If you're planning to take advantage of the warm weather and head out into the wilderness this summer, the AllTrails+ app can help you find new trails, navigate on the trail, and stay in touch with loved ones.

Right now, you can save 50% on an annual subscription to AllTrails+ app. This deal applies in all northern hemisphere countries (except the US and Canada) and means you can pick up this feature-packed hiking tool for just £17.99 in the UK or €14.99 in Europe. That's a full year of access for about the same price as a decent pair of hiking socks.

I've been hiking with AllTrails+ for over a year now, and I think it's great for finding new trails anywhere in the world, and it's only getting better with several huge new upgrades that were announced this spring.

AllTrails+ gives you access to premium features like offline maps, wrong turn alerts, 3D previews, and live location sharing, which is super handy if you don't want to fork out extra for a Garmin device but want to keep your loved ones in the know when you're on the go.

This great deal is available now through July 29. Click here to sign up for AllTrails+ and use the code SUMMERNOW2025 for a 50% discount for an entire year of membership.

AllTrails+ blends social media with navigation by allowing you to share your routes and times with friends. It boasts over 450,000 verified trails and makes finding a hike or trail run near you super-easy and with AllTrails+ you can also choose a trail by distance from you.

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The hiking app AllTrails has rolled out a massive update that focuses on member-desired features and innovative ways to use technology to enhance your outdoor experience. The suite of six new features marks the biggest update from the brand in a decade.

The San Francisco-based platform, which was awarded Apple's iPhone App of the Year award in 2023, has steadily improved its offerings for trail users since it launched in 2010. Last year, its Public Lands Program allowed land management agencies such as National Park officials to share time-sensitive updates with users, while AllTrails+, the brand's first subscription service, has added features such as offline maps, a Live Share function to keep your friends and family up-to-date on your location and wrong turn alerts to keep you on track.

"A lot of our time is spent listening to our members, doing user research, trying to really understand what they want," says Ivan Selin, chief product officer at AllTrails.

The brand has positioned itself as the world's leading hiking app, even despite Apple Maps trying to muscle in with its custom route feature, and we didn't think there was much more it could do to keep its competitive edge. Turns out we were wrong.

Today, AllTrails unveils Peak membership, its top-tier subscription, and we recently sat down with Selin to find out more. Here's what we're most excited about:

Custom routes

Find a route on AllTrails, but think it looks a little longer or steeper than you wanted? Planning a multi-day hike where you link together different paths? In the last couple of years, it has been possible to alter your route on the fly, since AllTrails does show other existing paths, but it hasn't allowed you to create a route at home. Now you can.

The Custom Routes feature combines more than 450,000 trails and millions of miles recorded by AllTrails members with the power of AI to allow you to create your perfect trail.

"You can use any existing trail as a starting point, or you can start from scratch. And you can do this all yourself, which we built to be really intuitive and fun," says Selin, who adds that you can also use the new Smart Routing feature, and all trails will create your perfect route for you.

Community Heat Maps

If you're a Strava user or own a Suunto or Garmin watch, you may already be familiar with heat maps, which shows you the traffic levels on routes and trails. AllTrails initially built its own heat maps for public lands managers, and it proved so popular that it has now been added to Peak membership.

"One of the most common challenges we often hear from our members is that the most popular trails around the world have become too popular," says Selin.

However, his team categorizes this as a good problem, partly because it means lots of people are enjoying the outdoors and also because they believe it's easily solved with Heat Maps, which allow you to see AllTrails user traffic over time on any trail.

"You can find the most popular trail or a hidden gem and everything in between."

Trail Conditions

AllTrails+ members have been able to see weather conditions along the trail for a while now, but this is another feature that's been turbo-charged for Peak membership.

Wondering if it's a Microspikes day or if you need to pack insect repellent? Conditions can change dramatically in ways that are really important for preparation. The new Trail Conditions feature provides you with a more comprehensive weather report that aggregates 15 different weather factors every hour across a grid that covers the entirety of every trail, as well as ground conditions, bug activity and snowpack.

"Not only will we be able to tell you if you should expect snow on your trail, but we'll actually be able to show you precisely when and where to expect it and how deep the snow pack will be," says Selin.

"With trail conditions, you'll always be a step ahead. So you can hit the trail with confidence by knowing what to wear and how to prepare.

Outdoor lens

If you've ever set foot on a hiking trail, you've almost certainly seen a plant or insect and wondered what it was.

You also may know that apps exist to help you identify such things, but this summer, you'll be able to do it within AllTrails if you sign up for Peak membership.

"It's the start of a brand new set of experiences that allow you to use our in-app camera on trail to better understand the natural landscape around you," says Selin.

Outdoor Lens will help you identify plants, trees, mushrooms, and even insects so you can learn more about the natural world on your hiking adventures.

AllTrails Peak membership

AllTrails Peak includes all of the features from both AllTrails Plus and Base (free) memberships, while other new features have been added at all levels, incuding Points of Interest, making it easy to spot the can't-miss highlights along the trail, and the ability to download an entire map area with boundaries that they set so you can see all trails available in a region or park.

AllTrails Peak will be rolling out to select members in the coming weeks and will be globally available with the official release of AllTrails’ 2025 Summer Update in June. The annual subscription will be priced at $79.99 / £79.99. To learn more about Peak and register for early access to upgrade, visit https://www.alltrails.com/en-gb/update/2025-summer.

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Here in the UK, spring has well and truly sprung with magnificent hiking conditions seeing people shake off the winter heavies and get outdoors. Now, you can hit the trail with more information and support than ever, thanks to a massive 50% off an AllTrails+ membership for UK users.

The popular hiking app, which was voted Apple's app of the year in 2023, has some 450,000 curated routes around the globe, and tens of thousands of them are in the UK alone.

With the free version of the app, you can find and navigation new trails and read recent trip reports from other users, but with AllTrails+ you can download offline maps for use in the backcountry, receive alerts when you take a wrong turn and even Live Share your location with friends and family for safety.

I started using AllTrails+ a year ago after a trip to the Lake District with the brand where I got to know the app better, and I've been using it ever since, most recently just yesterday when I climbed Ben Nevis. Before leaving home, I downloaded the map and sent it to my GPS watch and checked out recent reviews to find out if I still needed my crampons. I nearly always use it to navigate to the trailhead from home, and sometimes, even when I'm heading up a clearly marked path, I find it useful just to get from my car to the trailhead when there aren't any helpful signs.

