How do you find trials or plan trips.

**TxAggie** · 04-16-2018, 15:33

Originally Posted by Dvankirk

I use an app / website called Alltrails. The app uses the gps on your phone to record your track and you can download other trails to your phone to follow so that you don't get lost. They don't have everything, but you can upload any gps track that you can find into it.

I like AllTrails as well, although I haven’t found many multi-day hikes in it. Gaia GPS and View Ranger also show route ideas on their full site, but not as easy on their apps.

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**bigdisgrace** · 04-16-2018, 15:45

Loops are great but if all you find in your area are thru hikes you can section them easily. 2 people with 2 cars. Do the shuttle thing.

**Pennsy Camp and Canoe** · 04-16-2018, 16:23

I agree that our state forests are under rated too, and don't forget the Allegheny National Forest, visit the pa dcnr site (google it, i don't have the link here now, sorry)

**jeff-oh** · 04-16-2018, 16:42

May also want to checkout Meetup.com. The site is designed to introduce people from the local community that like to do activities... like backpacking, hiking and camping. Even if you do not go you can at least see where others are planning trips. Most of my trips now are with a local Meetup group. Not that it matters, but I am leading a 2 day backpacking trip next weekend. If you do go you will meet several nice people with similar taste and interests.

Another option is to review some of the local YouTubers and see where they go. Sintax77 is just south of Philly and heads North alot. This is what got me back into going on trips. I came across Adventure Archives who are based out of Columbus, OH and they featured several local trails and places I had never been too. Have fun with it.

**West michigan** · 04-16-2018, 17:11

Yes great question as I’m ready to drive south to chase decent weather
I’m in Michigan and was thinking red river gorge in Kentucky due to all the posts I’ve seen from there and folks are in shorts

**DannyRosa** · 04-16-2018, 17:45

Originally Posted by jeff-oh

May also want to checkout Meetup.com. The site is designed to introduce people from the local community that like to do activities... like backpacking, hiking and camping. Even if you do not go you can at least see where others are planning trips. Most of my trips now are with a local Meetup group. Not that it matters, but I am leading a 2 day backpacking trip next weekend. If you do go you will meet several nice people with similar taste and interests.

Another option is to review some of the local YouTubers and see where they go. Sintax77 is just south of Philly and heads North alot. This is what got me back into going on trips. I came across Adventure Archives who are based out of Columbus, OH and they featured several local trails and places I had never been too. Have fun with it.

Thanks for the Input I'll check those out. And Sintax77 was probably one of my first backers I started to follow on YouTube he's great.

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**DannyRosa** · 04-16-2018, 17:46

Originally Posted by West michigan

Yes great question as I’m ready to drive south to chase decent weather
I’m in Michigan and was thinking red river gorge in Kentucky due to all the posts I’ve seen from there and folks are in shorts

That is one place that I did see on YouTube that is on my to do list.

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**Oms** · 04-16-2018, 18:39

Even just an in and out for the first few trips works very well. Makes you feel comfortable knowing the route taken. Besides the trail always looks a little different going the opposite direction

It's just good to be out

**jeff-oh** · 04-17-2018, 14:35

Originally Posted by West michigan

Yes great question as I’m ready to drive south to chase decent weather
I’m in Michigan and was thinking red river gorge in Kentucky due to all the posts I’ve seen from there and folks are in shorts

I am lucky the Red is in my backyard. There are many unofficial trails to some nice sites. I would highly recommend it. I am helping to lead a trip (3D2N Sat-Mon) there over Memorial Day weekend if there is interest.

**cneill13** · 04-17-2018, 15:31

My favorite source for hiking trails is a National Geographic map. If an area is worth hiking, NG will have a map for the area which will cost around $7-8 bucks.

The maps have all the trails in the zone color-coded. This is what I used to plan my hiking trip in early-April to the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. It worked out perfectly.