it easier to plan your hike according to your preferences and abilities.

These community-driven apps not only assist in selecting the right trail but also build a sense of camaraderie among hikers. They allow for the sharing of valuable tips, personal experiences, and encouragement, fostering a connected and informed hiking community.

Personal Experience/Recommendations

While all apps mentioned are excellent digital tools for hikers, I've come to rely on a couple that have truly enhanced my entire experience:

AllTrails has been extremely helpful. It's like having a map and a group of friendly hikers' advice all in one place. I've used it to pick out trails, see what other people think, and even keep track of where I've been. It's made planning and navigating hikes a lot easier and more fun.

Then there's PictureThis, which is completely different but just as cool. It's all about the plants you see while you're out in nature. Whenever I come across a plant I don't recognize, I just snap a picture with the app, and it explains what it is. It turns a hike into a mini science adventure, and I've learned a lot about what grows along my favorite trails. 

Final Thoughts

Hiking apps are invaluable digital tools for today's hikers. Blending technology with the timeless joy of hiking, they help us navigate the trails and stay safe while doing so. They not only help us connect with nature but also with fellow enthusiasts in new and meaningful ways. These apps aren't just about making hiking easier; they're about enhancing the entire experience, ensuring every adventure is as fulfilling and enjoyable as it can be. So, the next time you hit the trails, make sure you bring along a few digital downloads to complement your journey.

Featured image by: Antonio Groß.