Find Walking, Running & Hiking Trails - Top 10 Sites

The Benefits of Hiking and Finding Trails

Many individuals, myself included, dedicate a significant portion of their day to computer work. While desk jobs offer certain advantages, they are not conducive to maintaining optimal cardiovascular health. It's essential to periodically disconnect from electronic devices and immerse oneself in the natural world.

Even brief daily excursions on a hiking trail can substantially improve both physical and mental well-being.

Locating Trails Worldwide

Across nearly the entire world, a vast network of trails exists for walking, hiking, running, and backpacking. These trails vary considerably in length and difficulty. The key is knowing where to discover these resources.

Resources for Trail Discovery

• Finding trails doesn't have to be a daunting task.
• Numerous online platforms are dedicated to mapping and detailing trails for outdoor enthusiasts.

Trail databases provide detailed information, including trail length, elevation gain, and user reviews. This allows you to select a trail appropriate for your fitness level and preferences.

Exploring these resources can help you plan your next outdoor adventure and prioritize your health.

AllTrails

AllTrails stands out as one of the most detailed resources available for outdoor enthusiasts. The platform facilitates trail discovery through location-based searches.

Numerous filters are provided to refine searches, allowing users to specify preferences regarding trail length, elevation gain, and difficulty level.

Trail Profiles and Community Reviews

Upon selecting desired criteria, users can explore trails of interest. Each trail is accompanied by a dedicated profile, complete with a user-generated rating system.

Detailed reviews and comments from fellow hikers are readily accessible, offering valuable insights into trail conditions and experiences.

Users are encouraged to create accounts and contribute their own reviews following a hike, assisting others in their trail selection process.

Currently, trail information is focused on locations within the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico.

Key features include the ability to save trails for future reference and track hiking progress.

The platform’s extensive database and active community make it a powerful tool for planning outdoor adventures.

Trails.com

Trails.com and AllTrails share a remarkably similar foundation in their trail databases. Consequently, the breadth of trail coverage offered by both platforms is comparable.

Like AllTrails, Trails.com empowers users to submit reviews for trails they've experienced. However, Trails.com distinguishes itself through two key functionalities.

Topographical Maps

One significant feature is the provision of topographical maps for trail areas. These maps are presented in a basic format, lacking trail path markings, but prove valuable for those unfamiliar with the local landscape.

GPS Coordinate Upload

Another unique capability is the ability to upload GPS coordinates gathered during your hikes. This data is then visualized on a map, providing a record of your route.

Numerous tracking applications are available for smartphones, and data can also be exported from specialized GPS devices for use with this feature. This allows for detailed tracking of your outdoor adventures.

Trails.com offers a valuable resource for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts seeking detailed trail information and mapping tools.

EveryTrail

EveryTrail positions itself as a comprehensive “GPS Travel Community.” A key distinction from previously mentioned platforms lies in its database construction. Rather than relying on pre-existing data sources, EveryTrail was developed organically.

The foundation of EveryTrail’s content is built upon GPS data imported directly from users’ actual hiking and trail experiences. This ensures that each listed trail represents a route that has been physically completed by someone.

A significant benefit is the inclusion of user-submitted photos and additional details for many trails. However, this approach results in a less exhaustive collection of trails, particularly concerning smaller, more localized routes.

Key Features

• Real Trails: Each entry is verified by a user’s completed journey.
• User Contributions: Trails are often enhanced with photos and descriptive information.
• Mobile Applications: EveryTrail provides apps for tracking and saving trails.

EveryTrail’s mobile applications allow users to record their hikes and seamlessly upload the data, including pictures and videos, directly to the platform. Applications are available for a wide range of devices.

These applications support iPhone, Android, Windows Mobile, and Blackberry operating systems.

Notably, EveryTrail boasts an International scope, featuring hiking trails sourced from locations across the globe.

TrailLink

TrailLink represents an initiative spearheaded by the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy. Its primary focus lies on trails developed from repurposed railway lines and their associated right-of-ways.

These converted pathways are ideally suited for a variety of activities, including walking, cycling, and even practical transportation between different points.

Trail Characteristics

A defining feature of TrailLink’s network is its origin in former rail corridors. This results in generally gentle slopes, making the trails accessible to a wide range of users.

The trails effectively function as connectors, linking communities and providing alternative routes for both recreation and daily travel.

Geographic Scope

Currently, the TrailLink database encompasses trails located exclusively within the United States.

Expansion to other countries is not yet indicated, and the service remains focused on the American trail network.

LocalHikes

LocalHikes is a resource dedicated to trails within the United States. While the total number of trails documented is somewhat smaller compared to other platforms, the site distinguishes itself through the quality of its content.

Detailed Trail Information

Each hiking trail featured on LocalHikes benefits from a comprehensive description. These write-ups provide hikers with essential details about the terrain and conditions they can expect.

Community Insights

A valuable aspect of LocalHikes is its comment section. Hikers frequently share their experiences and offer helpful tips regarding specific trails. This user-generated content can prove invaluable for planning a successful hike.

