Google Maps Takes on AllTrails with New Features for National Parks

Google Maps is taking on AllTrails with its latest updates, which will make it easier for users to discover and navigate national parks in the United States. In a recent blog post, the company announced several updates to Google Maps on both iOS and Android. The first update will make it easier to understand the top-rated things to do at a national park. Google Maps will soon show users the top “attractions, campgrounds, visitor centers, and trailheads” for national parks. For example, if you’re interested in visiting Yellowstone National Park, you’ll be able to see photo highlights for key attractions like Old Faithful. You can tap on any of the photos to get more details, such as videos and reviews from people who have been there before.

Google is also improving navigation to trailheads, by highlighting the entire route on the map instead of just a pin. You’ll be able to see the layout of the trail itself, along with reviews and photos from the Google Maps community. Additionally, Google is adding park entrances to its map, as well as walking and cycling directions to trailheads. You can even download an offline map when you’re heading into a national park, and Google is making that process easier by adding a Download button to the park’s Google Maps listing.

All of these updates will be rolled out over the course of this month, just in time for the start of the outdoor season around the country. This move puts Google Maps in direct competition with AllTrails, which has long been the go-to app for outdoor enthusiasts. It also highlights a gap in Apple Maps, which could potentially partner with AllTrails to boost its national park data. These updates show that Google is committed to improving its mapping service, as it continues to compete with other tech giants in the industry.