Usually, the perks of a paid membership will set you back £35.99 for the year, but right now, you can save a massive 50% on membership and unlock other benefits such as 3D flyovers of a route before you go and sorting trails by distance from you, all for less than the price of a couple of cinema tickets.

AllTrails is offering 50% off its annual AllTrails+ membership for UK users from April 11 to 16. To unlock this discount, use the code SPRING25 at checkout when you visit AllTrails.com.

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The clocks change in the UK this weekend, and that means hikers across the country can finally take advantage of post-7pm sunsets and more daylight to hit the trails after a long day of work. It also means your favorite beauty spot is about to get a whole lot busier.

In 2024, the last weekend of March saw the highest app usage for AllTrails users, according to a new survey carried out by the popular hiking app, while March 30 was the most popular day of the year for hiking. From now through the autumn, there's no doubt that more Brits will be seeking the physical and mental health benefits of hiking – 81% of the 2,000 people surveyed say they typically feel happier after a hike or walk outdoors, while 46% of Brits say they consider walking in nature their top stress reliever.

“Research continues to show the positive impact that being outdoors has on our overall mental wellbeing all year round,” says Dr. Suzanne Hackenmiller, Chief Medical Advisor at AllTrails who cites circadian rhythm regulation, improved sleep and better mood as some of the key benefits of hiking.

The majority of us heading to the same trails to achieve these benefits, however, can come at a cost, something AllTrails’ UK Country Manager Gareth Mills has seen first-hand at areas near his home such as Yr Wyddfa (formerly Snowdon).

According to some estimates, 600,000 people climb Yr Wyddfa every year, giving it the unofficial monikor of Britain's busiest mountain. Overcrowding in areas like Eryri National Park (formerly Snowdonia), where Yr Wyddfa resides, can mean long queues to the summit, increased erosion and questionable parking – in January, Peak District hikers were criticized for blocking roadways and slowing down mountain rescue teams trying to aid an injured hiker.

But stand at the foot of a popular peak and take a quarter turn in any direction?

"Many surrounding peaks are largely empty, despite offering similar views, air, challenge, and sense of achievement. The few people on those further trails are often surrounded by more sheep than people," says Mills.

In his discussions with Eryri officials about reducing crowding and finding ways to explore without disrupting local communities or hurting the land, Mills says he realized he already had the solution.

"Technology, including outdoor exploration apps, can help tackle overcrowding and allow us all to enjoy time outside in peace."

On a recent weekend, Mills set off towards Eryri, but instead of joining the queue to the Yr Wyddfa summit, he used AllTrails to find an alternate route that would provide a similar distance and difficulty level in the same area, with great views.

He followed the directions to the trailhead, where he found plenty of parking and began walking, finding as he gained elevation that he had views of all the famous peaks that make this landscape so iconic – Tryfan, Carnedd Llewelyn, Carnedd Dafydd are higher and even Yr Wyddfa.

"It’s an impressive mountain, best enjoyed from a little distance away."

Most importantly, he could enjoy the trail without the traffic jams.

"Even on our highest, busiest summit of the day, everyone there could fit inside the weather shelter for a chat, snack and drink."

If you're one of the many who will be flocking to the hills this weekend and more as the days get longer, but are hoping to enjoy some solitude, AllTrails could be a good way to find an alternate but comparable route.

Using the app's filters, you can specify whether you're looking for an easy, moderate or hard hike, the type of distance and elevation you'd like to achieve and other must-haves, like great views, waterfalls or whether you want to hike out-and-back or in a loop. Then it will select routes that fit your preferences out of 450,000 trails around the world, and you can check out other hikers' photos and read their reviews to see if it really fits the bill.

"Time outside is a basic human need, and the digital lifestyles many of us now live means it has never been more important to get outdoors. The pandemic helped us to rediscover its benefits. Now is the time to remake the habit, helped by technology that makes it easier than ever to find beauty without busyness," says Mills.

Many of AllTrails functions are available for free, but for $35.99 / £35.99 a year you can unlock features, such as searching for trails by distance from you, route preview, weather along the trail, route conditions and even mosquito activity so you know whether or not you need your insect repellent. Read our review of AllTrails+ to learn more.

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Thinking about upgrading to AllTrails' premium version of their navigation app? Then we've got some good news for you.

Right now, users in the US and Canada can get 50% off the cost of an AllTrails+ annual membership using the code SPRING2025. But you'd better be quick, because this deal is only live until today (March 25).

AllTrails says that members of AllTrails+ are three times more likely to hit the trail and do more outdoors.

The AllTrails+ membership offers a wealth of helpful features, with offline maps, wrong-turn alerts, and extra planning functionality.

You can use it to:

Discover trails: Search more than 450,000 trails around the world by location, interest, skill level, and more.

Plan your adventure: Get in-depth trail info, from reviews to photos to conditions

Stay on course: Stick to your planned route or chart your own course with confidence by navigating on trail.

Print back-up paper maps: No need to worry if your phone runs out of juice.

Find trails by distance from you: Spontaneous adventures are made easier when you can pick a route on the fly.

During March AllTrails is pledging a portion of the proceeds from sales of annual memberships to public lands organizations.

In a statement announcing the move, the company said: "In the US, public lands and trails go hand in hand. To show our support for America’s parks and park workers, we’re donating $5 for every new AllTrails+ membership in the month of March to organizations that directly support federal public lands."

You can learn more about the AllTrails pledge here.

I’m a relative novice to using hiking apps and GPS navigation on the trails, but after being introduced to AllTrails last year, I’ve become a bit of a convert, using it to find new hiking and trail running routes all over Scotland, England, Greece and the Alps. So when I heard that Apple Maps was muscling in on hiking apps’ turf and introducing a custom hiking route function with iOS 18.3, I decided to give it a go.

Here in the UK, Apple Maps doesn't yet show topographical details like it does in the US, but the custom route function is available, so from the comfort of my couch, I startec searching the hills of western Scotland to build a route.

I figured mapping a route somewhere I was unfamiliar with would give me the most realistic experience, but I also wasn’t keen to die for the sake of an article – let's not forget last year’s spate of hikers who were rescued from "clearly dangerous" cliffside after following a non-existent Google Maps trail. There’s also been quite a bit of snow above 2,000ft on my last few hikes which does make it easier to get lost, so I finally settled on some low-lying hills in Loch Lomond National Park that I’ve been meaning to check out for a while.

