On the Move: Your Guide to Finding Trails & Staying Safe While Traveling

Whenever I travel, the first thing I look for isn't the best restaurant, it’s a local trail. Just because you're on vacation doesn't mean you have to take time off from the sport you love. In fact, finding those local, hidden-gem paths is the ultimate way to experience a new place. You get to see parts of the world that aren't on any postcard, uncovering scenery that stays with you long after the trip is over.

The beautiful thing about the trail running community is that the moment you lace up your shoes, you belong. But exploring a new town, city, state or country can be intimidating. Where is the best local dirt? How do you stay safe when you're miles from familiar territory?

I’ve made my share of mistakes (and taken a few wrong turns) while running in new places. This guide is built from those lessons, ensuring you spend less time searching and more time running.

Part 1: How to Find the Local Secret Spots

Skip the main tourist routes and find the authentic local gems with these simple steps.

1. Leverage the Digital Trail Network

• Expand Your Search: Don't just search for "running trails." The fastest way to find great running terrain is to look at adjacent categories:
• Hiking Trails: Often means well-maintained paths, but expect steep climbs.
• Mountain Bike (MTB) Trails: Usually offers wide, smooth single-track and fast, flowy downhills (just be mindful of biker etiquette).
• AllTrails & Gaia GPS: These apps are your best friends. Filter trails by difficulty (start with "Easy" or "Moderate") and look for high user ratings. Pro Tip: Read the most recent reviews for up-to-date conditions (e.g., "muddy after the rain" or "bridge is out”).

AllTrails: the crucial offline map feature, which allows GPS tracking without cell service, requires the paid AllTrails+ or Peak subscription. The free "Base" version lets you discover trails, see maps, and navigate if you have cell service, but once you lose signal, the GPS tracking stops unless you've downloaded maps beforehand. 

What You Get for Free (Base Membership):

• Trail Discovery: Find nearby trails with details like length, elevation, photos, and reviews.
• On-Trail Navigation (with cell service): Follow a blue dot on the map to see your location relative to the trail, but only if you have data. 

What You Need to Pay For (AllTrails+ $36 year/ Peak $80 year): 

• Offline Maps: Download maps for specific trails, parks, or custom areas to use GPS and navigation without any signal.
• Other Premium Features: Including custom route creation, live location sharing, and more. 

In Summary:

For short hikes near civilization where you won't lose service, the free version works fine. For longer hikes, backcountry trips, or areas with spotty coverage, the subscription is necessary to ensure you can always navigate safely using your phone's GPS. 

• Strava Heatmap: Use Strava’s public global heatmap to see where locals actually run. The brightest lines on the map are the most popular, well-traveled, and usually well-maintained local routes. Subscription required - $80 year

Most of these apps have a free trial period in which you could take advantage of before your travels.

2. Ask the Experts (The Human Network)

The quickest way to find the best trail is to ask someone who runs it every day.

• Local Running Stores: Visit the nearest local running shop (not a big box store). The employees are always runners and can give you insider tips on parking, water stops, and local hazards.
• Tap into Social Groups (Crucial): Search Facebook for "[City Name] Trail Running" or "[City Name] Hiking Group." These groups usually post their weekly runs, which you can join for safety and community. Alternatively, post a quick question asking, "Where is the best place to run this weekend," or "I'm visiting from out of town, any group runs planned?" and let the locals guide you. When I was the administrator for the Northwest Arkansas running group, I consistently had out of towners pose questions on the group FB page looking for runs or groups to run with.
• Coffee Shops near Trailheads: Look for a café near a promising park. If you see someone in running gear, ask them about their route. Runners love sharing trail information!

Part 2: Essential Safety Checklist for Solo Runs

When you’re far from home, self-sufficiency is your first line of defense. Never leave for an unknown trail without these four safety measures.

1. Navigation & Communication

• Download Offline Maps: Do not rely on cell service. Before you leave the WiFi, download the trail map on AllTrails, Gaia, or Google Maps so you can navigate even when service drops to zero.
• The "Tell-A-Friend" Rule: Tell someone exactly where you are going, what route you plan to take, and your expected return time. If you have an estimated time of arrival back at your car, share it.
• Take screen grabs of the trail if you are leaving cell service so you always have a map on your phone, or take a pic of the map at the trailhead. At least you will always have some reference.

2. Gear: The "What If" Kit

• ID and Emergency Cash: Always carry government ID (like your driver's license), your phone (fully charged), and a small amount of cash or a credit card. Carry it in a secured, zippered pocket (like in your running belt).
• Safety Whistle: Attach a small whistle to your hydration vest or pack. Three quick blasts is the international signal for distress—it works better than yelling when you’re fatigued or in a remote area.
• Extra Layer: Even if it's warm, pack a small, lightweight windbreaker. Weather can change fast, especially in the mountains.

3. On-Trail Strategy

• Observe Your Surroundings: Take a minute at the trailhead to look at the signs, note any unique landmarks, and check the time. Pay attention to the way the sun is shining so you know how the light will change during your run.
• Trust Your Instincts: If a trail looks overly difficult, poorly marked, or if you simply feel uneasy about a turn, turn back. There is no shame in rerouting or cutting a run short to stay safe.

The trail is for everyone, and the world is waiting for you to discover its beauty. Gear for Every Mile.