Beyond Steps - Top Apps for Walks to Elevate Your Exploration

Did you know that according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), walking is one of the easiest and most effective ways to improve your overall health? It's a low-impact exercise that requires minimal equipment and can be done almost anywhere. But what if you could transform your daily walks into exciting adventures filled with discovery, motivation, and a touch of friendly competition?

This is where technology steps in. With the help of these top-rated walking apps, you can track your progress, discover new trails, connect with a community of walkers, and even gamify your walks for an extra dose of fun.

In today’s article, we will take a look at four fantastic apps for walks that will elevate your walking experience. Without further delay, let’s start:

Top Apps for Walks to Unlock Adventures on Every Step

Walking is a fantastic way to stay healthy and explore your surroundings. But with the help of technology, you can turn your walks into exciting adventures. Here are the top apps that will elevate your walking experience:

MapMyWalk - (Android & iPhone)

MapMyWalk is a comprehensive app that tracks your walks, helps you discover new routes, and connects you with a community of walkers.

Pricing

Free, with optional premium features

Key Features

• Tracks key metrics: This app uses GPS and phone sensors to track essential stats. It even estimates calories burned based on this data, giving you a clear picture of your workout intensity and progress over time.

• Discover curated walks: You can use this feature to get recommendations for a variety of walking routes nearby. Filter for "scenic" routes. Up for a challenge? Pick "challenging" for a path with steeper inclines or more distance.

• Become a trailblazer: Found a hidden walking gem? Share it with the world! This feature lets you create your own custom walking routes using your phone's GPS. You can personalize your route with photos, waypoints, and even descriptions.

• Connect with friends and participate in virtual challenges: Walking doesn't have to be a solitary activity. This feature allows you to connect with friends who also use the app.

Pros

• Free and user-friendly with a wide range of features.

• Great for discovering new places and staying motivated with social features.

Cons

• Free version may have limited features like route downloads.

• Can be battery-intensive for long walks.

Strava - (Android & iPhone)

Strava is a popular fitness tool and one of the best apps for walks that caters to walkers, runners, and cyclists. It's great for tracking your workouts, competing with yourself and others, and staying motivated.

Pricing

Free, with optional premium features

Key Features

• Community Motivation: Strava thrives on its large and active community of walkers. You can discover new walking inspiration by exploring public routes shared by others.

• Comprehensive Tracking: This app goes beyond basic metrics like distance and pace. It tracks elevation gain and even integrates with heart rate monitors for a detailed picture of your workout intensity.

• Segment Competition: Strava Segments gamifies your walks by letting you compete against yourself or others on short, designated sections of routes. It adds a fun and challenging element to your walks.

• Route Creation (with limitations): The free version of Strava allows you to map your own walking adventures. This empowers you to explore freely and share hidden walking gems with others.

However, it's important to note that the free version might limit some features related to route creation, such as the number of downloadable routes you can store.

Pros

• Excellent for tracking performance and staying motivated with social features.

• Large and active community of walkers for route inspiration and competition.

Cons

• Free version may limit some features like segment analysis.

• Focus on competition might not appeal to everyone.

Wikiloc - (Android & iPhone)

Wikiloc is a treasure trove for walkers and outdoor enthusiasts seeking unique trails all over the world. It thrives on a passionate user community that shares and discovers hidden walking gems.

Pricing

Free, with optional premium features

Key Features

• Unearth Hidden Trails: Wikiloc boasts millions of walking trails submitted and shared by other users. This vast database allows you to discover unique paths you might not find anywhere else.

• Plan with Confidence: Detailed trail descriptions, photos, and elevation profiles are uploaded by the user who shared the trail. This information helps you choose the perfect walk based on difficulty, scenery, and your preferences.

• Become a Trailblazer: Found a hidden walking gem? Share it with the world! Wikiloc empowers you to record your own walks and share them with the Wikiloc community. This way, you can contribute to the platform's vast trail database and help others discover new adventures.

• Navigate Offline (Premium Feature): Don't get lost on remote trails! Wikiloc allows you to download maps for offline use. This premium feature ensures you have reliable navigation even in areas with limited internet connectivity.

Pros

• Offers an extensive collection of user-generated walking trails.

• Provides detailed descriptions, photos, and elevation profiles.

Cons

• Has limited offline features (requires a premium upgrade for offline navigation).

• The accuracy and quality of trails are inconsistent.

ViewRanger, now Outdooractive - (Android Only)

Outdooractive caters to serious walkers and hikers who require advanced navigation features for exploring challenging or remote terrain.

Pricing

Freemium (basic features free, advanced features require paid subscription)

Key Features

• Detailed Topographic Maps: Outdooractive offers detailed topographic maps with elevation contours and trail markings, providing a clear picture of the terrain you'll be navigating. This is crucial for planning routes and ensuring safety in areas with complex landscapes.

• Offline Maps for Reliability: This app allows you to download maps for offline use. This ensures reliable navigation even in areas with limited or no cellular reception, a critical feature for venturing into remote areas.

• Advanced Route Planning Tools: With this paid feature, you can create complex routes with waypoints (specific points of interest) and analyze elevation profiles to understand the terrain's difficulty.

• Search and Rescue Integration (Paid Feature): This feature ( in collaboration with local search and rescue organizations) allows users to send SOS alerts with GPS coordinates directly to emergency services. This can be a lifesaver in case of accidents or getting lost in remote areas, especially for solo walkers venturing into challenging terrain.

Pros

• Offers detailed topographic maps and offline functionality.

• Includes advanced route planning tools with waypoints and elevation analysis.

Cons

• Has very limited features in the free version.

• Is available on Android only.

Tips and Tricks to Get the Most Out of Your Walking Apps

Now that you've explored these top apps for walks, here are some tips and tricks to maximize your experience:

• Set realistic goals: Start with achievable goals and gradually increase distance or difficulty as your fitness improves.

• Explore different features: Don't be afraid to experiment with all the features your chosen apps for walks offer. From route discovery to social challenges, there's something for everyone.

• Track your progress: Monitor your stats like distance, pace, and calories burned to stay motivated and see your improvement over time.

• Safety first: Let someone know your walking route, especially if venturing into remote areas. Consider features like offline maps and emergency SOS (if available) for added peace of mind.

• Charge your phone: Apps for walks can drain your battery. Ensure your phone is fully charged or bring a portable charger for longer walks.

Wrapping it Up

These are just a few of the many great apps for walks available. With a variety of features to choose from, there's an app out there to suit every walker's needs and preferences. So, lace up your shoes, download an app, and get ready to explore the world, one step at a time.

Remember, walking is a fantastic way to improve your physical and mental health, reduce stress, and connect with nature. With the help of technology, you can turn your walks into an enjoyable and rewarding experience. So, what are you waiting for? Get out there and start walking!