The comments often contain up-to-date information about trail conditions, potential hazards, and points of interest. Reviewing these insights can significantly enhance a hiker’s preparation.

Essentially, LocalHikes prioritizes depth over breadth, offering well-documented trails supplemented by a community knowledge base.

Utilizing Trail Data with Google Earth Layers

Google Earth has established collaborations with numerous organizations to integrate trail maps and pertinent information directly into its software.

Following the installation of Google Earth, users gain access to several distinct Layers designed to deliver trail-related data.

Available Trail Layers

Specifically, users should explore the following integrated layers:

• Everytrail: A comprehensive source for user-submitted trails.
• Trimble Outdoors Trips: Providing access to trails and outdoor adventures curated by Trimble.
• Wikiloc: A platform featuring a vast collection of trails contributed by a global community.

Beyond these pre-installed options, many websites detailed in related articles offer Google Earth compatibility through the use of .kml files.

These files allow for seamless integration; users can typically find links labeled "View in Google Earth" on these sites to load the trail data and initiate the Google Earth viewer.

The functionality of Google Earth extends to trails located across the globe, offering worldwide coverage.

WikiWalki

WikiWalki represents a potentially valuable, yet currently underutilized, resource within the realm of trail discovery. Its design centers around a map-based interface, enabling users to visually locate and map walking routes and trails.

Despite its intuitive approach, the platform’s trail database is not yet fully comprehensive. This limited coverage currently restricts its usability for individuals in many geographical locations.

Current Limitations and Future Potential

The completeness of the trail information available on WikiWalki is an area requiring further development. Increased contributions of trail data are needed to enhance its functionality and broaden its appeal.

With an expanded database, WikiWalki has the potential to become a leading platform for identifying suitable walking paths.

It is important to note that WikiWalki focuses on providing information for international trails, distinguishing it from sites with a more localized focus.

The site’s strength lies in its map-centric design, which offers a clear and direct way to explore potential routes.

Wikiloc

Wikiloc functions as the web-based platform associated with the Google Earth layer previously discussed. Similar to WikiWalki, this site enables users to submit their own trail data and subsequently examine profile details alongside map visualizations within Google Earth.

Interface and Data Volume

While the user interface of Wikiloc may not be as aesthetically pleasing as that of WikiWalki, it demonstrably contains a larger volume of trail information, representing a significant advantage.

Search Functionality

During testing, the search feature appeared to be malfunctioning. However, utilizing the map interface to focus on a specific geographic area proved effective in identifying trails in close proximity.

Global Coverage

Wikiloc provides trail information for locations across the globe.

The platform supports trail discovery internationally.

• Trail Uploads: Users can contribute their own routes.
• Profile Information: Detailed profiles accompany each trail.
• Google Earth Integration: Trails can be viewed within the Google Earth environment.

Traildino

Traildino positions itself as an exceptionally comprehensive database for hiking trails. Rather than directly mapping trails, Traildino functions as a directory, providing links to the official websites of numerous trails.

Global Trail Directory

A key feature of Traildino is its international scope, enabling users to locate trails across the globe. This broad coverage makes it a valuable resource for travelers and outdoor enthusiasts.

While utilizing Traildino, it’s been observed that the platform generally includes well-known and popular trails. However, users should be aware that it may not extensively list smaller, more localized trails.

The platform excels at aggregating information for established routes, but those seeking less-traveled paths might find the selection limited.

Important Note: Traildino serves as a central hub, directing users to external resources for detailed trail information.

MapMyHike

MapMyHike functions as a social fitness platform, designed to link individuals who share a common objective of achieving physical fitness. Similar to several other platforms discussed, MapMyHike provides a complimentary iPhone application, known as iMapMyHike [iTunes link].

This application serves as a personal fitness tracker, assisting users in monitoring their progress. Furthermore, the company offers distinct applications dedicated to mapping various activities, including hikes, bike rides, and walks.

App Functionality

• Users can upload their tracked routes and data directly to the MapMyHike website.
• The platform facilitates connection with groups pursuing similar fitness goals.
• iMapMyHike is a dedicated tool for personal fitness tracking on iOS devices.

Currently, a redesigned version of the website is under development, as illustrated in the screenshot. This suggests MapMyHike is poised for continued growth and improvement as an online resource.

The platform appears to be an emerging and promising resource within the online fitness community.

Exploring Walking Routes Beyond Online Resources

Should the previously mentioned websites not display trails in your vicinity, rest assured that discovering walking paths doesn't necessitate online assistance. A simple solution exists: disconnect from your devices and venture outdoors. Countless miles of walkable terrain are readily accessible without cost.

It may seem counterintuitive to travel by vehicle in search of a location for walking, yet this practice is common in numerous city environments.

Share Your Favorite Walking Spots

We welcome contributions! Please inform us of any other locations you recommend for finding engaging walks, hikes, and outdoor adventures.

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