Trail Navigation Solutions

[Petorius]

I am looking for a trail navigation solution, both hardware and software. Features I would like:

1) Includes lots of trail maps. (For example, the marked/cleared stuff at Pachaug, HVD, Freetown, Big River, Arcadia, etc.)
2) GPS capability, so I can see the little dot where I am and not just flat maps
3) Ability to plan routes and then import them into the hardware device, regardless of whether or not the routes use the marked trails that are included on the maps. For example, I'd like to create and then import the Pachaug enduro loop, which probably includes some trails that are not "official," marked park trails
4) Ability to "record" my route while I am out there, so I can compare what I did vs what I expected to do
5) Ability to view maps, routes, and position offline using only GPS connection
6) Preferably all available in a mobile app

So far, I have been using a combination of things on my phone. I found an app that is good for 1 and 2 above, but I can't import routes. For the Pachaug loop, we had to use the published PDF of the loop to map it out on mapmyride, then we basically held 3 devices up side by side, one showing the route map on mapmyride, one showing our current position on google maps, and a Garmin watch showing the outline of the path we had taken. These three things allowed us to slowly figure it out. Surely there is a solution available that rolls this all into one?

[Paul_E_D]

A map and highlighter?

[breakdirt916]

garmin montana!

[Paul_E_D]

garmin montana!

You're so literal! sheesh.

[Petorius]

A map and highlighter?

The "ride for a while, figure out where you are, repeat" method doesn't work so great if you are trying to be respectful of designated use trails and stay off private land.

[Kurlon]

I don't think you'll find something that's got all the trail maps on them. Most clubs restrict access to the maps as a perk of membership.

[e30addict]

You can find GPS tracks online.

[typeone]

i use paper or electronic (PDF) maps for planning and MotionX-GPS for tracking and review.

[Chippertheripper]

The "ride for a while, figure out where you are, repeat" method doesn't work so great if you are trying to be respectful of designated use trails and stay off private land. This seems to be a foreign concept to most dirt riders, which is probably why sanctioned riding areas are so scarce.

Replace most with some please.

[Garandman]

I don't think you'll find something that's got all the trail maps on them. Most clubs restrict access to the maps as a perk of membership.

We have a Garmin Nuvi 550. When we went to the campground in Abbott Maine and rode the trails in the area, I discovered that if I set the "Map Detail" from the default to "Most Detailed" just about all those trails were on there.

In NH the state trails show up but the local snowmobile club trails are hit-and-miss.

[Petorius]

The Polaris app seems to have a decent bit of snowmobile and side by side trails, for NH at least. They use an interesting approach, letting clubs and local agencies administer the trail data in the app.

[Petorius]

Replace most with some please.

Edited, because outsiders can read this stuff too