AppRundown

The 10 Best Hiking Apps in 2026

·Based on Sensor Tower analytics

Heading outdoors? The best hiking apps in 2026 help you discover trails, navigate with GPS even without cell service, and track your adventures. We analyzed App Store ratings, download volumes, review counts, and real user feedback to rank the top hiking and outdoor apps available right now.

From trail discovery to offline maps and fitness tracking, these apps cover everything you need for a safe and enjoyable hike.

At a Glance

#AppRatingPriceDownloadsBest For
1
AllTrails
4.9(1.0M)
Free (IAP)300.0K/moBest Overall
2
StepsApp Pedometer
4.8(269.5K)
Free (IAP)500.0K/moRunner-Up
3
MAPS.ME
4.7(76.7K)
Free (IAP)200.0K/moBest Value
4
komoot
4.7(7.3K)
Free (IAP)100.0K/mo
5
adidas Running
4.8(102.8K)
Free (IAP)200.0K/mo
6
Endel
4.6(31.7K)
Free (IAP)200.0K/mo
7
ASICS Runkeeper
4.8(370.8K)
Free (IAP)60.0K/mo
8
Wikiloc
4.8(5.1K)
Free (IAP)90.0K/mo
9
bergfex
4.7(125)
Free (IAP)20.0K/mo
10
Skiing and Hiking
4.6(12.8K)
Free (IAP)20.0K/mo

How We Ranked These Apps

Our ranking methodology weighs multiple data signals to find the hiking apps that deliver genuine value in the field. We started with App Store ratings adjusted for review volume — AllTrails' 4.89 from over one million reviews is an extraordinary achievement. Monthly download numbers show which apps hikers are actively choosing. Update frequency matters especially for hiking apps, where GPS accuracy and map data depend on ongoing development. We analyzed real user reviews with particular attention to reliability in remote areas, offline capability, and GPS accuracy — the features that matter most when you are miles from cell service. All data was collected in March 2026.

1
AllTrails icon

AllTrails

Best Overall
4.9(1.0M)
PriceFree (IAP)
Downloads300.0K/mo

AllTrails is the definitive trail discovery platform, with over one million App Store reviews and a remarkable 4.89 rating — one of the highest ratings for any app with this volume of reviews. The app provides access to a massive trail database with detailed reviews, photos, and conditions from a global community of hikers.

What makes AllTrails indispensable is its combination of discovery and navigation. Search trails by difficulty, length, elevation gain, and features like dog-friendly or wheelchair-accessible paths. Turn-by-turn navigation keeps you on track, and the app alerts you when you make a wrong turn. New hikers describe AllTrails as giving them the confidence to explore trails they would never have attempted otherwise, even while traveling internationally.

Pros
  • Largest trail database with community reviews and photos
  • 4.89 rating from 1 million+ reviews — best in category
  • Turn-by-turn navigation with wrong-turn alerts
  • Filter trails by accessibility, difficulty, and features
  • Works internationally
Cons
  • Private equity acquisition led to more upselling and pop-ups
  • 3D view and AI summaries seen as gimmicks by some users
  • No dedicated iPad app
  • Premium subscription for offline maps
View on App Store
2
StepsApp Pedometer icon

StepsApp Pedometer

Runner-Up
4.8(270K)
PriceFree (IAP)
Downloads500.0K/mo

StepsApp turns your iPhone into a powerful step counter and activity tracker without requiring any additional devices. With 500,000 monthly downloads — the highest on our list — and a 4.82 rating from nearly 270,000 reviews, it has become the go-to walking and hiking tracker for millions. Just slip your phone in your pocket and go.

The app offers stunning charts and animations that make tracking progress genuinely motivating. Apple Watch integration, GPS workout tracking, heart rate zones, and calorie counting round out the feature set. Users praise the ability to set custom goals and the quality of the free tier — most core features work without a subscription.

Pros
  • 500,000 monthly downloads — highest adoption in our list
  • No extra device needed — phone in pocket is enough
  • Stunning charts and goal tracking
  • Apple Watch support with heart rate zones
  • Strong free tier
Cons
  • Step count accuracy issues — numbers sometimes decrease (reported drops of 100-1,000 steps)
  • Watch and phone app record different step counts
  • Step counter occasionally freezes mid-walk
View on App Store
3
MAPS.ME icon

MAPS.ME

Best Value
4.7(77K)
PriceFree (IAP)
Downloads200.0K/mo

MAPS.ME is the offline navigation app trusted by over 140 million travelers worldwide. For hikers, the ability to download detailed maps before your trip and navigate without any internet connection is essential — and MAPS.ME delivers this for free. The app supports walking, cycling, and driving navigation with turn-by-turn directions.