Fast forward a few weeks and I was on the trail, following a route I’d created on my phone in Loch Lomond National Park. It wasn’t a total disaster, and spoiler alert, I didn’t need to call mountain rescue, but let's just say there are a few reasons why I probably won’t use Apple Maps again.

1. Off to a false start

It turns out that with Apple Maps, you can’t plot a route just anywhere – if there are no existing paths where you want to go, you’ll get a message telling you to tap closer to a path or road. That put my mind somewhat at rest since I assume it at least reduces my chances of falling into a ravine from a non-existent trail.

After a few false starts, I found a path delineated by a dotted line just like on a topo map – part of the John Muir Way, a 134-mile path that crosses the midsection of the country. I tapped on a nearby glamping business where I assumed I’d be able to park and set that as my starting point and began creating an 8.3-mile hike that joined up several trails.

The next day it was grey but dry, so I pulled on my Columbia Konos TRS hiking shoes which are ideal for non-technical hikes and hopped in the car, using Apple Maps to get me to my starting point. About 30 minutes later I was heading up a one-lane country road where I realized my first problem: there was no parking. Driving to the nearest town wasn’t a great option, as it would add miles to my walk, most of it along a road, which I didn’t relish the thought of.

This isn’t Apple Maps’ fault – it’s on me as the user to do my research after all. But it highlighted one of the limitations of using iOS to plot a route – it really works best when you start at an established trailhead, or in a National Park, and then you arguably don’t need the app since there are likely to be maps and trail signs.

Undeterred, I drove on and after another 10 minutes, I found a parking spot and trail signs indicating that this was an access point to the John Muir Way. Fortunately, I had enough cell service to quickly create a new route and download it onto my phone, then I could switch on Airplane mode to save battery and within a few minutes, I was making my way up a moderately steep forest track.

2. I’m not confident in its accuracy

My route promised me a 5.2-mile hike, which sounded ideal, but it also estimated it would take me three hours to complete, which sounded like a lot, and turned out to be about double the time it took me. This wasn't the only time I found it to have accuracy issues.

The day before, I tried plotting a circular route up a mountain I hike regularly as a test. At just over seven miles, it typically takes me a little less than three hours to hike. But once I’d plotted it out, iOS seemed to think it was 14 miles and would take me closer to 10 hours. Big difference.

Back on the trail, after I’d been walking for a while I was pleased to see that, much like when you’re driving in traffic, my ETA started to adjust, but I can imagine less experienced hikers being discouraged by the thought of a 10-hour hike that might only take them four hours. Obviously asking how long a hike will take is like asking how long is a piece of string, but for comparison, I usually find AllTrails reasonably accurate.

As for distance, my Coros Pace 3 clocked my walk at 4.7 miles, which is about half a mile difference. Apple Maps did include two unexplained little spurs it wanted me to follow and then backtrack, which I declined, so it's probably not far off, but I’d be hesitant to trust it for longer unknown routes.

3. No detours available – except one I didn’t want

Often when I’m hiking, I like to take detours. Just last week, I climbed up a new hill in the Ochils of Central Scotland that I’d found using AllTrails. The plan was an out-and-back hike but when I reached the top, my map showed another trail I could take that would take me over another summit to make a loop. On a clear day, I might have been able to figure this out without technology, but I was in a cloud, so it was thanks to the map that I felt confident to continue on.

On the John Muir Way, I reached the first trail junction after about a mile and pulled out my phone to see which direction I should go. Here I got the biggest surprise of all – once you hit Go and start hiking, Apple Maps doesn’t seem to recognize any other possible routes. It just indicates the route you’re following with a blue line. It was clear which way I should go, and I understand that the point is to take the effort out of navigation, but I can’t help but think that when you’re out on a hike, it’s helpful to know as much as possible about your surroundings.

This also meant I later took a wrong turn. Towards the end of my hike, I was heading downhill when the path split. As before, my app didn’t indicate the presence of another option, so I guessed and I was wrong. Shortly I found myself without a trail, picking my way through a deforestation project when Siri’s voice came out of the pocket of my jacket telling me to return to the route. It’s great that I got a wrong turn alert, but what I actually wanted was a more detailed map so I could have made the right decision from the start.

I’m not knocking the GPS or navigation – there was actually a pivotal moment in my hike where I’d have missed a righthand turn without the app, but I’d like to know more about what’s around me in case I want to go exploring or change my plans.

4. Other apps do it better

“You have arrived,” Siri informs me unhelpfully as I get back to my car, unscathed but looking forward to getting back to hiking without that voice in my pocket.

As John Muir himself once said, in every walk with nature we receive far more than we seek, and as always I’ve benefitted from my time outdoors. There are even aspects of Apple Maps I quite like. The map stays on the home screen of my phone rather than disappearing into the background when I open my camera to take photos – something that does happen with AllTrails. And I like that the routes are downloadable and therefore available when I’m offline, or out of cell service.

In fairness, I probably pushed iOS 18.3 to the limits with what I was asking it to do – it’s really meant for hiking on well-established trails and in National Parks. But the crux of all this for me is that if you want to hike with a navigational app, loads already do it better: AllTrails+, Strava, Komoot, Garmin and Trailforks to name a few.

I’m sure that Apple’s land grab is just the start of a plan to develop this feature and make it more accurate and useful, but other apps are years ahead of them in terms of development. Apple Maps is great for getting you to the trailhead, but once you’re there there are better ways to navigate, whether that means GPS or a good old-fashioned map and compass.

How to plot a hiking route using Apple Maps

1. Open the Maps app on your phone or other device
2. Select a starting point by tapping on a road, path, or trail to drop a pin
3. Tap on More and select Create Custom route
4. Build your route by tapping or clicking on other points you wish to visit
5. Choose whether you want to to go out and back, make a loop, or reverse the route
6. Save the route with a name
7. To navigate to the trailhead, tap Directions
8. To start turn-by-turn directions, tap Go

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In 2024, millions of viewers tuned in to watch the Netflix romantic comedy One Day, which chronicles Emma Morley and Dexter Mayhew largely ill-fated relationship over 14 years. According to a new report from the hiking app AllTrails, the show inspired quite a few viewers to get out on the hiking trail.

