Every time you go to the great outdoors, you are told to enjoy nature and set down your phone. However, today we will be taking a look at a few phone apps that might help you enjoy the outdoors even more! Have you ever gone to your local park, seen some beautiful flowers and wondered what they’re called? Maybe you’re interested in whether a plant is edible or not? With a free download of iNaturalist you can snap a picture of the plant to get quick answers on the species, including the common name as well as the scientific name! Try it out and see what new plant life you find in your area!

Maybe you want to set out on new trails, forge new paths, and search your local area for hidden waterfalls, abandoned mines, or fantastic views. Then, AllTrails is for you! AllTrails has been ROA’s go-to application to easily find trails with important information including mileage, difficulty, and tons of pictures and reviews. While the standard version is free, the paid version provides additional useful info, like topographical maps and the ability to track your hikes.

If you love plants and hiking, then you might be ready to take the next step into overnight trips...Whether you’ll be sleeping in a car, in a lodge, or in a tent after backpacking multiple miles, many areas require reservations. The Dyrt is an app that helps you find camping sites. From the app you can search for cabins, dispersed sites, group sites and more! View campsites near your adventure location and look at reviews from fellow adventurers. See prices, the number of sites and any amenities that are included. This app is especially helpful for finding those hidden gems.

Regardless of which adventure or app you choose, make sure that you are adventuring respectfully and safely. And, definitely be sure to visit us at ROA for all your outdoor adventure equipment needs.

Happy trails!