Users report that MAPS.ME has been genuinely lifesaving in situations where cell service was unavailable. The built-in travel guides provide context about destinations, and the offline maps cover virtually the entire world. One user noted it worked reliably even in the Sahara desert.

Pros
  • Fully offline maps and navigation — no internet required
  • 140 million users worldwide
  • Turn-by-turn walking navigation
  • Built-in travel guides
  • Free offline map downloads
Cons
  • Annoying ads for non-paying users on every app open
  • Navigation routing sometimes unreliable (wrong routes reported)
  • Subscription pricing ($47/year) surprises some users
  • Some trial cancellation difficulties reported
View on App Store
4
komoot icon

komoot

4.7(7K)
PriceFree (IAP)
Downloads100.0K/mo

Komoot is the route planning specialist — it understands the difference between smooth asphalt for road cycling, singletracks for mountain biking, and natural trails for hiking. With 100,000 monthly downloads and a 4.72 rating, it has earned a devoted following among serious outdoor enthusiasts.

The app's standout feature is its intelligent route planner that suggests paths optimized for your specific activity. Adding waypoints or modifying routes takes just a tap. Users consistently praise komoot for having the best navigation directions of any outdoor app, particularly for cycling. The community-driven content means trail suggestions come from people who have actually been there.

Pros
  • Sport-specific route optimization (hiking, cycling, running)
  • One-tap waypoint and route modification
  • Best-in-class navigation directions
  • 100,000 monthly downloads
  • Community-driven trail knowledge
Cons
  • Persistent premium subscription nagging
  • Subscription cancellation process criticized as difficult
  • Some features locked behind premium
View on App Store
5
adidas Running icon

adidas Running

4.8(103K)
PriceFree (IAP)
Downloads200.0K/mo

adidas Running serves as a versatile activity tracker suitable for hiking, walking, and running. With a 4.80 rating from over 102,000 reviews and 200,000 monthly downloads, it offers reliable GPS tracking backed by a major brand. The training plans range from beginner Walk to Run programs through marathon preparation, making it accessible to all fitness levels.

The app adapts its training plans as users improve, providing progressive guidance. Advertising is kept at an acceptable level — as users note, some adidas promotion is expected and it stays on point without being overwhelming.

Pros
  • 4.80 rating from 102,838 reviews
  • Training plans from walking to marathon
  • GPS tracking for hiking and walking
  • Progressive plans that adapt to your fitness
  • 200,000 monthly downloads
Cons
  • Activity tracking freezing and failing to start reported
  • Progress sometimes not saved
  • Login issues after updates
  • Recent over-complication of the interface
View on App Store
6
Endel icon

Endel

4.6(32K)
PriceFree (IAP)
Downloads200.0K/mo

Endel takes a unique approach to the outdoor experience by providing AI-powered soundscapes that adapt to your environment, location, and heart rate. While not a traditional hiking app, many outdoor enthusiasts use Endel to enhance their trail experience with personalized audio that responds to their movement and surroundings.

With 200,000 monthly downloads and a 4.65 rating from over 31,000 reviews, it has found a substantial audience. The app's patented AI creates sounds that sync with your circadian rhythm, and users include firefighters, athletes, and entrepreneurs who rely on it for focus and relaxation during outdoor activities.

Pros
  • AI-generated soundscapes that adapt to your environment
  • Responds to location, heart rate, and movement
  • 200,000 monthly downloads
  • Lifetime subscription option (unusual in app market)
  • Breathwork features included
Cons
  • No free tier beyond trial — credit card required immediately
  • Advertised features not always available in app
  • Not a navigation or trail finding tool
  • Niche use case for hiking specifically
View on App Store
7
ASICS Runkeeper icon

ASICS Runkeeper

4.8(371K)
PriceFree (IAP)
Downloads60.0K/mo

Runkeeper is one of the most established activity tracking apps, with over 370,000 reviews and an impressive 4.83 rating. The app tracks walking, running, and hiking with GPS, providing detailed stats including path maps, time splits, and calories burned. The pause/resume feature is particularly useful for hikers who stop for breaks or photos.

Users describe Runkeeper as having "everything I could want in a workout/running/walking app" with so many options yet remaining easy to use. The guided training plans and audio coaching provide motivation, and the paid version offers structured training programs for various distances.