If you haven't watched One Day yet, the two main characters sweat it out on a hike up Arthur's Seat the day after graduating from Edinburgh University. Arthur's Seat is an iconic extinct volcano that's slap bang in the middle of Scotland's capital. At just three miles long, this trail gains nearly 900 feet in elevation gain, giving hikers a real hill walk with 360-degree views of the Firth of Firth and the city, including stunning Edinburgh castle.

The show captures the surprising beauty of this unusual hike and it's no wonder that its popularity – reportedly nearly 10 million views in one week – led some people to check it out for themselves. Arthur's Seat made AllTrail's list of the top 10 UK trails in 2024.

Top 10 UK hiking trails of 2024

Elsewhere in the UK, it was the coldest summer since 2015, but that didn't stop people from getting outdoors – according to AllTrails, UK trail activity grew by 68 percent last year.

The popular hiking app has 32,000 verified trails in the UK, and the ones that make up the top 10 amassed nearly 38,000 reviews collectively and boast an average 4.7-star rating.

Some, like Arthur's Seat and the five-mile Malham Landscape Trail in Yorkshire Dales National Park, offer a moderate difficulty suitable for lots of ages and abilities, but overall the list reveals a preference for challenge, with the UK's highest peak Ben Nevis claiming the top spot, followed by Yr Wyddfa (formerly Snowdon) and the short but strenuous Old Man of Storr Loop on the Narnia-esque Isle of Skye. England's tallest fell, Scafell Pike, comes in at number five.

1. Ben Nevis Mountain TrackBen Nevis Mountain Track, Scotland 
2. Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) via Llanberis Path, Wales 
3. The Old Man of Storr Circular, Scotland 
4. Malham Landscape Trail: Janet's Foss, Gordale Scar, and Malham Cove, England
5. Scafell Pike from Wasdale Campsite, England 
6. Kinder Scout and Kinder Downfall Circular, England
7. The Roaches and Lud's Church Circular, England
8. Rydal Water and Cave Circular, England
9. Arthur's Seat, Scotland
10. Fairy Pools, Scotland

Of course, the popularity of these hikes means you'll almost never be alone, and while that can be a draw for some, they're not always the best choice if you're looking to get off the beaten path and enjoy some solitude.

If you're looking to escape the crowds, try Scotland's second-tallest peak Ben Macdui in Cairngorms National Park, which while popular, is nowhere near as busy as Ben Nevis. There are 282 Munros in Scotland, so you can always find a quiet one if you look hard enough.

For a Welsh adventure without the queues, check out Tryfan North Ridge which features some great scrambling and while Scafell Pike in the Lake District is worth the climb, its next-door neighbor, Scafell, offers a similar profile and identical views but far fewer people. To find hikes near you, you can always download the AllTrails+ app and search by the map.

What kit do you need for hiking in the UK?

If you're new to hiking in the UK, the good news is that there are thousands of stunning trails and peaks and for the most part, you can hike year-round here, but there are a few things to be aware of.

First, if you're used to dashing around in trail running shoes, UK trails often require waterproof footwear so you can comfortably wade through bogs. Speaking of moisture, you'll also never want to leave home without a waterproof jacket and a pair of rain pants. The summer months can be surprisingly cool, so bring a fleece jacket even if it's warm at the trailhead.

Compared to some popular hiking spots, like the Alps and the Rockies, trails in the UK can be a little harder to find and, especially in Scotland, more remote, so it's a good idea to carry a map and compass in addition to GPS navigation, and a satellite communicator like a Garmin InReach or a phone with the SOS function.

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Do you love hiking with AllTrails but hate constantly looking at your phone when you're out in nature? Great news – the popular navigation app announced updates to its Apple Watch app today that make it easier for you to enjoy the trail.

Starting today, you can tuck your phone away in your backpack and use the new AllTrails compass feature on your watch whenever you need navigational guidance. You can also track your activity stats on your watch in real time via AllTrails if you want to keep an eye on how long you've been out on the trail, watch your pace, heart rate and how much elevation you've gained. You can even see how much time you have left before you can get back to the trailhead and take your hiking boots off.

“Now there’s no need to reach for your phone while taking in the views or holding your dog’s leash," says Ivan Selin, chief product officer at AllTrails.

"We built our Apple Watch app to make it easier than ever to explore the outdoors hands-free.” 

If you use the Apple Health app, you can integrate your hike, run or ride into it so that it offers a more accurate screenshot of your activity level and health stats. And if you're an AllTrails+ subscriber, your watch will buzz to let you know if you've taken a wrong turn to help keep you safe.

The Apple Watch update joins AllTrails’ suite of watch experiences, which includes AllTrails on Android and Garmin watches. 

When using a wearable for navigation on a hike, it's important to carry a portable charger in case your device runs out of battery and remember that for backcountry escapades, a backup topo map and compass will never run out of battery, so it's a good idea to pack them for backup.

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Right now, adventurers in the US and Canada can save 50% on an AllTrails+ membership using the promo code EXPLORENOW. That's means users in the US get a saving of $17.50 on a year's worth of access to the navigation app's full suite of hiking features.

We've been hiking with AllTrails+ since the spring (and trail running with it too, for that matter) and enjoying the ability to download maps for offline use so that we can turn our phones onto flight mode and not have to worry about finding cell service in the backcountry.

Other super useful features include wrong turn alerts when you accidentally get off trail, real-time trail conditions and the LiveShare function, which lets your loved ones track your progress and raise a flag if things go wrong. Learn more in our review of AllTrails+.

With cooler weather on the way, you might be feeling a little despondent about some of your favorite trails soon being obscured by snow, but with 450,000 verified trails, AllTrails is bound to have a few new ideas for you to keep you in your best hiking boots all year and you can gift it to others, too.

Use the promo code EXPLORENOW to claim your discount from AllTrails.com. This offer is valid from today through Tuesday, September 3.

Still shopping around? Check out our guide to the best navigation apps for your adventures.

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Got your hiking boots at the ready? AllTrails has rolled out a suite of new updates to its popular navigation app to help its 60 million users across the globe make better decisions about where to hike, and what they'll need to do it.

