10 Best Trail Running Apps to Supercharge Your Adventure

Imagine running through the wild with nothing but your smartphone guiding the way. With the right apps, trail running becomes safer, smarter, and even speedier. Whether you’re exploring rugged trails in California, navigating the swampy paths of South Florida, or tackling the steep grade of a mountain, the best mobile technology makes all the difference.

These GPS tools provide tracking, route mapping, and performance monitoring, ensuring you’re always on the right path. Some apps cater to road running, while others excel in hiking, scrambling, or long out-and-back loops. With options like Gaia GPS, ON X Backcountry, and Strava, you can find the best fit for your workout needs—whether you’re testing your speed, logging miles, or setting new personal records.

10 Best Trail Running Apps to Supercharge Your Adventure

Different apps serve different purposes. Some focus on elevation, technicality, and views, while others excel at plotting routes over asphalt, dirt roads, or deep forest paths. In-depth evaluations of each app consider features, advantages, disadvantages, pricing, and user-friendliness. Many offer free or lite versions with premium perks for paid subscribers. Some apps provide offline maps as a crucial safety net if you’re running in areas with poor cell reception.

Whether you prefer a loop course or a challenging testing trail, these tools keep you motivated and consistently reaching your goals. The right app can transform your runs, making every adventure more efficient and enjoyable.

List of 10 Best Trail Running Apps

1. Gaia GPS
2. MapMyRun
3. Komoot
4. Runtastic
5. ViewRanger
6. AllTrails
7. Strava
8. Runkeeper
9. Outdooractive
10. Nike Run Club

Strava – The Ultimate Running Companion

Strava is a popular app among trail runners who want to track their runs, monitor their progress, and stay motivated. It offers both free and premium versions, catering to different levels of commitment and needs. With GPS tracking, users can map their routes accurately and analyze their pace, elevation, and heart rate in detailed analytics. The segment feature allows runners to compare their performance on specific trail sections against other runners, making every run a chance for improvement.

For those who enjoy a social fitness experience, Strava enables runners to join a global community of athletes, follow friends, or even challenge colleagues. The app is available on iOS and Android, making it accessible to a wide range of users.

Features

Strava’s Beacon tool provides a real-time location-sharing safety feature, offering peace of mind when running solo. Trusted contacts can see your position, ensuring you’re never truly alone. The app integrates seamlessly with a variety of trackers, including Wear OS, Apple Watch, and other compatible devices.

For competitive runners, Strava offers group challenges, such as the fastest 5K or longest monthly mileage, keeping motivation high. Strava Maps helps find route suggestions, and features like night heat mapping identify safer workouts. The paid-for membership costs $5.00 per month or $59.99 per year, unlocking additional benefits like race analysis and Athlete Intelligence (AI) for personalized feedback.

While Strava’s mapping has improved over the last few years, it still lacks some features found in Gaia GPS or ON X Backcountry. However, its social engagement, tracking features, and route exploration abilities make it one of the best-loved running apps today.

TrailLink – Your Ultimate Trail Guide

TrailLink is a comprehensive app designed for outdoor enthusiasts who love trail running. Created by Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, a non-profit organization, it offers a free service that helps users search trails across the United States based on location, distance, and difficulty level.

With an extensive database covering over 40,000 miles of multi-use trails, runners can find the best routes nearby. The app provides detailed descriptions, including trail surfaces, elevation changes, nearby amenities, and user reviews that offer firsthand insights.

Whether you’re planning a new run or setting running goals, the app’s GPS navigation and turn-by-turn directions ensure you stay on the right path, even in unfamiliar areas.

Features

One of TrailLink’s standout features is its offline access, allowing runners to download maps to their device for use in areas with limited cell reception. The premium version unlocks additional capabilities, such as advanced map layers and enhanced navigation tools, making it a great choice for serious runners who love to explore.

The app also integrates with Google Places to highlight trail-side businesses and amenities like drinking fountains, restrooms, and parking.

With a user-friendly interface, available on iOS and Android, TrailLink empowers runners of all levels to discover scenic trails and make the most of their adventures. A 12-month subscription costs $29.99 and renews automatically, but users can manage settings to cancel anytime.

AllTrails – Find the Perfect Running Route

AllTrails is a must-have app for trail runners looking for detailed and reliable trail maps. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced runner, this app helps you discover new trails by filtering options based on distance, difficulty, elevation gain, and user reviews. With an extensive database covering thousands of running routes worldwide, AllTrails makes it easy to plan your next adventure.

