Apple Mapshas long had a feature that allowed you to find walking directions rather than driving directions. But,with iOS 18, Apple introduced a new way to travel on foot: Custom walking routes. The new feature mixes the turn-by-turn directions that you’d expect from Apple Maps with features like the ability to find the fastest way back in one tap, the option to save hikes for later, and the ability to use elevation datawhile planning that hike.
Apple Maps' custom walking routes can be used for anything from hiking national forests to finding the best way around a city or your own neighborhood.The new featuredoesn’t need a well-known hiking trail either. But, the custom walking path tool is a bit buried in the menu, which means many longtime Apple users may not even realize the feature is there.
Here’s how to use Apple Maps' new custom walking routes to plan a rural hike or a city stroll.
What are Apple Maps' new custom walking routes?
The feature is new in iOS 18
While Apple Maps already had turn-by-turn walking directions, the new custom walking routes are a bit different. Walking maps can be used on streets or trails and walking paths and can be saved for use again later. They are also more customizable for the turns and stops you want to make.
For the custom walking routes to work, the pathway has to be on Apple Maps in the first place as a known road, trail, or walking path. This means you won’t be able to create a hike through private property, but I’ve found even small walking trails through rural parks are on the map.
I’ve found the new custom walking routes to offer these advantages:
Never worry about getting lost again with Apple Maps' download feature
This is how to download Apple Maps directions for offline use.
How to create a custom hike in Apple Maps at popular trailheads
To use Apple Maps' new custom hike feature, you’ll need an iPhone with iOS 18 or later installed.
Popular trailheads have Apple Map’s custom route option built-in, making starting from a known trailhead a bit simpler. You can, for example, pick just a short part of the Appalachian trail to venture out and then back in on. If you’re hiking a lesser-known trail or want to create a walk on streets rather than trails, skip ahead to the next section.
How to easily find elevation in Apple Maps
You can see the elevation for walking routes and major cities in the Apple Maps app. Here’s how – via your iPhone, iPad, Mac, or Apple Watch.
How to create a custom hike in Apple Maps at any location
You can also use custom walking paths in urban areas too
While popular trailheads are already populated with the new custom hike tool, less popular areas require a slightly different process to get started. With this option, you can hike urban streets, or explore a lesser-known rural park.
For the Close Loop feature to work, you may need to add points 75 percent of the way around the loop. Because Apple Maps tries to find the fastest way back, the app may recommend doubling back on a loop trail that’s 50 percent complete.
