Activetrails.com - Map Your Trail

While most trekkers are better known for their knowledge and love of all things outdoors, ActiveTrails is where they congregate in the virtual world. The site is an online database of trails (primarily in the United States and France, but there are a handful of other trails as well). Members can upload specific trails, which includes a description of the route; geographical and elevation maps; statistics such as length, elevation, and types of activities associated with the trail; and driving directions. Users can send trail information to others that would be interested in the trek. The site also links to some National Park Service trail data.

“ActiveTrails is a collaborative trail system where users can discover, enjoy, and contribute information about trails of all kinds. Imagine if you had information…contributed from multiple people, including pictures, topographical maps, gps downloads, and even custom driving directions all in one convenient, online location? Welcome to ActiveTrails.”

ActiveTrails is a site that clearly benefits everyone as a community more than as individuals. It is a logical extension to trail guides, in a democratic, dynamic forum. It is also clever how well they have integrated Google Maps into the site.

The search and site organization need to be improved. Especially as more and more trails and reviews are posted, there needs to be more uniform categorization.