The news comes after we reported on Apple Maps sauntering off with some of the apps' best features earlier this week, and is a strong indication that AllTrails has no intention of being surpassed any time soon in the hiking app world.

"This is our biggest update yet," AllTrails Chief Technology Officer James Graham tells us, as he unveiled the new features on Wednesday. 

I recently went hiking in with AllTrails to better understand how the app works. Some features, such as Live Share which alerts your emergency contacts to your location on a hike if you want it to, are only available to AllTrails+ users for $35.99 per year, the new functions are available free to everyone. Just download or update your app to get the latest.

Here are the ones we're most excited about:

1. Collections

The collections feature allows you to add filters to your search so you can home in on the hikes you really want to do. Now when you open the AllTrails app anywhere in the world, you'll see Collections across the top which group local hikes together by features that the data shows many hikers are interested in. 

Prefer to visit a hidden gem over a hot spot? Want to see a waterfall? Need a dog-friendly trail? Just click on the collections that suit your needs and wishes and the app now recommends a thoughtful list of hikes perfect for you.

2. Park Pages

There's no denying that National Parks are a popular location for hikers in the US –Graham points out that the annual visitation as of the 63 National Parks is about the same as the entire population of the US. 

With Park Pages, you can now go directly to the park you want to visit – that can mean a National Park like Yellowstone, a State Park or a local park in your backyard. and access information like opening hours, top trail recommendations, and fees and permits which Graham explains helps hikers avoid disappointment.

As we've previously reported, AllTrails launched its Public Lands Program at the beginning of the year, which gives land managers access to edit and update these pages to ensure all information stays current.

3. Redesigned Trail Page

When you're considering a hike using the AllTrails app, you want to find the most important information upfront, and Graham explains that they've examined the data to determine exactly what hikers are looking for first, and used that information to redesign the trail page.

Now when you arrive at the page for your intended trail, you'll be able to see how long it is, how difficult and the elevation gain without having to search or scroll. The photo gallery of snaps from other users has been curated so you can preview the trail visually, see what the top sights are and what the trail looks like in different months to help guide your decision, and know what gear you might need. 

That last function is especially valuable as more and more of us have started getting out with our trekking poles in all seasons, and need to be prepared for changing conditions throughout the year.

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Late last year, Apple crowned AllTrails the best iPhone app of 2023 – now the tech giant is planning to integrate some of the navigation app's best features into its own maps app. 

In its 14-year history, AllTrails has become an integral part of the hiking community, used by 60 million people worldwide to access details of over 400,000 trails in nearly 200 countries. Earlier this year, the San Francisco-based company unveiled its Public Lands Program, which gives land managers from agencies like the National Parks Service access to trail-use insights and the ability edit trail information and send real-time alerts for more accurate information. 

Companies like Apple know good ideas when they see them, and in yesterday's iOS 18 announcement, the Cupertino-based corporation revealed exactly which features of AllTrails they're most impressed with by revealing their intentions to imitate them.

Later this year, users of Apple Maps – that's the free maps app that comes preinstalled on any iPhone, iPad, MacBook and Apple Watch – will start to see features that will be very familiar to AllTrails users. In Apple Maps, you'll soon be able to access topographical maps and browse thousands of hikes across US National Parks, and create your own custom walking routes which you can download and access offline. You can also save your favorite National Park hikes to an all-new Places Library where you can add details and notes about each trail.

These functions will be free to Apple Maps users – for now, at least – but in AllTrails they're currently only available in AllTrails+, which costs $35.99 per year, or $3 per month. There's no doubt that Apple is muscling in on territory that AllTrails has been comfortably dominating for a while now, but it's also clear that Apple Maps is nowhere near close to being a replacement for the hiking app, which provides hikers with a full suite of curated features such as 3D maps, route preview, wrong turn alerts and a Live Share function so you can share your location with loved ones, all in one place. 

Making matters more interesting, AllTrails is making an announcement later this week to roll out further updates, so watch this space to find out what they're doing to stay ahead of the navigation game.

Also of interest to hikers with iPhones, iOS 18 will allow users to send messages via satellite for times when cellular and Wi-Fi connections aren’t available, which is often the case in the backcountry. Remember to carry a portable phone charger if you're relying on your iPhone for emergency communications, and consider also investing in a satellite communicator like the Garmin InReach, which if you're only using it for emergencies can stay charged for a couple of weeks.

• Why learn navigation? The case for a map and compass

Standing in a hotel lobby with a group of journalists, I’m dressed for the trail in my hiking boots with a waterproof jacket on hand in preparation for the unpredictable weather here in the Lake District. We perform all the typical checks before a hike – water bottle, sunscreen, insect repellent – then we all get on our phones.

We’re here learning all about the AllTrails+ app and, despite the San Francisco-based company entering its 14th year, it’s all a bit new to me. Over the years, I’ve become accustomed to it popping up at the top of my search results when I’m looking up a route, and I’ve used it to find out the length of a hike or try to locate a trailhead. But as for using it to navigate? I’m afraid I’ve been putting it off.

My resistance no doubt has a trace of thinking that paper maps are better, but mostly it’s come down to me not wanting to be on my phone more than I have to when I’m hiking. But here I am, for the greater good, giving it a good college try.

“We want people to get outside and feel confident when they get outside,” explains AllTrails Head of PR Juliana Ead, who’s flown here from California and shows me how to search for the route we have planned today – a 6.4-mile loop taking in Loughrigg Fell, a Wainwright, Grasmere Lake and Rydal Cave – then download it.

Now, she explains, I can put my phone on flight mode for the duration of the hike and avoid pesky pings and a dying battery without losing access to my map. I’m already warming up to the idea. 

On our ride to the trailhead, I explore the route. The opening page shows the trail on the map highlighted in green, and a helpful graph details the elevation profile. The 2,000 or so feet of climbing ahead of me takes place over the first half of the hike and looks fairly steady. The descent starts out a bit steep before leveling out, then there’s one more short but steep push at end to get us back to the trailhead – my knees might want my trekking poles for the initial downhill, I think. 

Next, I set up the Live Share function and the app sends a text to my boyfriend letting him know where I’ll be, in case things should fall apart at the seams and he needs to report me missing. I watch a simulated preview of the hike on a 3D map that gives me a better idea of the climbing and terrain. Scrolling down, I see the current weather conditions for the area. I won’t be needing my waterproofs after all.

