Start Hiking with Confidence and Zero Cost
If you’re new to hiking and unsure where to begin, the right hiking app can make a significant difference. Whether you’re searching for beginner-friendly trails, real-time GPS navigation, or offline maps, hiking apps eliminate the guesswork when hitting the trails.
When I first started hiking, I felt overwhelmed and unsure of what to do. I loved being in nature, but using a map and compass seemed intimidating. That’s when I discovered hiking apps, which completely transformed my outdoor experiences.
In this guide, I’ll share the best hiking apps for beginners that help you stay safe, find great trails, and hike with confidence, even if it’s your very first time out.
Table with Contents
Why Should Beginners Use a Hiking App?
Top Free Hiking Apps for Beginners
AllTrails (Free Version)
Komoot (Free Version)
Cairn
Gaia GPS (Free Version)
Hiking Project
How to Choose the Right Hiking App for You
Tips for Beginners Using Hiking Apps
Frequently Asked Questions
Wrapping Up: Let Tech Make Hiking Easier
Why Should Beginners Use a Hiking App?
Using a hiking app can greatly benefit beginners. These apps provide valuable information about trails, including difficulty levels, distance, and elevation. They can also help with navigation by offering maps and GPS features, ensuring you stay on the right path. Additionally, many apps include user reviews and tips that can enhance your hiking experience. Overall, a hiking app can make your outdoor adventures safer and more enjoyable. Here are some key features of a good hiking app:
- Helps you discover nearby trails based on difficulty, distance, and user reviews
- Provides offline maps when you’re out of cell range
- Tracks your hike in real-time using GPS
- Alerts you if you go off-trail or lose your way
- Offers detailed info like elevation gain, trail conditions, and weather
Top Free Hiking Apps for Beginners
Below are some of the most trusted and beginner-friendly hiking apps that won’t cost you anything to start using.
1. AllTrails
Best for: Finding beginner-friendly trails nearby and discovering trails with reviews and filters
Available on: iOS, Android, Web
Price: Free (Pro version available)
Why Beginners Love It:
AllTrails is one of the most popular hiking apps, and for good reason. It allows users to search for trails based on location, difficulty level, length, and user ratings. The app features trail maps, photos, elevation profiles, and helpful user reviews.
Why I love it:
AllTrails was the first hiking app I ever used, and I still come back to it all the time. It’s great for discovering new trails close to home or wherever you’re traveling. You can search by difficulty, distance, or even features like waterfalls or views. Plus, the reviews and photos from other hikers are a lifesaver.
Key Free Features:
- Access to over 100,000 trails worldwide
- Trail filters (length, difficulty, dog-friendly, etc.)
- GPS tracking and trail saving
- Photos and reviews to help you choose the right hike
- You can save your favorite trails and build a little “bucket list”
2. Komoot
Best for: Planning your first hikes and walks
Available on: iOS, Android, Web
Price: Free with optional map upgrades
Komoot makes it super easy to plan a route based on how much time you have or how intense you want your hike to be. What’s really cool is that it gives you turn-by-turn voice directions, so you can just keep walking and not keep looking at your phone. It even works offline if you download the area map.
Why it’s great for beginners:
- Step-by-step route guidance
- Terrain and surface type shown on maps
- Highlights from other users (like great views or picnic spots)
- Works for walking, hiking, and biking
3. Cairn
Best for: Staying safe when hiking solo, and sharing your hike with others
Available on: iOS, Android
Price: Free with optional subscription
Why Beginners Love It:
Cairn focuses on safety, making it ideal for beginners who want peace of mind. You can share your plans with friends or family, and the app will alert them if you don’t check in by your expected time. It also shows areas with cell coverage on popular trails.
What I love about it:
- Live location sharing
- Safety alerts if you’re overdue
- Offline maps and GPS
- Trail cell coverage maps
4. Gaia GPS
Best for: Beginners interested in exploring deeper trails
Available on: iOS, Android, Web
Price: Free with optional Premium version
Why Beginners Love It:
Gaia can seem a little more “pro,” but don’t let that scare you off. I started using it when I wanted to try longer hikes and dig into trail details like elevation and weather. It’s especially handy if you want to slowly build your confidence on more remote routes.
