West Virginia Trails Council Launches New Hiking App for Appalachian Visitors
The newly launched WV Trails app provides offline maps, trail conditions, and emergency contacts for more than 400 hiking routes across the state.
The West Virginia Trails Council announced Tuesday the launch of a free mobile app offering hikers offline-ready maps, current trail conditions, and emergency contact features for more than 400 routes across the state.
What the App Offers
The WV Trails app, available on iOS and Android, allows users to download full-resolution topographic maps before heading into areas with limited cell service. Crowd-sourced trail condition reports are updated in real time by a community of registered volunteers.
A single-tap SOS feature connects users directly to county search and rescue coordinators, with location data transmitted automatically.
Why Now
Visitation to West Virginia public lands has increased sharply since the designation of New River Gorge as a national park in 2020. Backcountry incidents have risen alongside visitor numbers.
"This app is the missing piece between someone having a great day in the woods and someone needing rescue," said Trails Council Director Karen Beckett. "It puts reliable safety tools in every hiker's pocket, free of charge."
The app is available now at wvtrails.gov and all major app stores.
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