In case you haven’t heard, a heat wave has hit much of the country, and for those of us who cannot stand sitting inside all day, that means shade is prime real estate. If you choose to go out in this weather, please slather on the sunscreen and seek out some sun-protected spots. If you need to move your body, you could try a wooded trail — and if you choose that route, we have the perfect companion for you.
Whether you’re a runner, hiker, or casual walker, getting your steps in while out in nature is a great way to feel good — and even improve your health. Not sure where to begin? Downloading AllTrails is a good way to start.
The app provides access to thousands of trail maps and community reviews, so you can scope out all the trails near you and get a feel for the terrain before you set out. While AllTrails has a base plan that’s free to everyone, you get the most benefits by paying for a subscription — and this month, the company launched a brand new membership tier called Peak. This premium plan includes everything in the existing Plus membership tier, along with four new features.
First, in addition to on-trail navigation, trail previewing, and offline map downloading, Peak members can build custom routes. This could be as simple as customizing existing trails, or as adventurous as charting a new route from scratch.
A feature that’s particularly convenient in this sweltering state (but also in any extreme weather) is called Trail Conditions, which gives users information on temperature, precipitation, and even snow depth — it’s basically an AllTrails-specific weather app. Not only that, but hikers can also get projections on air quality and mosquito activity, so you can easily avoid particularly buggy routes.
Looking for a peaceful walk rather than a social one? The Community Heatmap feature provides trail traffic data, so you can easily see which routes are popular and which ones are more off the beaten path. And if you really want to become one with nature, the Outdoor Lens feature will be your new best friend — just point your camera at a tree, flower, or plant, and AllTrails will tell you exactly what you’re looking at. (Note that this feature launches later this summer and is not live yet.)
A Peak subscription costs $79.99 per year (or $6.67 per month), and is well worth it for avid hikers and walkers who want a more personalized trail experience. In comparison, the Plus membership costs $35.99 per year, while the base membership is free. If you’re not convinced, you can sign up for a week-long free trial — but we have a feeling you’ll love the new features enough to keep the upgrade.
