Hiking the Appalachian Trail is an epic adventure, but you need the right tools to make sure you stay safe and on track. That's where these apps come in! They're packed with features to help you navigate, find campsites, track your progress, and even learn about the history of the trail. We've got you covered with our list of the top 10 apps for your Appalachian Trail journey.
You'll want to start with the big three: AllTrails, Avenza Maps, and Gaia GPS. These apps offer offline maps, detailed trail information, and user-generated reviews and photos. They’re like having a whole team of experienced hikers in your pocket!
| App | Logo | Available On | Reviews | Downloads | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. AllTrails |  | Android, iOS | 4.7/5 | 30M+ | Discover 400k+ trails worldwide, Plan adventures with detailed info |
| 2. Avenza Maps |  | Android, iOS | 4.8/5 | 5M+ | Offline mobile maps, Largest mobile Map Store, what3words integration |
| 3. Gaia GPS |  | Android, iOS | 4.5/5 | 3M+ | Offline-Karten, GPS-Navigation, Entfernungstracking |
| 4. Trailforks |  | Android, iOS | 4.8/5 | 2M+ | World's largest trail database, Accurate, up-to-date trail info |
| 5. National Park Service |  | Android, iOS | 4.1/5 | 1M+ | Interactive park maps, Ranger-led audio tours, Digitized park archives |
| 6. TrailLink |  | Android, iOS | 4.6/5 | 605K+ | Offline trail maps, 40,000+ curated trails, Detailed trail descriptions |
| 7. Hiking Project |  | Android, iOS | 4.5/5 | 442K+ | Offline trail maps, Detailed route info, Local expert insights |
1. AllTrails
Detailed trail maps and info, Offline trail navigation support
Cost:
Free (Free), AllTrails Pro ($39.99/year)
Download:
Application information
| Category | Health & Fitness |
| Downloads | Over 30 million |
| Features | AllTrails helps you find, plan, and navigate trails with detailed maps, user reviews, real-time conditions, offline maps, and GPS tracking, perfect for hikers, backpackers, and outdoor enthusiasts. |
| Who It’s For | Hikers, backpackers, and anyone interested in exploring trails, especially those planning a trip on the Appalachian Trail. |
- Tags:
- Trail Discovery
- Custom Route Planning
- Offline Maps & GPS
AllTrails, a popular app for Appalachian Trail enthusiasts, offers a wealth of information on trails, including user reviews and photos. However, recent updates have been met with frustration by some users who find the new photo organization system cumbersome and less intuitive than the previous format. The redesigned photo layout, featuring a slideshow-like experience and AI-sorted folders, has been criticized for hindering the ability to quickly browse and assess trail views. While the app still provides essential trail details and GPS navigation, these changes have led some users to reconsider their rating, highlighting the importance of user-friendly features in an app designed for outdoor exploration.
Pros & Cons
- Extensive trail database
- Detailed trail information
- User-submitted photos & reviews
- Offline map access
- New photo format is clunky
- Trail preview feature is worse
- AI-sorted folders are unhelpful
Why we chose it?
I absolutely love AllTrails for the Appalachian Trail! It's packed with detailed trail maps, real-time conditions, and user reviews, making sure I'm prepared for every step of the journey. Plus, with offline maps and GPS tracking, I can navigate confidently, even when I'm off the grid.
✨ Read more: app for directions
2. Avenza Maps
Offline maps for trail navigation, Custom map import for personalized routes
Cost:
Free (Free), Avenza Maps Pro ($9.99/month)
Download:
Application information
| Category | Maps & Navigation |
| Downloads | Over 5 million |
| Features | Avenza Maps allows you to download and use offline maps for hiking, biking, and all trails, including the Appalachian Trail, with features like GPS navigation, map creation, and location sharing. |
| Who It’s For | Hikers, backpackers, cyclists, and anyone who needs offline maps for outdoor activities. |
- Tags:
- Offline Maps
- GPS tracking
- Map Store
Avenza Maps is a popular choice for Appalachian Trail thru-hikers, providing essential offline navigation for those venturing off the grid. While the app offers a vast selection of maps and robust GPS capabilities, some users find its interface dated and the search functionality frustratingly limited. Features like route tracking can be useful, but users have noted that the new controls are bulky and can hinder visibility. Although some find the app's limitations a nuisance, it remains a reliable tool for navigating the AT, especially when cell service is unavailable.
Pros & Cons
- Offline maps for hiking
- Great for Appalachian Trail
- GPS tracking for navigation
- Good selection of maps
- UI is outdated
- Search functionality is poor
- Transferring data is difficult
Why we chose it?
