Getting outside for a trail run is fun and invigorating! But there’s more to hitting the trails than just lacing up a pair of shoes. With the right app on your phone or watch, it’s a lot easier to map new routes, track your stats, stay safe, and even connect with other runners who share the same love for running.
If you like to keep your runs adventurous, accurate, and fun, adding the right digital tool can make a surprising difference. I’ve tested many over the years, and while some are simple and free, others are packed with cool features for those who want more than just tracking distance.
I’ve gathered ten trail running apps that are worth checking out. Whether you’re a beginner just climbing your first hills or you love the grind of steep mountain miles, there’s something here for everyone.
1. AllTrails: Navigation and Route Discovery
AllTrails is my go-to when I’m looking for new trails. This app is more than running- It covers hiking, biking, and walking too. It’s packed with trail info, reviews, and photos from other users, making it easy to scout your next adventure. You can dig into user feedback to track down little-known paths or stick to the tried-and-true favorites. If there is a trail that is several hours away, it can be useful to check for recent reviews. May be helpful in telling you whether the trail is open. Even in some cases where a Trail is managed, I have not always been able to get a hold of a ranger to let me know if the trail is open.
- Pricing: Free with limited features, or AllTrails+ at $35.99/year for offline maps and extra planning tools.
- Pros: Huge database of trails, custom route creation, offline map support with paid version, detailed elevation profiles.
- Cons: Some of the best features require a subscription, offline maps aren’t available in the free version. This is the main reason I have the paid version. I want the maps to work even if I’m not getting good service.
- Ease of Use: Really userfriendly. The map and search features are quick to learn.
2. Strava: Social and Performance Tracking
Strava mixes GPS tracking with a lively social network. If you want to log your runs, compete with others on segments, and compare times, it’s a solid choice. I find its community aspect motivating. You can join challenges, follow friends, and even set up virtual races. Tracking progress, whether you run on familiar routes or switch things up, becomes something you’ll look forward to each week.
- Pricing: Free core tracking, premium features start at $11.99/month or $79.99/year.
- Pros: Segment leaderboards, training goals, social interaction, race challenges, route creation.
- Cons: Training analytics locked behind the paywall; privacy controls require a quick look-over.
- Ease of Use: Simple to start, but the social and training features might take some more time learning.
3. Garmin Connect: Data for Serious Runners
Garmin Connect is ideal if you’ve already got a Garmin device, because it syncs seamlessly. You can track everything from distance and time to advanced stats like VO2 max or cadence. If you’re chasing performance goals, this data gives a real boost, letting you track progress and adjust your training game plan. The app even provides training plans, reminders, and challenges for motivation.
- Pricing: Free for Garmin users.
- Pros: Advanced running metrics, health tracking, direct syncing with Garmin watches, community challenges.
- Cons: Only useful if you own a Garmin device; the interface can be a bit busy at first.
- Ease of Use: Straightforward for syncing data, but the number of stats available might be overwhelming until you get used to it.
4. Komoot: Off-Road Navigation and Planning
Komoot stands out for its strong turn-by-turn instructions, which work well even in remote areas. Planning a run in a place you’ve never been? Sync maps to your phone so you don’t get lost even without cell service. Komoot’s smart route planner pulls in elevation, terrain, and user highlights, helping you pick a course that matches your skill or mood that day.
- Pricing: Free for one region, $3.99 per extra region, or $29.99 for worldwide maps.
- Pros: Great offline maps, detailed route builder with elevation, import/export GPX files.
- Cons: Full access to maps needs payment, user reviews aren’t as thorough as AllTrails.
- Ease of Use: Map features and planning tools are intuitive, and offline downloads are handy for regular adventurers.
5. MapMyRun: Flexible Tracking and Coaching
MapMyRun, from Under Armour, is great for both roads and trails. It tracks all the basics, from pace and distance to elevation. If you want to check in with some motivation, audio coaching comes standard on runs, plus shoe mileage tracking helps you know when it’s time for new gear. The premium version steps things up with heart rate analysis and live tracking so friends or family can cheer you on from afar.
- Pricing: Free basic features, or MVP at $5.99/month for heart rate analysis and live tracking.
- Pros: Audio feedback, shoe mileage tracking, detailed stats, wearable integration.
- Cons: Ads in the free version, some deep insights require an upgrade.
- Ease of Use: Easy layout and clear controls for fast route starts and quick saves.
