Best 8 Hiking Apps in 2026: Compare Before You Go

Introduction

AllTrails is the strongest overall hiking app for most people, with trail discovery, community reviews, photos, and route details in one place. This roundup compares eight Android and iPhone listings for finding trails, planning routes, navigating offline, and exploring backcountry maps.

Quick comparison table

AllTrails is built around finding trails and reading community details. Gaia GPS and Avenza Maps focus more on mapping and navigation, while komoot is geared toward route planning. These entries reflect the platforms shown in the supplied listings. Check your device’s app store for current availability and pricing.

1. AllTrails: Hike, Bike & Run

Best for: Finding popular trails and checking recent community feedback.

With AllTrails: Hike, Bike & Run, you can compare trail photos, reviews, distance, and elevation before choosing where to go. That’s more useful than picking a route based on its name alone.

Trail discovery is its main strength. Browse your options, then use the app to navigate. Community feedback adds helpful context, but it’s still worth checking current conditions and preparing for your specific trip.

2. Gaia GPS: Offline Trail Maps

Best for: Hikers who want outdoor maps and GPS tools in one app.

Gaia GPS: Offline Trail Maps brings trip planning, route navigation, and trail maps together. Its GPS tools can help you follow a planned outing, and offline map support comes in handy when mobile service is unreliable.

Offline maps are the big draw for trips beyond dependable coverage. Download maps before you leave service, and you’ll have them on hand when you need them. Gaia GPS is a good fit for hikers who care more about mapping than browsing a list of popular trails.

3. Avenza Maps: Offline Mapping

Best for: Hikers who use downloaded or custom maps.

Avenza Maps: Offline Mapping offers offline maps, GPS navigation, and GPS track recording. Its ability to import custom map files is especially useful if you already have a particular map in mind.

Avenza suits map-led trips better than browsing a catalogue of community trails. Use a map to orient yourself and record your route, even when mobile service is limited. Just make sure the maps you need are ready before you set out.

4. AllTrails: Hike, Bike & Run GPS Hiking & Biking Trail Maps

Best for: iPhone users who want trail discovery backed by community information.

The iOS listing for AllTrails: Hike, Bike & Run GPS Hiking & Biking Trail Maps lets you browse trail photos, ratings, distance, and elevation. These details help you compare routes and get a better idea of what a hike involves before picking one.

The combination of community information and navigation is the main appeal. If you like finding hikes through other people’s photos and feedback, then navigating a route you’ve chosen, this iPhone app brings both together.

5. Gaia GPS: Mobile Trail Maps Hiking, Overlanding, Camping

Best for: iPhone users planning hikes alongside camping or other outdoor trips.

Gaia GPS: Mobile Trail Maps Hiking, Overlanding, Camping combines trail maps and GPS tools for planning and navigating outdoor trips. It’s listed for hiking and camping, so it may suit hikers whose outings are part of a longer trip.

Offline maps are its standout feature. Having maps available without a connection can help on routes where mobile service is unreliable. Download what you need before heading out, then use the GPS tools to help navigate.

6. onX Backcountry: 3D Trail Maps Offline Hiking & Biking GPS

Best for: Hikers interested in backcountry mapping and 3D views.

onX Backcountry: 3D Trail Maps Offline Hiking & Biking GPS supports exploring hiking and biking trails with GPS navigation. Its backcountry focus and 3D maps set it apart from apps that mainly help you browse popular trails and read community reviews.

The 3D map view lets you explore terrain visually as you consider a route. It’s an iOS option for hikers interested in backcountry mapping tools. Before relying on it for a specific trip, check which map and navigation features are available.

7. Avenza Maps: Offline Mapping GPS Navigation & Trail Maps

Best for: iPhone users who want offline maps and GPS track recording.

Avenza Maps: Offline Mapping GPS Navigation & Trail Maps offers trail navigation, GPS track recording, and support for custom maps. It’s a good match for hikers who prefer using a specific map instead of starting with a directory of popular routes.

Custom map support is the key feature. Bring in maps that suit your plans, then use GPS tools and record your track outdoors. Offline access can help where service isn’t available, so prepare your maps before leaving.

8. komoot - hike, bike & run

Best for: Hikers who want to plan routes before heading out.

With komoot - hike, bike & run, you can plan routes for hiking and other outdoor activities, then follow them with navigation. It’s a natural fit if you like to work out an itinerary before setting off.

Route planning is the main focus. Instead of centering on community reviews or custom map files, komoot is about creating a route and following it. This iPhone app may suit hikers who also want to plan other outdoor activities in the same app.

How we picked these apps

This roundup covers apps with clear uses for hiking: discovering trails, viewing maps, planning routes, or navigating with GPS. We looked at practical differences, including community trail details, offline maps, GPS tools, and custom map support.

Platform availability reflects the supplied app listings. It doesn’t mean every app is available on every device. These options do different things: a trail-discovery app may help you choose a popular route, while a mapping tool may be better if you’re bringing your own maps.

Frequently asked questions

What should I look for in a hiking app?

Start with what you need: trail suggestions and route details, map-based navigation, route planning, or backcountry tools. Check what information the app has for your route, whether it supports GPS navigation, and whether you can access the maps offline.

Why are offline maps useful for hiking?

Some trails have no mobile service, so offline maps let you view maps without a connection. Download the maps you need before leaving service, and get familiar with how the app’s navigation works. An app is only one part of preparing for a trip.

How do trail-discovery apps differ from mapping apps?

Trail-discovery apps help you find routes and compare details like photos, reviews, distance, and elevation. Mapping apps may focus more on offline navigation, GPS tools, or custom maps. Check your device’s app store before choosing, since the listings here cover different platforms.

The verdict

AllTrails is the strongest overall pick on merit, combining trail discovery with community reviews, photos, and route details. Gaia GPS is a strong runner-up if outdoor mapping and offline use matter most. Avenza Maps is another capable option for bringing custom maps and recording GPS tracks. Choose based on the routes and tools you need.