Avenza Maps is my go-to app for tackling the Appalachian Trail because it lets me download and use offline maps, even when I'm miles from cell service. I love that I can customize my maps with my own data and waypoints, which is super helpful for planning my thru-hike. And the fact that it works flawlessly with my GPS means I can always trust it to keep me on track, even in the most challenging terrain.
✨ Read more: app hiking
3. Gaia GPS
Offline maps for navigation, Route planning and tracking, Detailed trail information
Cost:
Free (Free), Gaia GPS Premium ($39.99/year)
Download:
Application information
| Category | Maps & Navigation |
| Downloads | Over 2.7 million |
| Features | Gaia GPS offers offline maps, GPS navigation, route planning, elevation profiles, trip tracking, and sharing capabilities. |
| Who It’s For | Hikers, backpackers, and outdoor enthusiasts, especially those tackling the Appalachian Trail. |
- Tags:
- Offline Maps & GPS
- Backcountry Navigation
- Hiking Trail Explorer
Gaia GPS has long been a favorite among Appalachian Trail thru-hikers, offering a wealth of features to navigate the iconic trail. With its detailed maps, ability to download offline maps for areas with limited cell service, and layer customization, it provides essential tools for planning and tracking your journey. While some recent updates have brought about usability concerns, including slower map downloads and a less intuitive interface, its core functionalities remain valuable for navigating the demanding terrain of the Appalachian Trail.
Pros & Cons
- Great for Appalachian Trail
- Detailed map layers available
- Cloud sync for data access
- Useful for offline navigation
- Slow and buggy map downloads
- Unintuitive user interface design
- Limited control over data syncing
Why we chose it?
Gaia GPS is my go-to app for tackling the Appalachian Trail! It’s packed with offline maps, precise navigation, and detailed trail data, which is crucial when you're miles from civilization. I love that it allows me to download and store maps for offline use, so I can confidently navigate even when there's no cell service. Plus, the community-driven trail reports give me a real-time picture of trail conditions, so I'm always prepared for what lies ahead.
✨ Read more: app for bike riding
4. Trailforks
Detailed trail maps and GPS, Real-time trail conditions and reports
Cost:
Free (Free), Trailforks Pro ($39.99/year)
Download:
Application information
| Category | Sports |
| Downloads | Over 2 million |
| Features | Trailforks offers a comprehensive suite of features including detailed trail maps, bike GPS navigation, real-time trail conditions, user-generated reports, route planning tools, and offline map access. |
| Who It’s For | Hikers, backpackers, and thru-hikers on the Appalachian Trail seeking detailed information, navigation, and community insights. |
- Tags:
- Massive trail database
- Accurate bike tracker
- Detailed route planner
Trailforks is a must-have app for Appalachian Trail hikers looking to navigate new trails and get essential information about conditions and terrain. Boasting a massive database of over 670,000 trails, this app offers detailed maps, elevation profiles, and community-generated reviews, helping you plan your next adventure with confidence. While the app's pricing may be a concern for some, its comprehensive trail data, user-friendly interface, and ability to map routes make it an invaluable tool for anyone venturing onto the Appalachian Trail.
Pros & Cons
- Find trails in any area
- Mapping routes for unfamiliar areas
- Tons of trail descriptions and data
- Community aspects for trail previews
- Expensive subscription for full features
- Mobile version less comprehensive than desktop
- Not ideal for social interaction
Why we chose it?
I'm a big fan of Trailforks for the Appalachian Trail! It's got detailed trail maps that are super helpful for navigating the AT, plus real-time condition reports from other hikers, so you'll know what to expect along the way. And the offline map feature is a lifesaver when you're out in the wilderness with limited cell service.
✨ Read more: app for running
5. National Park Service
Offline maps for trail navigation, Real-time weather and conditions
Download:
Application information
| Category | Travel & Local |
| Downloads | Over 1 million downloads |
| Features | The app offers interactive maps, park information, accessibility details, and offline content for exploring the Appalachian Trail. |
| Who It’s For | Hikers, backpackers, and anyone interested in exploring the Appalachian Trail. |
- Tags:
- Interactive park maps
- Ranger-led tours
- Accessibility information
The National Park Service app is a game-changer for anyone hitting the Appalachian Trail, offering a level of detail and functionality that surpasses traditional park brochures. This official app, still under development, provides interactive maps, detailed trail information, and even offline access, a lifesaver when cell service is scarce. While not all 420+ parks have fully implemented their content yet, the app already boasts impressive features like the ability to save favorites, create custom lists, and download offline maps. It's a testament to the NPS's commitment to providing a truly immersive and informative experience for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Pros & Cons
- Granularity for finding trails
- Offline map downloads for no signal
- Snappy and intuitive interface
- Save favorites without a profile
- Not all parks have content
- Cannot add location to lists
- UI tweaks needed for new app
Why we chose it?