The GPS tracking feature ensures you stay on course, while real-time navigation prevents you from getting lost in remote areas. It’s a great tool for those who love exploring new paths, whether on a steep mountain trail or a simple loop route close to home.

Features

One of the standout features of AllTrails is its offline map access, allowing runners to download routes and use them even without cell reception. The premium version, called AllTrails+, offers advanced features like 3D route previews, wrong-turn alerts, and live tracking, which is useful for safety.

The app also includes user-generated content, such as trail conditions and photos, helping you evaluate a route before heading out. With a user-friendly interface, available on iOS and Android, this app is a favorite among outdoor enthusiasts.

While the free version provides excellent tools, upgrading to AllTrails+ unlocks extra features for serious runners who want a better and more secure running experience.

Runkeeper

Runkeeper is a versatile app that helps trail runners at all levels monitor their routes and track progress with GPS precision. Whether you’re training for a race or just maintaining your fitness, this app provides customizable training plans tailored to your goals. With detailed metrics such as distance, pace, elevation, and calories burned, you can easily set improvements and see your workout history over time. Runkeeper also includes social features that let you connect with fellow runners, share achievements, and stay motivated by participating in gamified challenges.

Features

This app has a user-friendly interface that makes navigation simple without feeling overwhelming, even for new users. The audio cues provide real-time feedback, allowing you to stay on pace without constantly checking your device.

The premium version unlocks advanced coaching, deeper performance insights, and route discovery, which suggests popular trails based on your location and preferences. Runkeeper also integrates seamlessly with health apps, smartwatches, and even a built-in music player to keep you motivated.

With regular updates and a commitment to enhancing the experience with the latest tools, it’s a perennial favorite for runners who enjoy exploring new trails while keeping their routine consistent.

 Gaia GPS – The Ultimate Mapping Tool for Trail Runners

Gaia GPS is an advanced mapping tool designed for outdoor adventures like trail running. It allows users to plan routes using topographic maps, satellite imagery, and detailed overlays for better navigation.

The offline access feature is especially useful for runners exploring remote areas with no cell service, ensuring they never lose their way. With real-time tracking, users can monitor progress, track distance, pace, elevation, and even create custom waypoints to mark important locations.

Whether you’re scouting new trails or preparing for a multi-day hike, this app offers the accuracy needed for a safe and well-planned run.

Features

The user-friendly interface makes navigation straightforward, helping runners manage their routes effortlessly. Gaia GPS integrates with fitness apps and GPS devices, providing flexibility to analyze runs and optimize performance.

The free version allows access to basic online maps, while the membership at $20 per year unlocks modern, historical, and classic topo maps with contour lines, slope angles, and hill shading. Runners heading into National Parks like Mt. Rainier or the Lost Coast will appreciate the fine control over downloading specific areas to avoid wrong turns. A useful tip is to keep your phone in Airplane Mode to save battery while still using GPS tracking.

MapMyRun – A Reliable App for Trail Runners

MapMyRun is a reliable app that helps trail runners track performance with GPS-based route mapping. Whether you’re exploring new trails or improving your running stats, this app offers a user-friendly interface that makes it easy to log runs and analyze key insights like distance, pace, and elevation.

The integration with fitness devices ensures that you can sync heart rate data and other vital stats for a complete performance overview.

Features

The app’s social component allows runners to connect with friends, share routes, and participate in challenges to stay motivated. The running features include suggestions for new paths and live tracking, which is invaluable for navigating unfamiliar terrain with confidence. Available on both Android and iOS platforms, MapMyRun ensures broad accessibility for runners of different levels.

Komoot – A Smart Tool for Trail Runners

Komoot is a reliable tool for trail runners, offering detailed off-road routes with topographic maps and accurate elevation data. It is especially useful for planning runs in unfamiliar territories, allowing users to customize routes based on fitness level and preferences.

Whether you prefer trails, road segments, or single tracks, this app helps you choose the best paths for your run. With turn-by-turn voice navigation, runners can stay on course without constantly checking their device.

Features

One of the standout features of Komoot is its community integration, where users can share real-world experiences, advice, and recommendations. You can save favorite locations for future reference and take advantage of its offline capabilities by downloading maps beforehand, making it perfect for remote areas with no signal.

The app is compatible with GPS wearables, and its stats syncing works seamlessly across platforms like Strava for performance analysis. With an intuitive interface, sport-specific routing, and a balance of free and premium options, it is a convenient choice for runners of all levels.