6. Gaia GPS: For Remote Adventures
Gaia GPS comes through for those who love to blaze their own trail. This app loads detailed topographic maps, satellite imagery, and allows deep map layering. If you’re headed off-grid, you can preload maps and keep exploring without phone signal. Navigating ridgelines, winding forests, or even plotting multi-day runs is practical thanks to Gaia’s detailed visuals and user-contributed trail segments. Gaia GPS is the app my friends and I use for long off roading adventures. I know- this isn’t running. However, once we get out way in the wilderness we do a lot of exploring on foot!
- Pricing: Free basic app, Premium at $39.99/year for full map access and downloads.
- Pros: Wide selection of map layers, great for off-grid navigation, strong offline features.
- Cons: The interface could use a modern refresh, and most valuable features are paid.
- Ease of Use: Recording tracks is easy, but getting the most from map layers may take a brief tutorial.
7. Trail Run Project: Community Trail Guides
Trail Run Project feels like running with a crowd of local experts. The community is regularly updating trails, adding new descriptions, and uploading GPX tracks, making it easy to spot fresh running ideas in your region or around the globe. The fact it’s free, with offline access, ensures you can always check options even when there’s no signal.
- Pricing: Free
- Pros: User-contributed routes, GPX downloads, thorough route descriptions, offline access.
- Cons: Has a smaller trail database than AllTrails and lacks some advanced analytics.
- Ease of Use: Clean interface makes exploring and filtering routes a breeze.
8. Relive: 3D Storytelling for Your Runs
Relive puts a fun twist on your running recap by building 3D video stories. Plug in your GPS data and see your trail adventure brought to life, complete with highlights along the way. Friends love seeing epic climbs and beautiful loops in a visual style, and the app works with several trackers so you don’t have to use just one service.
- Pricing: Free for basics, $6.99/month for Relive Club (includes HD video, music, extra story features).
- Pros: 3D route videos, instant sharing, syncs up with Strava and other tracking software.
- Cons: Lacks detailed analytics; best features unlocked with paid version.
- Ease of Use: Just upload your run and let the app do the work; smooth, intuitive, and quick.
9. FATMAP: Advanced Terrain Visualization
If you want to dig into maps that make it easy to spot terrain info, like steep grades or river crossings, FATMAP breaks it all down in stunning 3D. It’s especially attractive for folks planning big mountain runs or exploring technical terrains. You can overlay weather, elevation, and pick popular lines used by other runners. FATMAP links up with other GPS devices for importing or exporting your favorite runs as well.
- Pricing: Free with limited maps, Explore membership at $29.99/year for premium map layers and planning tools.
- Pros: 3D terrain, overlays for weather/elevation, includes trending routes.
- Cons: Has a steeper learning curve, and most perks you need a subscription for.
- Ease of Use: Takes a little time to master, but the super detailed maps make planning worth it for those who love extra data.
10. Cairn: Safety and Location Sharing
Cairn is built for those who are big on safety. It crowdsources cell coverage to show where you’ll have reception and lets friends or family track your trip in real time. If you’re overdue for a check-in, Cairn quickly sends alerts to your chosen contacts. These features make it especially useful for solo runners or anyone heading into unfamiliar places. The peace of mind is priceless, whether on a daily run or backcountry epic.
- Pricing: Free, or $26.99/year for premium SOS tools and offline maps.
- Pros: Real-time tracking, cell coverage info, emergency notifications for safety.
- Cons: The best features require a subscription; map coverage depends on app users adding fresh details.
- Ease of Use: Very simple setup, minimal interface, quick for check-ins or emergency contacts.
Choosing the Right Trail Running App for You
Picking the best app depends on what you value in your trail runs. If connecting with others and sharing results gets you moving, Strava and Trail Run Project make it easy to meet like-minded runners or gather route tips from the wider community. If safety and next-level navigation make you confident, AllTrails, Komoot, and Cairn put all the right information at your fingertips, especially for deep woods or high alpine runs.
If you geek out on stats or want to see deeper analytics after each run, Garmin Connect, FATMAP, and Gaia GPS have all the data you could ask for. And if you like showing off your adventures, Relive helps you create something friends and family will love to watch. When you just want a simple tool to track distance or time, MapMyRun covers the basics and works smoothly.
No matter which app you choose, the real joy is getting outside and enjoying new trails with confidence. From mapping your route to sharing your story afterwards, these apps can give a real boost to your trail running experience. Staying safe, keeping things fun, and connecting with the running community is now just a download away. Time to lace up and let it rip on your next trail adventure!