Thru-hiking is the nickname given to hikers who complete the whole of the Appalachian Trial in one go. There’s an app to suit everyone – whether you’re a thru-hiker, flip-flopper or have no idea what those terms mean but want to get out there and complete some of the Appalachian Trail! This is basically just a very sensible safety precaution to protect you in case your phone breaks and you’re left without knowing exactly where you are. That said, even if you do have an app on your phone, you should still carry a paper map with you. Some apps also give you real-time updates from other users so if there is a new permit required or water is running low in summertime, you’ll be the first to know. If you have chosen an app which uses GPS technology to identify your location, you’ll have no doubt exactly where you are, and how close the nearest stream or shelter is. On a trail as well marked as the Appalachian Trail, you might find that you’ve been hiking for over an hour without stopping to pinpoint your location on your map. Even if you’re an experienced map reader, sometimes it can be a struggle to locate which stream you’re at, or waste time referencing landmarks to re-establish where you are. There’s a range of advantages to using a phone app as opposed to paper maps. Why do I need an app if I have a paper map? These apps contain a variety of features so whether you’re after a simple map or real-time weather updates there will be something to suit you.

Free download appalachian mountain