Then there are recent reviews from other users who have hiked the trail, describing it as straightforward to navigate with “stunning” views and it sounds like we might be just in time to catch the end of bluebell season.

It’s the reviews that Pitt Grewe, head of AllTrails Public Lands Partnership, says are one of the most compelling features of the app, which only accepts trails from users after verifying them, and updates them using hikers’ reports which might describe a trail being snow-covered or washed out by recent rain. 

“It makes a difference to have that most current information. It pulls together a really good way to prepare and know what to expect and that’s what keeps people safe.”

AllTrails launched in 2010 in Silicon Valley, purchasing some 30,000 GPX hiking routes from other organizations to get started. Between massive fundraising efforts, acquiring smaller apps and the surge in interest in the outdoors during the pandemic, AllTrails has emerged one of the most recognizable route-finding apps today. It has over 400,000 trails across the globe, more than 50 million users and was voted the best iPhone app of 2023.

At the trailhead, I hit start on the route and an arrow points me in the right direction as we briefly cross the picturesque town of Ambleside before beginning our climb through a shaded forest. Soon, we break free of the trees and are quickly rewarded by the mountain views I’ve been promised by recent hikers.

As we climb, AllTrails UK Country Manager Gareth Mills tells me that it’s accurate reviews – not necessarily glowing ones – that are crucial to the success of AllTrails.

“We want the honest feedback. We don’t want every review to be five stars because we want the next people who come out here to be prepared and have a good experience.”

As we near the summit of Loughridge Fell, several trails lead in different directions. An avid hiker, I know how easy it is to take a wrong turn in moments like these. We experiment with taking the wrong path and almost instantly, a message flashes up on my phone advising me that I’ve gone off route. I have the option of ignoring it, which in this case I do for a scenic vista, or following the arrow to get back on course.

“The main mission is that we want to get more people outside, particularly the generation that hasn’t been brought up reading maps properly,” says Mills, and it’s quickly clear that you could use the app with no previous navigation experience and most likely get yourself up, and back down, a mountain if you were prepared for the conditions and fit enough.

Despite its useful features and popularity – the app reached over a million paid subscribers in 2021 – AllTrails hasn’t been without its negative press. Last year, SF Gate reported the app was still giving directions to Hawaii’s deadly Queen’s Bath despite the trail being closed at the time, and we’ve previously reported on North Carolina hikers falling into trouble in a quest to view daffodils each February after reviews on AllTrails fail to mention its difficulty and lack of signage.

Today, though, both of those trail descriptions have been updated to warn aspiring adventurers on the potential dangers of the trail, and pressing them to observe closures. Keeping trail descriptions accurate is a constant job in the background of AllTrails, where a Data Integrity Team constantly mines reviews for flag terms like “closed” and “dangerous.” 

Meanwhile, the Public Lands Partnership launched earlier this year gives land managers such as National Park officials direct access to trail descriptions so that they can issue alerts and provide updates on conditions. Already, the program has been indicated in a 66 percent decrease in search and rescue efforts in Olympic National Park.

With all this information, is it possible to still get lost on a mountain, or find yourself over your heads on a trail you don’t have the gear or fitness for? Sure, but it’s difficult to say that’s down to incomplete information from AllTrails.

“We all agree that you can’t solve for people making bad decisions, but ultimately you can solve a lot of those problems by just helping people be better prepared,” says Grewe.

As a test, I check out the description of a popular waterfall hike that I used to do regularly in Vail, Colorado. It’s the end of May, so I know the trail will still be snow-covered and treacherous, even if the snow in town has melted. But I’m curious to see if off-season visitors taking advantage of the cheaper hotel rooms in the area will be advised of that. Sure enough, the first reviews I see advise of slippery conditions and the need for traction devices like crampons and poles before attempting this hike.

As Mills says, hikers have been going out unprepared “since the dawn of hiking,” but now they at least have a little more information at their disposal. What they choose to do with it, of course, is up to them. 

One thing AllTrails users don’t seem to be using the app for is to stoke a sense of competition, something certain other navigation apps have become notorious for.

“AllTrails is built for everybody, to help those that want to go on the half-mile stroll around the pond to help them be happy and healthy to the person who is planning a rugged, multi-day adventure across mountain terrain,” says Grewe. 

“It’s a resource to help you be outside the way you want to be outside. There’s no adventure too big or too small.”

When I get back to the trailhead, I hit pause and end navigation. Live Share alerts my boyfriend that I’m safe and I am instantly prompted to share a review of my experience. Ordinarily, when I’m asked to review my Uber driver or a purchase on Amazon, I gripe bitterly about how sick I am of living in a world where we all review everything – and each other – to death. But in this case, I’m keen to let others know what I thought of the hike. It was beautiful, and I don’t want my fellow hikers to miss out, but I also want to them to be aware that there’s some scrambling involved. 

I give it five stars, add a few photos, and hope I’m leaving enough to the imagination to allow others to have their own adventure. 

Route-finding app AllTrails has rolled out a suite of new features this week designed to improve user safety and enhance the experience of planning an adventure with your friends.

The new features include Live Share, which allows real-time location sharing so you can stay connected with friends and family when you hit the trail, allowing them to track your journey and improve response time if you should get into trouble and require assistance. Telling someone where you are going when you leave for a hike is a fundamental component of hiking safety, and now your loved ones can quickly pinpoint and communicate your location to mountain rescue if they need to. 

Of course, most hikes don't end in disaster, and the new feature also allows them to cheer you on when you're getting close to the summit and if you're lucky, get dinner on when they know you're finished and heading home.

In addition, the platform has announced Collaborative Lists, an interactive expansion on the existing AllTrails' lists feature that allows you and your trail companions to share ideas for where to hike next and plan your adventures together without having to create yet another separate group message.

“Our work to make outdoor exploration more accessible and fun for people worldwide is never done,” says Ron Schneidermann, Chief Executive Officer at AllTrails.

“Our new 2024 features are all about better connecting the AllTrails community to adventure and each other. These are game-changing updates, and we’re just getting started this year.”

The platform was awarded Apple's 2023 iPhone App of the Year award at the end of last year and these new updates come hot on the heels of their AI assistant to help you discover new places and the groundbreaking Public Lands Program giving land managers access to their online routes so they can correct inaccuracies and share real-time updates.

