One of the great joys of trail running is exploring new terrain—but unlike road running, you can’t just lace up and follow the sidewalk. Creating a trail running route from scratch requires a bit more planning, especially if you’re venturing into unfamiliar parks or wilderness areas. The good news? With the right tools and a few smart strategies, you can map out safe, scenic, and satisfying trail runs that fit your fitness level and sense of adventure. Here is what experts like Steven Rindner say:

Start with Apps Built for Trail Exploration

Technology makes it easier than ever to plan your trail runs. Apps like AllTrails, Strava, Gaia GPS, and Komoot are favorites among runners and hikers alike. They let you search for trails by location, distance, elevation gain, and difficulty. AllTrails, for instance, includes photos, user reviews, and GPS tracks for thousands of trails, which can help you get a sense of the terrain before you go.

Strava is especially useful for seeing what routes other runners in your area are using. You can search by activity type and filter runs by popularity or recency. Some apps also let you download maps for offline use, a must-have feature if you’re running in areas with limited cell service.

Check Local Trail Maps and Park Websites

While apps are helpful, official sources often provide the most accurate and up-to-date trail information. Local parks, nature preserves, or forest services usually post downloadable trail maps and status updates about closures, weather conditions, or maintenance projects.

Many state or national parks have visitor centers where you can grab a printed trail map or ask rangers for recommendations. These maps often include color-coded trails by difficulty and distance, allowing you to combine sections to create a custom loop or out-and-back route.

Match the Route to Your Goals

When building your route, consider your goals for the run. Are you looking for a quick 3-mile loop, a technical hill workout, or a long adventure day? Pay attention to elevation gain—what looks like a short distance on the map could turn into a steep, slow grind in real life.

Plan around water sources if it’s a long route, or carry extra hydration. Think about turnaround points or bail-out options in case of fatigue or weather changes.

Talk to Local Runners or Join a Group

Some of the best routes aren’t found in apps or guidebooks—they’re passed around by word of mouth. Join a local trail running group on social media or attend a group run to ask for advice. Most runners are happy to share their favorite loops, secret viewpoints, and safety tips.

Conclusion

Building a trail running route from scratch is part of the adventure. With a mix of digital tools, map reading, and local insight, you can create memorable runs tailored to your ability and curiosity. Planning ahead makes your experience safer, smoother, and far more rewarding once you hit the trail.