Switched from paper maps to GPS for trail riding, and I wish I did it sooner

I used to rely on those old paper trail maps for years when I rode out in Hatfield McCoy. Last fall, I got lost for 3 hours because a trail was rerouted and my map was from 2019. Finally bought a Garmin GPS unit for about $250, and it changed how I ride completely. Now I can see live trail conditions and track my exact route without stopping to unfold a map. The first time I used it, I covered 40 miles in one day without a single wrong turn. Has anyone else made this switch, or do you still stick with paper maps?

2 comments

2 Comments

blairm4419d agoMost Upvoted

Charge that Garmin every night and update the maps before you head out.

milabaker19d ago

Yeah @blairm44 is totally right about that. I mean, nothing worse than pulling up to a trailhead and having your Garmin die halfway through the drive because you forgot to plug it in the night before. Same with the maps - I've been burned before where an old map tried to send me down a road that hasn't existed in like three years. Better to just make it a habit, throw it on the charger with your phone at night and let the updates run while you're sleeping. Saves a headache later for sure.