Amidst this lockdown on account of the Coronavirus, most of us are waiting for this to get over so we can go out. But what if we told you that you can go for a hike from your home? The Appalachian Trail can now be hiked virtually through its now-free app, Walk the Distance.

The iOS app is designed in such a way that it will use your phone’s pedometer feature and track the number of steps you take each day. Then, it will chart an activity in accordance with the trail’s 3500 km area. This can turn out to be a great way to walk around the house, and get you excited about this famous mountain trail.


One of the most exciting features of this exercise is that you can see everyone using the app on the map! You will also be passing virtual signposts, including shelters, scenic points and more. You can also see an icon with your profile picture that shows where you really are on the map, based on your daily steps. So basically, every time you take a walk to the grocery store, your steps get added to the map, and you complete more distance of the virtual Appalachian trail. Sounds like fun!

There isn’t an Android version of this yet, but the creators are in the process of developing one. They are also planning to add other trails to the app. The best part is that Walk the Distance, which has bee a paid app is now free.