AllTrails App Review – Features, Pros, Cons & Best Use Cases

  • Inga von Aulock
  • October 28, 2024

AllTrails App Review

Alltrails on iphone screen

AllTrails is a popular outdoor adventure app designed for hikers, cyclists, trail runners, and other nature enthusiasts. With a massive database of trails worldwide, it helps users find, plan, and navigate outdoor routes.

It features detailed maps, user reviews, photos, and the ability to track your progress on the trail. The app is available in both free and paid versions, offering various features tailored to different needs.

For the whole scoop, keep reading, or listen to our full review right here:

Features and Functionality

Key Features:

  • Trail Database: Access over 450,000 trails globally, complete with maps, descriptions, reviews, and photos. Trails can be searched and filtered based on location, difficulty, length, suitability (e.g., dog-friendly, kid-friendly), and other attributes.
  • Offline Maps (AllTrails+): Download maps for offline use to ensure you have access even without cellular service. This feature is particularly useful for remote or backcountry hiking.
  • Custom Map Creation: Users can create their own routes, add waypoints, and customize their maps for more personalized navigation.
  • Activity Tracking: Track your route progress in real-time, record your hike, and share your activity with others.
  • Safety Features (AllTrails+): Includes off-route notifications, 3D maps, and a “Lifeline” feature that shares your location and planned route with designated contacts, providing safety updates.

Best Use Cases

Who is this app for?
AllTrails is ideal for hikers, bikers, trail runners, and anyone looking to explore new outdoor routes. Whether you’re a beginner looking for an easy local trail or an experienced adventurer seeking remote hikes, AllTrails offers resources for all levels.

When should you use this app?
Use AllTrails when planning outdoor excursions, navigating trails, or finding new routes in unfamiliar areas. The app is also useful for keeping track of your activity and sharing your experiences with the outdoor community.

Why We Love AllTrails

  • Extensive Trail Information: With one of the largest databases of curated trails, AllTrails provides comprehensive details, including user reviews and photos, helping users make informed decisions.
  • User-Friendly Design: The app is easy to navigate, with clear maps, simple filters, and intuitive design, making it accessible for users of all experience levels
  • Offline Accessibility: AllTrails+ users can download maps for offline use, which is crucial for areas with limited cellular service, ensuring continuous navigation and safety

Pros and Cons

Pros:

  • Massive database of trails, covering multiple outdoor activities.
  • Customizable routes and real-time tracking features.
  • Offline map access and safety alerts for AllTrails+ users.
  • Easy-to-use interface, with strong community features such as reviews and photos.

Cons:

  • Offline maps are only available with a paid AllTrails+ subscription, limiting the free version’s utility in remote areas.
  • Variability in trail detail, as some lesser-known trails may have incomplete or outdated information.

User Experience and Interface

Design and Usability:
AllTrails has a clean, straightforward interface that allows users to easily search for trails, customize maps, and track their routes. The intuitive design makes it simple to filter trails by various criteria, and users can quickly access trail information, including reviews, difficulty levels, and route types.

Performance:
The app performs reliably, with fast loading times and smooth navigation. However, some users have noted that the interface can become cluttered if too many filters or features are activated simultaneously.

Compatibility and Pricing

Platforms Supported:

Free vs Paid Version:

  • Free Version: Includes access to the trail database, basic route tracking, and community features.
  • AllTrails+ (Paid): Costs $35.99/year and offers additional features such as offline maps, off-route notifications, 3D maps, and Lifeline safety tools.

Real User Reviews

What users are saying:

“Great app for finding new trails and planning hikes. The offline map feature in AllTrails+ is essential for remote areas.”

– User review from online forums

“Easy to use, with detailed maps and helpful filters. A must-have for hikers!”

– Community feedback

Overall Rating:
★★★★★ 4.8 Rating. Consistently rated highly by users, with many appreciating the extensive trail database and intuitive interface. The AllTrails+ features are particularly valued by regular hikers.

How to Get Started with AllTrails

Step-by-Step Guide:

Alltrails logo
  • Explore Trails: Use the search and filter features to find trails that match your preferences.
  • Upgrade to AllTrails+: Consider upgrading for access to offline maps and enhanced safety features.

Similar Apps

  • Gaia GPS – Versatile mapping for multiple outdoor activities, with offline capabilities.
  • CalTopo – Advanced planning tools with slope analysis and customizable map layers.
  • OutdoorActive – Combines outdoor navigation with features for planning routes across various activities.

Final Verdict

AllTrails is an essential app for anyone exploring the outdoors, providing a comprehensive database of trails with detailed information, easy-to-use features, and community-driven content. The AllTrails+ subscription offers great value for those who frequently hike in remote areas, ensuring safety and reliability with offline maps and other advanced tools.

Download AllTrails Today

Ready to explore the great outdoors? Download AllTrails and start discovering new trails!


I love writing, travelling and being out in nature. Check out my property, Baldy Basecamp, for ski-in/ski-out accommodation at Baldy Mountain Resort.


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