AllTrails+ is a paid membership that removes ads and unlocks offline maps

AllTrails+ is a subscription service from AllTrails, the hiking and trail app. The basic version is free and shows you trails near you with user reviews and photos. AllTrails+ removes advertisements, lets you download maps to use without cell service, and gives you access to more detailed trail information. The subscription costs money each month or year, and you can cancel anytime.

Most casual hikers never need it. If you hike the same trails repeatedly, use your phone's GPS heavily, or spend time in areas with poor cell coverage, the offline maps might be worth the cost to you. If you hike occasionally on well-known trails near towns, the free version does the job.

Key Takeaways

  • AllTrails+ removes ads from the app and lets you save maps to your phone to use without cell service or data.
  • The subscription costs a monthly fee or a lower annual rate, and you can stop paying at any time without penalty.
  • Offline maps are the main reason people pay, especially if they hike in remote areas or places where cell signal is unreliable.
  • The free version shows you trails, reviews, and photos; you lose nothing by trying it first before deciding whether to pay.

What AllTrails+ includes compared to the free app

The free AllTrails app shows you trails in your area, displays user photos and reviews, and gives you basic route information like distance and elevation gain. You can save trails to a list and see them on a map while you have cell service or data.

AllTrails+ adds offline map downloads, which means you can save a map section to your phone before you leave home, then use it on the trail even if you have no signal. It also removes all advertisements from the app. Some users report that the paid version shows slightly more detailed trail information and filters, though the core trail database is the same.

You do not need AllTrails+ to use the app at all. The free version works fine for finding trails, reading reviews, and navigating if you have cell service. The paid version is a convenience layer, not a different product.

How much AllTrails+ costs

AllTrails+ offers two payment options: a monthly subscription or an annual subscription. The monthly cost is higher per month than the annual cost divided by twelve, so paying for the year upfront saves money if you know you will use it. Both options renew automatically unless you cancel.

Prices vary by country and can change, so check the app or the AllTrails website for the current rate in your location. You can see the exact price before you commit to payment. Many subscription services offer a free trial period for new members; check whether AllTrails is running a trial offer when you sign up.

When offline maps actually matter

Offline maps are useful if you hike in places where your phone has no cell signal. Many popular hiking areas near cities have decent coverage, but remote trails, mountains, and backcountry do not. If you rely on your phone for navigation and you lose signal, an offline map keeps you from getting lost.

Offline maps also save data if you have a limited phone plan. Each time you pan or zoom on a map while connected, your phone uses data to load new map tiles. Downloading the map once and using it offline uses no data at all.

If you hike the same trails repeatedly, you can download the map once and reuse it many times. If you explore new trails every week in different areas, you would need to download many maps, which takes storage space on your phone.

How to download and use offline maps

With AllTrails+, you open a trail or a map area in the app and tap the download button. The app saves that map section to your phone. The download stays on your phone until you delete it, and you can use it anytime, even months later, as long as you keep your AllTrails+ subscription active.

Once downloaded, you can use the offline map to navigate the trail. Your phone's GPS still works without cell service, so you can see your location on the map and follow your route. The offline map does not replace a physical map or a dedicated GPS device, but it works well for most day hikes.

Downloaded maps take up storage space on your phone. A single trail map might use 10 to 50 megabytes, depending on the area size and detail level. If you download dozens of maps, you could use several hundred megabytes or more. Check your phone's available storage before downloading many maps.

Whether the free version is enough for you

Use the free AllTrails app for a few weeks before paying. If you hike near towns or on popular trails with cell coverage, and you do not mind seeing ads, the free version is complete. If you find yourself in areas with no signal, or if the ads bother you, then the paid version becomes worth considering.

Many hikers use the free version for years without feeling the need to upgrade. Others use it once and realize they need offline maps for their specific hiking style. There is no wrong choice; it depends on where and how often you hike.

Canceling AllTrails+ if you change your mind

You can cancel your subscription anytime through the app settings or through your phone's subscription management (Apple App Store or Google Play Store, depending on your device). Cancellation takes effect at the end of your current billing period. You do not lose access to the app or your saved trails; you just lose the paid features like offline maps and ad removal.

If you cancel and then want to resubscribe later, you can turn it back on the same way. There is no penalty for stopping and starting again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need AllTrails+ to see trails and reviews?

No. The free version shows you all trails, user reviews, photos, and basic route details. AllTrails+ removes ads and adds offline maps; it does not unlock the trail database itself.

Will my offline maps work if my subscription expires?

No. Once your subscription ends, you lose access to offline maps. Maps you downloaded will no longer work in the app. If you resubscribe later, you can download them again.

How much storage do offline maps use?

A single trail map typically uses 10 to 50 megabytes. A large region map might use more. Check your phone's available storage before downloading many maps, especially on older phones with less space.

Can I use AllTrails+ on multiple devices?

Your subscription is tied to your AllTrails account, so you can log in on multiple phones or tablets. However, you may need to download maps separately on each device, and some services limit how many devices can use a subscription at once. Check AllTrails' current policy on their website.

Is there a free trial?

AllTrails sometimes offers a free trial period for new subscribers. Check the app or website when you sign up to see if a trial is available. Trial periods vary and change over time.