Pro tip: Using AllTrails offline maps saved my trip in the Smokies

I used to think I could just rely on cell service for navigation, but last month on the Laurel Falls trail my signal dropped completely. Downloaded the offline map 20 minutes before and it guided me through 3 unmarked turns. Has anyone else had GPS fail on a popular route?

3 comments

3 Comments

mason.brian23d ago

I know exactly what you mean about losing signal on popular trails. I started downloading offline maps from Gaia GPS after getting stuck on a loop trail in Shenandoah with zero bars. It made a huge difference when I hit a confusing fork near the summit.

sarah_hart23d ago

Gaia GPS offline maps saved my butt on Mount Whitney last summer. Phone died completely halfway down and I would've been completely lost without those downloaded trails. Paper maps are great but my dumb self always forgets them at home. Digital backups on your phone are the way to go for sure.

sullivan.spencer9d agoTop Commenter

Hiking's the same way. People rely on one source for everything until it fails. Seen it at work too. Coworkers who only save files on their laptop and lose everything when the hard drive crashes. Or folks who memorize one route to work and panic when there's construction. Always good to have a backup plan, whether it's paper maps or a second way to get home.