Ten of the Most Popular and Effective Hiking Apps
Modern technology is playing a central role in how people explore the outdoors. Today’s hikers rely on mobile apps not only to find new trails, but also to plan routes, assess difficulty, monitor conditions, and stay safe in unfamiliar terrain.
From casual weekend walkers to seasoned backcountry adventurers, hikers of all experience levels use digital tools to make more informed decisions and get more enjoyment out of every trip.
The most effective hiking apps combine detailed mapping, GPS navigation, and real-world insights gathered from other hikers. Many also offer offline functionality, elevation data, and safety features that are essential in areas without reliable cell service.
As outdoor recreation continues to grow in popularity, these apps have become trusted companions on the trail, helping hikers explore with greater confidence, efficiency, and awareness of their surroundings.
1. AllTrails — Trail Discovery and Community Insights
Website: www.alltrails.com
AllTrails is one of the most widely used hiking apps because it excels at helping hikers discover, plan, and evaluate trails. It features an extensive global trail database with detailed information such as distance, elevation gain, difficulty level, and estimated time to complete. What truly sets AllTrails apart is its large user community, which contributes photos, trail condition updates, and reviews that give hikers real-world insight before heading out. The app also allows users to track hikes using GPS, view their position in real time, and save favorite trails. Its premium features, such as offline maps and live location sharing, make it especially valuable for hikers who venture into areas with limited cell service.
2. Gaia GPS — Advanced Navigation and Mapping
Website: www.gaiagps.com
Gaia GPS is a powerful navigation tool favored by experienced hikers, backpackers, and backcountry explorers. Rather than focusing primarily on trail discovery, Gaia GPS emphasizes detailed mapping and route planning. It offers high-resolution topographic maps, satellite imagery, elevation profiles, and customizable map layers that help users understand terrain, slope steepness, and land features. Hikers can create routes in advance, download maps for offline use, and track their progress with precise GPS accuracy, making it ideal for remote and off-trail navigation.
3. onX Backcountry — Land Boundaries and Backcountry Safety
Website: www.onxmaps.com/backcountry
onX Backcountry is designed for hikers who prioritize safety, terrain awareness, and land access information. The app provides topographic, satellite, and 3D maps that work offline, along with GPS tracking that remains accurate without cellular coverage. One of its most valuable features is the clear display of public and private land boundaries, helping hikers avoid trespassing and plan legal routes. Weather overlays, elevation analysis, and waypoint tools further support safe and informed backcountry travel.
4. FarOut — Long-Distance and Thru-Hike Guidance
Website: www.faroutguides.com
FarOut is especially popular among long-distance and thru-hikers tackling major trails. Instead of offering a wide variety of casual hikes, FarOut delivers curated, trail-specific guides with mile-by-mile detail. These guides include elevation profiles, water sources, campsites, resupply locations, and reliable offline GPS navigation. Its location sharing feature adds peace of mind for extended trips, making FarOut feel like a digital trail guidebook built specifically for serious hikers.
5. OsmAnd — Open-Source Offline Navigation
Website: www.osmand.net
OsmAnd is an open-source navigation app known for its strong offline capabilities and global coverage. Using OpenStreetMap data, it allows users to download entire regions for use without cell service. The app includes contour lines, hiking and biking routes, elevation data, and customizable map styles. While it lacks social reviews, OsmAnd is highly valued by hikers who want a flexible, subscription-free GPS navigation tool with worldwide functionality.
6. Komoot — Personalized Route Planning
Website: www.komoot.com
Komoot focuses heavily on route planning and personalization, allowing hikers to build routes based on terrain type, elevation, and fitness level. It provides detailed surface information, scenic highlights, and turn-by-turn voice navigation. Komoot also includes a strong social element, enabling users to discover popular routes and recommendations shared by other outdoor enthusiasts, making it ideal for hikers who like both planning and inspiration.
7. Hiking Project — Reliable, Data-Driven Trail Information
Website: www.hikingproject.com
Hiking Project offers a clean, data-driven approach to trail information. It includes detailed trail descriptions, elevation profiles, GPS tracking, and photos, all of which can be accessed offline. The app emphasizes accuracy and well-researched content over social commentary, appealing to hikers who prefer straightforward, reliable trail data without distractions.
8. ViewRanger — GPS and Augmented Reality Navigation
Website: www.viewranger.com
ViewRanger has long been recognized for its strong GPS navigation and mapping features. It allows hikers to download topographic maps, record routes, and navigate offline. One of its standout features is augmented reality, which enables users to identify surrounding peaks and landmarks by pointing their phone’s camera at the landscape, blending navigation with educational value.
9. Maps.me — Lightweight Offline Maps
Website: www.maps.me
Maps.me is a lightweight navigation app known for fast, easy-to-use offline maps. Users can download entire countries or regions and access footpaths, trails, and points of interest sourced from OpenStreetMap. While it lacks advanced hiking analytics, it is a reliable choice for basic navigation and orientation, especially when traveling or hiking in unfamiliar areas.
10. Strava — Performance Tracking and Social Motivation
Website: www.strava.com
Strava is primarily a fitness tracking app, but it is widely used by hikers who want to track performance and progress. It records distance, elevation gain, pace, and route data using GPS. Strava’s strength lies in its analytics and social features, allowing hikers to review past hikes, set goals, and share achievements with a broader outdoor and fitness community.