• Best hiking boots: hit the trails

This weekend you can go for a hike that could have a positive tangible impact on the planet, if you use popular hiking app AllTrails to log your efforts.

AllTrails has pledged to plant a tree for everyone who records a trail activity of at least an hour onto its app over the weekend of April 6-7.

Here’s how it works: hikers, walkers, trail runners and anyone else using the AllTrails app will need to use the Navigator tool to record their activity. AllTrails will then add those activities together to come up with grand total for the weekend and, in partnership with global reforestation nonprofit organization One Tree Planted, will plant a tree for every person who logged activity for at least one hour on the trail. The more AllTrails users get outside, the more trees will be planted – up to 100,000 trees (which would create a small forest about the size of Vatican City).

Whether you're an experience hiker who’s been using AllTrails for years (it first launched way back in 2010, believe it or not), or just starting out, so long as you're a member of the global AllTrails community, you're eligible to join in.

You can download the AllTrails app for free, then opt into the initiative by clicking “join in” and hit the trail using the Navigate feature to record your activity. The more, the merrier (though since the AllTrails community numbers over 50 million users worldwide, they must be expecting a awful lot of them to be keeping their feet up if the upper limit is 100,000 trees – so don’t be one of the lazy ones!).

• The best hiking shoes 2024: trail-friendly shoes for all seasons

It's never been easier to find new routes for hiking, trail running and cycling thanks to online platforms and navigation apps that you can access on your phone or GPS watch. The accuracy of online hiking reviews hasn't always been the most reliable, however – we frequently report on hikers requiring mountain rescue after following non-existent trails they've found on platforms like Google Maps. To tackle that issue, AllTrails has launched a new program partnering with land management officials.

The Public Lands Program, which was announced earlier this month, allows land management agencies such as park officials to share time-sensitive updates with the more than 60 million trail-users who access AllTrails' platform. Land managers from agencies like the National Parks Service can now view trail-use insights, edit trail information and send real-time alerts.

"Public and private sector partnerships are key to unlocking a more sustainable outdoor experience," says Pitt Grewe, Head of Public Lands Partnerships at AllTrails. 

"For the first time, we're combining land-manager expertise and trail data at scale to improve outdoor experiences and inform trail-goers. The AllTrails Public Lands Program will support the public lands community in the critical work of educating visitors and protecting our wild spaces."

Land managers can now prepare trail users for their adventure by editing details such as route lines, starting points and parking locations. They can also send out alerts communicating real-time trail conditions and closures, rules, regulations, and route recommendations. Improved accuracy on the platform should reduce the risks of hiking and increase user enjoyment. According to a press release, land managers are already seeing "measurable benefits " in working with the Public Lands Program.

The announcement comes just two months after we reported that AllTrails launched an AI assistant to help you discover new places, and even pick the right shoes for hiking and running.

• Best hiking trails: hit the trails

If you want to explore somewhere new in 2024, but don't know where to start, AllTrails has launched a new AI-powered chatbot to offer suggestions. AllTrails GPT is available through GPT Store, a new marketplace where users can share custom chatbots they have created for specific purposes.

Don't worry, it doesn't make up new routes – instead it gives recommendations from AllTrails' collection of over 420,000 trails based on your prompts. For example, you could ask it to "find me an easy five-mile loop that's dog-friendly within 10 miles of Birmingham", saving you the effort of searching and filtering results to pinpoint what you want. 

You can specify the location where you want to explore, the difficulty level, suitability, length, elevation gain, and points of interest, all with up-to-date information curated by AllTrails' team of experts. 

If you're curious about a particular trail, you can also ask AllTrails GPT to tell you more about it, and offer suggestions to help you prepare – and it's not just for hikes – I asked for an easy five-mile run with nice views within 10 miles of Bristol, and received several suggestions that I know from personal experience fit the bill perfectly.

I then asked whether I'd need trail running shoes for one of the suggested routes, and was told that the trail is well maintained and usually fine for road running shoes during dry weather, but can become slippery during wet conditions, making trail shoes more suitable. The chatbot also provided a link to check recent reviews for current trail conditions.

I was also able to ask for advice on suitability for dogs, bike storage, and quiet times to visit. The chatbot also provided details of a Parkrun that happens nearby, including the route and atmosphere.

AllTrails GPT is free to use for ChatGPT Plus subscribers, and well worth checking out if you're looking for some inspiration this year.

• The best hiking boots: our top recommendations tested to the limit

It has never been easier to find trails and routes to hike, run, cycle, climb and ski thanks to a range of on-line platforms and mobile phone apps. These include two favourite apps, AllTrails and TrailForks. We take a look at the pros and cons of each app.

What is AllTrails? 

AllTrails is a mobile app used for outdoor activities such as hiking, trail running, mountain biking, climbing and snow-sports. Users can access a database of trail maps, which includes those created, generated and suggested by people who like to hike, cycle, climb and ski themselves.

Founded some 13 years ago, the app now has 45 million members globally.  The platform offers information about 400,000-plus curated trails across the world.

To use the desktop version or the app, you simply search for your location, or a location you are visiting, and you’ll discover a long list of trail suggestions.

The focus is on places to go and views to see. The AllTrails app also allows you to connect with a community of outdoor people. You can share your activity experiences with members, or see what they are sharing.

Each trail is graded for difficulty and includes distance, elevation gain, a map, directions of how to get to the start of the route, plus an overview of what to expect on the route. 

There are also photos taken by other people who have done the route, reviews by others, plus a current weather forecast. The routes are not offered with step-by-step details of how to navigate.  

The app is available in both Android and iOS versions. 

AllTrails: what does it cost?

There are differences between a free and “pro” version of the app. The free version is a basic membership that allows you to search for routes worldwide. You can filter trails according to details such as activity, experience level, length, elevation gain, as well as what you can see on the route, whether it’s an out-and-back or loop trail, how busy the route is likely to be.

In the free version, users access maps on-line and create customised maps on the website and then use them in the app. It’s also possible to track your own activity by recording  hike, run or bike ride and then you can add details about the route, such as the conditions of the trail, your review and photos. This is how the number of routes on the app grows and how more people join the Alltrails community. 

All the routes and experiences can be shared with other people on the map through Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp etc.

Meanwhile, the Pro membership costs  £29.99 a year or £2.50 each month in the UK and $35.99 annually ($2.99 monthly) in the US. 