As the official app for all national parks, including the Appalachian Trail, the National Park Service app is a must-have for any thru-hiker. It's packed with detailed maps, real-time trail conditions, and information on campsites, shelters, and water sources, keeping you safe and informed along your journey. With content curated by park rangers, you're guaranteed accurate and reliable information you can trust, making it a valuable tool for any adventure on the Appalachian Trail.
✨ Read more: app for tracking mileage
6. TrailLink
Offline trail maps and GPS, Detailed trail descriptions and reviews
Cost:
Free (Free), TrailLink Pro ($29.99/year)
Download:
Application information
| Category | Health & Fitness |
| Downloads | Over 600,000 |
| Features | TrailLink helps you find and navigate trails, including Appalachian Trail sections, with maps, descriptions, reviews, photos, and offline access. |
| Who It’s For | Hikers, bikers, walkers, and outdoor enthusiasts looking to explore trails, especially those interested in the Appalachian Trail. |
- Tags:
- Offline trail maps
- 40,000+ curated trails
- Detailed trail descriptions
TrailLink is a popular app for Appalachian Trail enthusiasts, offering a comprehensive database of trails across the USA. While the free version provides valuable information and trail overviews, many users rave about the unlimited premium option, which unlocks offline map downloads – a crucial feature for areas with limited cell service. However, some users have expressed frustration with the subscription model, feeling the $29.99 annual fee is excessive for their occasional use. Ultimately, TrailLink remains a strong contender for Appalachian Trail hikers seeking detailed trail maps and community resources, though its subscription model may not be for everyone.
Pros & Cons
- Extensive trail database
- Detailed trail information
- Free version offers basic features
- Downloadable maps for offline use
- Subscription required for full access
- Expensive annual subscription cost
- Limited free map credits
- Occasional app glitches
Why we chose it?
I love TrailLink for the Appalachian Trail! It's packed with tons of trail information, including detailed maps, user reviews, and even photos from other hikers. You can easily find nearby trails and filter by activity, difficulty, and length. Plus, it's great for planning ahead because you can download maps for offline use, which is a lifesaver when you're out in the wilderness!
7. Hiking Project
Offline trail maps for navigation, Elevation profiles for trip planning
Download:
Application information
| Category | Sports |
| Downloads | Over 442,000 |
| Features | The app offers GPS route info, elevation profiles, interactive features, photos, local expert insights, offline trail access, and more. |
| Who It’s For | Hikers, especially those interested in the Appalachian Trail |
- Tags:
- Offline Maps
- Detailed trails
- GPS tracking
For those tackling the Appalachian Trail, Hiking Project is an invaluable tool. This free app boasts an impressive database of over 74,000 miles of trails, complete with detailed maps, elevation profiles, and GPS route information. Its offline functionality, a rarity in free apps, proved crucial for one user navigating overgrown trail junctions in the Ozark National Forest, ensuring they stayed on course. While the search function and trailhead directions could be improved, Hiking Project remains a top choice for Appalachian Trail thru-hikers who need reliable offline navigation and a comprehensive trail database at their fingertips.
Pros & Cons
- Comprehensive trail information
- Offline maps with GPS
- Detailed elevation data
- Free with valuable features
- Limited search function
- Requires offline download
- No in-app recording
Why we chose it?
Hiking Project is my go-to app for the Appalachian Trail because it has everything I need, from detailed trail maps and elevation profiles to user-submitted photos and reviews. I love that it works offline, so I can access it even when I'm deep in the woods without cell service. And the ability to record my hikes and see my progress is super motivating!