Great beginner-friendly tools:
- Easy-to-read trail maps
- Plan and record hikes
- Offline access to maps
- Elevation and distance stats
5. FarOut (formerly Guthook Guides)
Best for: Learning about famous long-distance trails
Available on: iOS, Android
Price: Free app with paid trail guides
If you’re inspired by big adventures like the Appalachian Trail but aren’t ready to hike one yet, FarOut lets you explore those trails virtually or take small steps toward them. It’s easy to use and loaded with helpful info—even for short section hikes.
Beginner-friendly features:
- Explore famous trails at your own pace
- Easy trail info like water sources and campsites
- Comments from other hikers
- GPS works offline
Best For: Expert-curated trail guides
Available On: iOS, Android, Web
Why Beginners Love It:
Built by REI and powered by local experts, Hiking Project offers curated trail guides with in-depth info and GPS-based navigation. It works well offline, which is perfect for beginners concerned about signal drops.
Key Free Features:
- 100% free, no upgrade needed
- Offline trail access
- In-depth trail descriptions and conditions
Go to: Beginner Hiker’s Checklist: Essentials for a Safe and Fun First Hike
How to Choose the Right Hiking App for You
Every hiker has different needs. Here’s how to choose:
- If you want simple trail discovery → Start with AllTrails
- If GPS navigation is your priority → Try Gaia GPS or Komoot
- If safety is your top concern → Cairn is your go-to
- If you want curated trail info → Go for Hiking Project
Tips for Beginners Using Hiking Apps
Getting into hiking is easier and safer than ever thanks to the many apps available to guide your adventures. Whether you’re tracking your route, checking trail conditions, or discovering new paths, hiking apps can be incredibly helpful tools. But like any gear, they’re best used with a little know-how. Here are some simple tips to help beginners make the most of hiking apps while staying safe and prepared on the trail.
- Download maps ahead of time. Cell service isn’t always available on trails.
- Bring a portable charger. GPS and screen time can drain your phone battery quickly.
- Start with easy trails. Use the app filters to find beginner-level hikes.
- Don’t rely only on the app. Carry a paper map or have a backup plan, just in case.
You don’t need to be an expert to enjoy hiking, just a good app and a sense of adventure. Apps like AllTrails, Komoot, and Cairn are designed with beginners in mind and can help you feel confident exploring the outdoors safely and easily.
So pick a trail, lace up your hiking boots, and let one of these apps guide you to your next adventure!
Go to: Beginner’s Guide To Choosing The Right Hiking Gear
Frequently Asked Questions
New hikers often have similar queries when kicking things off their first hike. Addressing these questions can help build your confidence and preparedness.
Question: Are hiking apps safe to rely on?
Answer: Hiking apps are very reliable for beginners, especially when you download maps for offline use. Just be sure to bring a backup charger and know the basics of your route.
Question: Do hiking apps work without internet?
Answer: Yes! Many apps like AllTrails (Pro), Gaia GPS, and Hiking Project let you download maps and trails in advance to use offline during your hike.
Question: What should I look for in a beginner hiking app?
Answer: Look for apps with GPS tracking, offline map access, trail difficulty filters, and user reviews. Bonus if it includes voice navigation or safety tracking.
Question: What’s the best app for hiking with kids or dogs?
Answer: AllTrails is ideal, it has filters for kid-friendly and dog-friendly trails, complete with photos and reviews from other families.
Wrapping Up: Let Tech Make Hiking Easier
You don’t need to be a survival expert or spend a lot of money to enjoy hiking. With the right free hiking app, you can explore confidently, stay safe, and discover amazing trails, all from your smartphone. Whether you’re tackling a local loop for the first time or venturing into a national park, these tools are invaluable for beginner hikers.
Ready to hit the trail? Download one (or more) of these top-rated apps and start your hiking journey on the right foot!