Hiking apps can help you with route planning in advance and on the road navigation during your hiking trip. We will show you the best hiking apps for Android and iPhone.
The hiking app AllTrails is available for free for Android and iPhone and helps you find hiking and biking trails, as well as dog parks near you.
Search for hiking and biking trails near you or find a dog park
You can sort your search results by activity, suitability (e.g. stroller friendly, wheelchair accessible) and popularity
Furthermore, you can filter the results by length, difficulty, elevation, type and amount of trail traffic
When choosing a trail, you can read reviews, check the weather forecast, see a trail map and photos
In addition, you can track your distance while you are hiking
The app is available for free
PeakVisor
With the PeakVisor App for Android and iPhone you can see the names and elevations of the surrounding peaks. You can also find hiking trails to take you to most of the peaks.
The PeakVisor App can show you the names and elevations of surrounding peaks by using 3D-technology and the camera of your phone
It will also show you viewpoints and mountain huts and the best hiking trails to get to them
To identify peaks from photographs, you can upload pictures into the app, which will then tell you the data of the peak
The free version offers you full functionality online, however, with the paid version ($2.99/month for iOS and $4.49/month for Android) you can use all the features offline as well
Spyglass
The app Spyglass is a very innovative way to experience your hike. It is available for Android and iPhone.
With its augmented reality technology, Spyglass is an innovative way to experience your hike, as the app tracks your surroundings and GPS data
You can navigate on your hike by using the apps’ compass, view a map overlay, or use one of the other features like a gyrocompass, speedometer, altimeter, a sextant, inclinometer, and an angular calculator
The app is especially interesting if you have an interest in geography and the scientific components of nature and hiking
Spyglass costs $7.99 on both Android and iPhone
Gaia GPS Hiking, Offroad Maps
The Gaia GPS Hiking, Offroad Maps for Android and iPhone gives you great GPS navigation and maps for your hikes.
The app doesn’t only offer you GPS navigation and route planning for your hikes, but also comes with a variety of different maps
These include modern topographical maps, as well as historical or classic print maps
You can also find camping spots with the apps’ features
While the free version only gives you limited features, the paid version for $19.99/year comes with downloadable maps and map overlays. You can also record and save your hikes with the paid version
Seek by iNaturalist
Do you love nature and like to find new plants and trees? This app is for you. Seek can help you identify plants and animals on your hikes. It is available for Android and iPhone.
By using image recognition, this app will identify plants and animals along your path
You can also see commonly recorded fauna and flora on your hikes by other hikers
The apps’ gamification features let you earn badges for identifying different types of animals and plants, which makes using this app a lot of fun
Seek by iNaturalist is available for Android and iPhone for free
How is hiking different from walking?
In general, walking describes the activity of moving somewhere with a slow pace and is often used for short distances or a short period of time, e.g. a walk in a nearby park. Hiking, however, describes a specific kind of walking, usually over a longer period of time or even multiple days, done for pleasure on trails in nature.
Can I lose weight by hiking?
Hiking is considered a good workout. It is a low-intensity workout, which means you mainly burn calories from fat, which is beneficial for weight loss. However, you don’t just burn fat, but you will also build muscle and strengthen your entire body. Furthermore, hiking has many health benefits, like improving blood pressure and blood sugar levels as well as lowering the risk of heart disease.
How do you start hiking for beginners?
Try to start with a trail that fits your fitness level. Most hiking apps have a system to show you which trail will suit your level. Check the weather and familiarize yourself with the trail before you leave. Especially in the mountains, weather can change quickly, so make sure there is no storm or weather warning. Pack enough food, water and extra clothing. Also make sure you carry a first-aid kit with you. If you’re not hiking with another person, make sure to let someone know where you will be, just in case. Also, wear good hiking shoes and socks and break them in before your first hike.