8. onX Backcountry Trail Maps GPS
Offline maps for reliable navigation, Detailed trail data for planning
Cost:
Free Trial (Free for 7 Days), onX Backcountry ($29.99/year)
Download:
Application information
| Category | Sports |
| Downloads | Over 372,550 downloads |
| Features | onX Backcountry provides detailed offline maps, GPS navigation, trail information, and tools for planning and tracking outdoor adventures. |
| Who It’s For | Hikers, backpackers, trail runners, mountain bikers, and anyone exploring the Appalachian Trail. |
- Tags:
- Offline Maps & GPS
- 3D Mapping & Visualization
- Extensive Trail Database
While onX Backcountry boasts impressive offline functionality and 3D map capabilities, it falls short as an ideal app for the Appalachian Trail. Users highlight a frustrating lack of search filters, making it difficult to locate specific trails or plan trips based on difficulty or geographic area. Additionally, concerns regarding map accuracy, with missing trails and errors persisting despite user feedback, raise serious doubts about its reliability for navigating the iconic Appalachian Trail. The app's segmented membership tiers, making essential features like USFS maps and property ownership data exclusive to higher-priced plans, further detract from its value proposition, leaving users feeling shortchanged.. onX Backcountry Trail Maps GPS
Pros & Cons
- Offline functionality for tracking
- Importing/exporting GIS data
- Elevation rate coloring on map
- Nice overall map aesthetics
- Inaccurate trail representation
- Limited trail search filters
- Expensive for all features
Why we chose it?
I absolutely love onX Backcountry for my Appalachian Trail adventures! It's packed with offline maps, so you can navigate even without cell service, and the detailed trail data helps you plan your route and know what to expect. Plus, the community-based features let you share your experiences and learn from other thru-hikers.
9. FarOut
Offline maps for navigation, Detailed trail information available
Cost:
Free (Free), Premium ($3.99/month)
Download:
Application information
| Category | Maps & Navigation |
| Downloads | Over 190,000 |
| Features | FarOut provides offline maps, trail navigation, trip planning tools, safety features like check-ins, and comprehensive guidebooks for the Appalachian Trail and other long-distance routes. |
| Who It’s For | Hikers, backpackers, and outdoor enthusiasts planning long-distance adventures, especially on the Appalachian Trail. |
- Tags:
- Offline trail maps
- Trusted trail data
- Check-in for safety
FarOut is a game-changer for thru-hikers tackling the Appalachian Trail. With its detailed, offline maps and essential trail information, this app provides a crucial layer of safety and peace of mind. Users rave about its comprehensive guide data, including waypoints, comments, and even offline access. While some early users encountered initial hiccups with map downloads, the developers quickly addressed the issue, demonstrating their commitment to user satisfaction. FarOut is a must-have for any Appalachian Trail thru-hiker, offering a vital tool for navigating the challenging terrain and enjoying the journey to the fullest.
Pros & Cons
- Essential gear for hikers
- Adds safety and enjoyment
- Provides trail information offline
- Reasonable price for maps
- Updating not same as downloading
- Maps may not load correctly
- Issues with guide access
Why we chose it?
FarOut is my go-to app for tackling the Appalachian Trail because it offers offline maps and detailed trail data, ensuring I never get lost, even in the remotest sections. The detailed guidebooks within the app are a lifesaver for planning my route and understanding the trail's challenges, while the check-in feature lets my loved ones know I'm safe, giving them peace of mind.
10. HiiKER
Offline maps for trail navigation, Detailed trail information and reviews
Cost:
Free (Free), Pro ($2.99/month)
Download:
Application information
| Category | Maps & Navigation |
| Downloads | Over 98,000 |
| Features | HiiKER provides offline maps, route planning, GPS tracking, custom hike creation, and sharing for exploring trails like the Appalachian Trail. |
| Who It’s For | Hikers, backpackers, and outdoor enthusiasts looking for a comprehensive app to plan, navigate, and record their adventures on the Appalachian Trail and other trails worldwide. |
- Tags:
- Offline Maps
- Route Planning
- Accommodation search
HiiKER is a powerful app specifically designed for Appalachian Trail hikers, offering an immersive experience with detailed maps, offline navigation, and a user-friendly interface. It features stunning photos of the landscape, trailhead directions, and the ability to download maps with waypoints for offline use, allowing you to explore the trail with confidence. With its customizable route options and detailed information, HiiKER provides a comprehensive solution for planning and navigating your Appalachian Trail adventure.
Pros & Cons
- Offline maps for trails
- Trailhead directions and waypoints
- Multiple route options for trails
- Good photos and easy navigation
- App crashing issues reported
- Poor map detail for some trails
- Internet connection required for startup
Why we chose it?
I absolutely love HiiKER for the Appalachian Trail! It's got offline maps so I can ditch the data and enjoy the scenery, detailed trail information that helps me plan my hikes, and easy-to-use navigation that keeps me on track. Plus, the community aspect with sharing routes and tips makes it even more fun!