Check Out This List of Apps for Hiking in Hong Kong
Get your phones out! Hiking and trail running are among one of the most popular physical activities in Hong Kong. But given the many, many trails in Hong Kong, it's also easy to get lost. That's where hiking apps come in. Unlike Google Maps, which is great for guiding you through Hong Kong's concrete jungle, they are optimised for guiding you through Hong Kong's real jungle!
For anyone who lives (or has lived in the city), these apps are essential. After all, there are many good reasons why Hong Kong is popular as a hiking and trail running destination. Approximately 75% of Hong Kong's territory is countryside.
In general, hiking and trail running in Hong Kong is generally quite beginner-friendly. The next bus stop, 7/11 or marker stone is usually never far. But good preparation, including packing enough water, food and a fully-charged phone is critical to avoid dangerous situations.
Even the most experienced hiker or runner sometimes (accidentally) ends up off the beaten path or encounters an emergency. That's where having a hiking app installed on your phone comes in handy. So, without further ado, here are the best apps for hiking and trail running in Hong Kong.
Our Favourite: Hiking Trail Hong Kong
Hiking Trail Hong Kong provides a comprehensive list of hiking trails in Hong Kong, along with detailed descriptions, photos, and user reviews. It also includes information on transportation, trail difficulty, and recommended equipment. It's a neat and simple app and does what it supposed to do without packing unnecessary features. We particularly like that the maps contain the marker stones for the four big trails (Maclehose, Hong Kong, Lantau and Wilson trail), which makes knowing exactly where you are (and sharing this information with users) very easy.
Users can search for trails based on location, difficulty level, and length. Users can also save their favourite trails and share them with others. The app is regularly updated with new trails and information.
Their website is also a great resource to plan a hike. Simply use the Search function to search through hundreds of recommended trails with distance and elevation profile. Available in English, traditional or simplified Chinese, the app is a great resource for local or foreign hikers & runners.
Visit Hiking Trail HK :: Home to download the application for Android or iOS. The app currently has 4.7 stars on the Google Play Store.
TrailWatch
This app is funded by local non-profit WYNG Foundation, and provides real-time information on trail conditions, weather, and safety alerts. It also includes a GPS feature that allows hikers to track their progress and share their location with friends and family. The app provides up-to-date information on trail closures, weather warnings, and other safety concerns.
Promoted as the "the first mobile app in Hong Kong to combine nature conservation with the joy of hiking in the city's scenically diverse Country Parks", TrailWatch also has a few fun community features and leader boards.
For a download, visit the Play Store directly. The app currently has 3.2 out of 5 stars on the Google Play store.
Other Useful Resources for Hiking in Hong Kong
The Hong Kong Observatory App and Website
Checking the weather before going on a hike or run in Hong Kong is a must! Thankfully the Hong Kong Observatory website contains all information that hikers and trail runners need, both on their website and on their app.
Visit the Hong Kong's observatory's website dedicated to Hong Kong trail weather, or download the app to stay on top of the weather. Always keep an eye out for heat, rain or thunderstorm warnings, and do not go outside unless weather permits (or seek safe shelter immediately if advised to do so!).
LCSD Website
This website by the Hong Kong government provides detailed hiking maps of Hong Kong, including popular trails such as the Dragon's Back and the Lantau Trail. It also includes information on transportation, trail difficulty, and recommended equipment.
Visit Leisure and Cultural Services Department - Hiking Scheme - Introduction (lcsd.gov.hk) for GPX files, safety hints and a list of family-friendly hikes.
The website also offers a useful filtering feature by difficulty (easy, moderate or difficult), and trail type (nature routes, scenery routes, heritage routers or family-friendly hikes in Hong Kong).