For this you get the same as the free membership, plus a range of additional features. Of most importance, is the ability to have access off-line – and especially the  mapping. You can't download a route on the phone app unless you pay for the pro membership. 

There are also other details such as heat maps – heat maps show the routes that are most or least popular according to user input – plus an index for air quality and pollution, pollen count and satellite weather forecasts.

The Pro version provides off-route notifications to keep you on track, a lifeline feature so that family and friends know your location and use of the app without adverts popping up.

See AllTrails.

Pros of AllTrails

The AllTrails desktop platform and app look and feel modern. It is easy to find trails according to area, activity and grades. Other advantages include:

• A database of some 400,000-plus trails routes across the world. 
• Ability to search for trails where you are, or where you are travelling to.
• A host of filters for searches so that you can find a route to suit your experience, fitness, and aspirations.
• Reviews and details offered by a community of like-minded outdoors people.

Cons of AllTrails app

However, there are some disadvantages of the AllTrails app to be aware of. They include:

• Offline maps are available for paid-up Pro members only.
• If you have the free membership you can't use the maps on the app unless you have mobile phone reception. 
• There is a lack of detailed information about how to actually complete the route. 
• If you want more than a basic overview of the route, you’ll need to source these details elsewhere.

What is TrailForks?

The app and desktop platform TrailForks is also user-generated. It is best known for providing routes for cyclists, especially mountain bikers or gravel riders. However, there is also a growing selection of routes for hikers, snowsports fans, horse riders and trail runners to explore.

The app and website are described as  "a trail database, map and management system for users, builders and associations”. The platform is used by trail associations to keep track of trail conditions, for builders to log work and for users to discover, plan and share their activities. 

According to the website, there are 627,614 miles of 553,841 trails listed in 135 countries.

TrailForks allows you to read trail descriptions, look at photos, view trail reports and browse comments of other users on the platform.

Trails are rated according to difficulty, so you can choose routes that are suited to your abilities. You can also find route suggestions on the best way to link up trails.

To find a route, you can search a location and then filter routes according to activity, grade of difficulty etc. Once you choose a route, there are helpful reviews and feedback from members of the TrailForks, as well as photos and videos (not all routes have videos).

You need to be signed up to the platform to be able to download a GPX route file, or similar. It is possible to download a route on the desktop version without paying for Pro. I did this and then uploaded to my personal choice of navigation app.

However, if you want to download the route on your phone app for use off-line as you hike, run or bike, you need to pay for Pro. You also need to download the region (for free) where you want to explore. 

It is an app that can be used on Android and also iOS.

TrailForks: what does it cost?

The desktop website of TrailForks is always free. There is a free app version that offers a route finder option, trail reports, activity recording and personal stats, as well as a popularity heat map for a local area.

There is a Pro monthly cost for the app of £2.08 ($2.99) or £24.99 ($36) annually that gives all that the free option offers, as well as Garmin Basemaps, global heatmaps, ability to download trail and route GPX files. 

There is another special Outside+ Pro subscription for £2.50 ($3.74) per month or £30 ($55.99) annually (price has 25% discount) with a number of extra features.

Pros of TrailForks

TrailForks is predominantly an app for mountain bikers and gravel riders. It is a great source for discovering new routes and reading reviews of routes. Other advantages include:

• It’s free to use on the desktop. There is a subscription per month or year for the Pro version.
• There are no adverts or in-app purchases to annoy you.
• The platform includes trail maps for regions worldwide.
• Users can submit routes and suggestions for changes to the trail maps.
• Information is available offline.
• You can download trail maps for any region.

Cons of TrailForks

TrailForks is very mountain bike heavy and if you're a trail runner or hiker, you will feel like you are working hard to discover lots of routes. You should also bear in mind that:

• The website and app don't look or feel as modern as AllTrails. 
• Some users find that the app takes a while to load and occasionally crashes.
• You have to download each region of trails individually.
• You need to pay for the Pro version to have access to maps offline.

AllTrails versus TrailForks

Both apps offer a wealth of trails and routes to choose form and worldwide. The both provide similar detailed information and they include user-generated content.

For mountain bikers, it is likely that TrailForks will appeal more than AllTrails. For hikers and trail runners, the better app is likely to be AllTrails.

AllTrails has a more modern look and easier functionality. TrailForks looks and appears a bit dated.

To access all features you need to pay for a premium version of each app.

To decide which app is for you, take a look at the free version of each before committing to a membership. 

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Hiking and fitness app AllTrails is offering adventure seekers in the US the opportunity to grab a free Pro membership, opening up a ton of great features for an entire year – a deal which is bound to make the already popular app even more competitive against other hiking and navigation apps. 

AllTrails, which is used by 40 million hikers and runners across the globe seeking information on trails, has teamed up with West Virginia’s Department of Tourism to make the limited-time offer to anyone in the US seeking more out of their outdoor tech. The free version of AllTrails already features some great functionality, allowing users to search for routes by factors such as activity, difficulty and length, and even filter by certain features such as whether it has good views or features a lake. 

From now through the end of November, you can sign up for a free AllTrails Pro membership which usually costs $36, and also benefit from perks such as 3D and downloadable maps, alerts when you've taken a wrong turn, ad-free searching and searching for trails by their distance from you.

An AllTrails Pro membership also means you can get real-time updates on the trail you plan to tackle, such as current weather, air and pollen conditions. This lets you plan your adventure properly, from choosing a trail to the right clothing and even timing. You can even use the Lifeline tracker which allows your friends and family to access your status updates for safety.

Get your free AllTrails Pro membership

To claim your free AllTrails Pro membership, simply head to www.wvtourism.com/alltrails and enter your details. You’ll receive a free code in your email inbox and a link to click on to complete your sign up. Then you can integrate AllTrails Pro with your Garmin or Apple Watch, or just download it to your phone, get your hiking boots or trail running shoes on and head out into the great outdoors to explore more, armed with all the information you need for a successful adventure. 

Not sure where to start? Well, West Virginia is home 1,500 miles of hiking, including a section of the world-famous Appalachian Trail as well as several National Parks including the free-to-enter New River Gorge, which has made our list of best National Parks for fall colors as well as hiking with dogs. What are you waiting for?

• Get a free 148-page ebook celebrating the world's greatest National Parks