TrailsPals helps you discover other users with an active journey near you. It is for finding possible company while people are already outdoors. It does not schedule group hikes, vet participants or promise someone will be nearby.
How does nearby discovery work?
The app searches for active journeys near a location and shows a limited list of nearby travelers. Availability depends on people actually using TrailsPals in your area. Distances are approximate; a nearby listing does not establish that someone is on the same trail or can safely reach you.
How do I connect with someone?
Start your own journey, review the other person's journey and send a meet request. The recipient can accept or decline. An accepted request opens the communication flow. Respect a decline or lack of response and keep your own plans workable without the other person.
Can I arrange a future group hike?
TrailsPals does not provide scheduled events or advance destination matching. For a planned group walk, look for an established local hiking club or organized outing. You can still use TrailsPals to record your own journey and share a watch link with someone at home.
Are people verified?
No identity checks, background checks or assessments of hiking ability are provided. Signing in with Apple or Google does not establish that someone is a safe companion. Do not treat a profile or an active journey as an endorsement.
How should I approach a first meeting?
Discuss the route, pace and turnaround plan first. Choose a public meeting point and a route appropriate to your own ability, keep independent transport and tell someone at home who you plan to meet. You can decide not to meet or leave at any time.
The National Park Service recommends leaving a trip plan with someone who is not on the hike; see Hike Smart. Share the plan as well as a watch link, and agree what your contact should do if you are overdue.
How many requests are free?
The current free-tier limit is three meet requests per week. Pro removes that weekly cap. Check the app for your remaining allowance and current offer. Recording and basic sharing are included in the free download; audio voice memos are a Pro feature.
What do I need on my phone?
TrailsPals requires a supported iPhone and a working data connection for discovery, requests and live updates. GPS recording can continue during coverage gaps, but you cannot assume a request or message has been sent until connectivity is restored.
Where should we hike?
Use the city guides as route-data starting points and the route library for long-distance routes. Confirm the full itinerary, public access and conditions with the land manager. The mapped length is not a difficulty rating or a complete round trip.
Before leaving, use the day-hike checklist and make a Guardian plan. See the actual iPhone recording screens or read the FAQ. If you are meeting someone new, the solo hiking safety guide covers telling a third person your plan.