 Runtastic

Runtastic is a comprehensive app that helps enhance trail running by providing detailed GPS tracking to monitor routes, speed, and elevation changes. It allows runners to analyze performance with graphs and key metrics, making it easy to track progress.

The app offers voice coaching for extra motivation during runs and includes personalized training plans based on fitness level and goals. Whether you’re preparing for a 3K, 5K, 10K, half-marathon, or full marathon, this app adapts to individual needs.

Features

Runtastic supports iOS and Android devices, ensuring accessibility for a wide range of users. The app lets runners sync with wearables like Garmin, Polar, Amazfit, and Suunto, making it easy to log activities and track progress seamlessly.

A user-friendly interface makes it suitable for beginners and experienced runners alike. The premium subscription unlocks advanced planning, in-depth statistics, and extra training tools.

With social media sharing, music integration to stay pumped, and support for various activities like walking, cycling, hiking, and even yoga, this app is a powerful adidas-backed activity tracker for any fitness journey.

ViewRanger – The Perfect Trail Companion

ViewRanger is a robust app designed for outdoor enthusiasts, providing access to detailed trail routes and offline maps. It is ideal for running adventures, with a comprehensive route database that helps runners discover new trails and plan with ease.

The app supports a range of activities, including hiking and cycling, making it a great versatile choice. A key strength is its offline capabilities, allowing users to download maps and navigate without cell reception, ensuring they stay on track in remote areas.

Features

One of ViewRanger’s most notable features is its augmented reality system, Skyline, which helps runners identify peaks and landmarks using their phone’s camera, enhancing the navigation and exploration experience. It also integrates with GPS units, smartwatches, and even Apple Watch, offering a dedicated view of location directly on the wrist for hands-free convenience.

The BuddyBeacon safety feature provides real-time tracking, allowing friends and family to monitor your location, ensuring you’re never truly alone on your adventure. Additionally, runners can record and share their runs with the community, upload speeds, and compare progress with others, adding a social motivation aspect to the experience.

Benefits of Using Trail Running Apps

• Apps are valuable tools that enhance the trail running experience by offering advanced navigation and performance tracking metrics.
• GPS mapping and real-time route tracking help runners follow specific trails, reducing the risk of getting lost.
• Detailed maps and elevation profiles prepare runners for the terrain in advance, ensuring a safer and more enjoyable run.
• Offline map downloads guide in remote areas, allowing access to navigation without cell service.
• User-generated reviews and photos give insight into trail difficulty and conditions, helping runners make informed decisions.
• Recording distance, pace, and elevation gain allows runners to analyze progress and identify areas for improvement.
• Heart rate monitoring and calorie tracking provide a comprehensive overview of fitness levels.
• Customizable training plans and goal-setting features keep runners motivated, pushing them to achieve new milestones.
• Social sharing options let runners share achievements with friends and the community, adding motivation.
• Emergency alert features notify contacts in case of trouble, with live tracking allowing others to see your location.
• In-app weather alerts keep runners informed of sudden changes, helping them avoid incoming storms and extreme conditions.
• First aid guides and safety tips provide helpful advice for handling emergencies on the trail.

Conclusion

Trail running apps have transformed the way runners explore the outdoors, offering advanced navigation, real-time tracking, and detailed performance metrics. Whether you’re looking to plan routes, track progress, or stay safe in remote areas, these apps provide essential tools to enhance your adventure. With offline maps, social sharing features, and personalized training plans, they ensure every run is both enjoyable and productive.

Choosing the right app depends on your needs, whether it’s detailed topographic maps, fitness integration, or live tracking. No matter your experience level, using a trail running app can help you push limits and discover new trails with confidence.

FAQs

1. What is the best app for trail running?

The best app depends on your needs. If you want detailed maps and offline navigation, Gaia GPS and Komoot are great choices. If you prefer performance tracking and social features, MapMyRun and Runtastic work well.

2. Can I use these apps without an internet connection?

Yes! Apps like Gaia GPS, ViewRanger, and Komoot let you download offline maps so you can navigate remote areas without cell service.

3. Are trail running apps free?

Most apps have a free version with basic features, but premium memberships unlock advanced tools like real-time tracking, detailed maps, and custom route planning.

4. Can these apps track my heart rate and calories burned?

Yes, apps like Runtastic and MapMyRun integrate with fitness devices to track heart rate, calories burned, and overall performance.

5. How do trail running apps improve safety?

Many apps include live tracking, emergency alerts, and first-aid guides. Features like BuddyBeacon in ViewRanger allow you to share your real-time location with friends and family for added security.