Pros
  • 4.83 rating from 370,810 reviews — exceptional track record
  • GPS tracking with path maps and time splits
  • Pause/resume for breaks on the trail
  • Audio-guided workouts and coaching
  • Backed by ASICS
Cons
  • Login issues reported after updates
  • Distance tracking sometimes inaccurate
  • Lower monthly downloads (60,000) than peak popularity
View on App Store
8
Wikiloc icon

Wikiloc

4.8(5K)
PriceFree (IAP)
Downloads90.0K/mo

Wikiloc is a trail-focused platform with millions of outdoor routes covering over 80 activity types — from hiking and running to kayaking and skiing. The app lets you record your own routes with waypoints and photos, then share them with the community. Free offline topographic maps for worldwide coverage make it invaluable for remote hiking.

Dedicated users — some with nine or more years of experience — describe Wikiloc as their go-to app despite trying many alternatives. The Pro subscription adds route following with voice navigation and advanced offline features. With 90,000 monthly downloads and very active development, the community continues to grow.

Pros
  • Millions of trails across 80+ activity types
  • Free offline topographic maps worldwide
  • Record and share routes with photos and waypoints
  • 9+ years of loyal user base
  • Very actively maintained
Cons
  • Persistent airplane mode pop-up annoys users
  • Pro subscription needed for voice navigation
  • Smaller review base than AllTrails (5,056)
View on App Store
9
bergfex icon

bergfex

4.7(125)
PriceFree (IAP)
Downloads20.0K/mo

Bergfex is built specifically for Alpine hiking, ski touring, and mountain activities. The app provides precise GPS navigation and detailed hiking maps for the entire Alpine region, making it the specialist choice for European mountain adventures. The route planner lets you create custom tours, and GPS tracking records your outdoor activities.

With 20,000 monthly downloads and the most recent update in our list (March 24, 2026), bergfex is actively developed and growing. The app is a must-have for anyone hiking in the Alps or planning mountain tours in the region.

Pros
  • Specialized for Alpine and mountain hiking
  • Precise GPS navigation
  • Detailed hiking maps for Alpine region
  • Custom route planning
  • Most recently updated app in our list
Cons
  • Very small review base (125 reviews)
  • Regional focus — less useful outside Alpine areas
  • Subscription required for premium features
View on App Store
10
Skiing and Hiking icon

Skiing and Hiking

4.6(13K)
PriceFree (IAP)
Downloads20.0K/mo

PeakVisor brings a unique perspective to hiking with its augmented reality peak identification and 3D topographic maps. Point your camera at a mountain and the app identifies it in real time — a feature that transforms any hike into an educational experience. The 3D map rendering provides an unprecedented understanding of terrain before and during your hike.

With over 12,000 reviews and a 4.59 rating, PeakVisor has earned its place as the specialist mountain identification tool. GPS tracking, trail information, and ski resort data make it versatile across seasons. The app covers hiking, skiing, climbing, and mountain biking.

Pros
  • Augmented reality peak identification
  • 3D topographic maps for terrain understanding
  • Multi-sport coverage (hiking, skiing, climbing, biking)
  • GPS tracking and trail information
  • 12,753 reviews validate reliability
Cons
  • Niche feature set — peak ID is not for everyone
  • Subscription model for full access
  • Lower rating (4.59) than top competitors
  • 20,000 monthly downloads
View on App Store

How to Choose the Right Hiking App

Different hiking apps serve different needs, and most serious hikers use more than one. Here is how to pick the right combination for your adventures.

For trail discovery, AllTrails is unmatched. Its massive database, community reviews, and trail filtering make finding your next hike effortless. The wrong-turn alerts add a safety layer that newcomers especially appreciate.

For offline navigation, prioritize MAPS.ME or Wikiloc. If you hike in areas without cell service — and most serious trails have spotty coverage — offline maps are not optional, they are essential. MAPS.ME covers the entire world for free. Wikiloc adds trail-specific routes and community knowledge.

For route planning, choose komoot. Its sport-specific route optimization ensures you get trails suited to hiking rather than road routes. The one-tap waypoint system makes adjusting plans in the field quick and intuitive.

For fitness tracking on hikes, StepsApp or Runkeeper work well. StepsApp is simpler and tracks passively, while Runkeeper provides more detailed GPS data with path maps and split times.

For mountain-specific adventures, consider bergfex or PeakVisor. Bergfex excels in the Alps with detailed regional maps, while PeakVisor's augmented reality peak identification adds an educational dimension to any mountain hike.

Safety tip: Always download offline maps before heading to remote areas. Tell someone your planned route and expected return time. No app replaces basic wilderness preparedness.

FAQ

Methodology

This ranking is based on App Store data collected in March 2026. We analyzed app ratings, review counts, monthly download estimates, update frequency, and user review sentiment. Our ranking formula weighs rating quality (score multiplied by review volume), download momentum, and maintenance activity. We do not accept payment or sponsorship from app developers. All apps were evaluated on their free tier with notes about premium features where relevant.