# iHikeGPS : Classic Topo Maps — user reviews > 88 indexed App Store user reviews of iHikeGPS by James Associates Inc., rated 4.40/5 from 59 ratings. - Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ihikegps-classic-topo-maps/id351499175/reviews - App overview in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ihikegps-classic-topo-maps/id351499175.md - Rating breakdown: 5★ 44 · 4★ 6 · 3★ 2 · 2★ 2 · 1★ 5 ## Newest reviews (17 of 88) ### 4/5 — Works great except *2025-06-23* Why would all my downloaded maps disappear in a fall? Seems pretty strange, I’m hiking, phone thinks I fell and my maps are deleted. That needs a fix. ### 4/5 — Good Navigation App *2024-06-22, version 9.4.8* Have used this in the backcountry with 24k USFS maps with great results. There is one feature that I wish this app had: Folder structure for Routes and Waypoints. Dealing with dozens of GPX files and Waypoints would be easier if there was the ability to create folders/subfolders for organization instead of the current flat file system. ### 3/5 — Confusing maps approach *2023-12-26* I downloaded this app based on favorable reviews. But so far it’s confusing. I’m a GIS professional and programmer so don’t think it’s just me. I downloaded a few 24K maps near me, then downloaded a few 100K maps surrounding those. Then I wanted to download some 24K maps within the areas of the 100K maps. So far I have not found a way to do so. Tried various taps and buttons but no luck. Maybe once you’ve downloaded a coarser scale map you cannot also download a finer scale map of the same area. I also can’t zoom out very far— pinching out only zooms out to a pretty local scale, so can’t see the context. EDIT: I see the developer wrote a rather snippy reply to my review. Guess I must have touched a nerve. I'll admit that I did not thoroughly read all the Help material before posting the review, though I did consult it more than the average user would have. I mentioned that I hadn't found a way to download a 24K map in an area where I had already downloaded a 100K map. That was based on the instructions to tap the page in order to download a map. Subsequently I did find how to download the 24K map after you have another map for the same area. But it's not obvious: click the "Map List" tab along the bottom, then click the "+" icon at top left, then tap "Satellite Map Locator", then zoom/pan to where you want the new map, then tap the "+" in upper right, then tap the "Add USA 24K USGS Map". Whew. The approach for maps here is completely different (not "a little different") from any of the other GIS/GPS apps I've used (which is quite a few). It's not because it's raster vs. vector based, since other GIS/GPS apps also use raster/tile based maps. I guess my bottom line is that if you're willing to put in some time to learn the quirky interface, the app can be useful for limited areas of travel. I still wonder about zooming out, though--I can't zoom out beyond a radius of about 3 miles with the 24K map view enabled, or around 20 miles with the 250K map view. **Developer response:** On the main map screen if you try to view a map for an area for which no map has been downloaded, iHikeGPS automatically displays the map download screen so you can choose a map to download. If you ask to view a map for an area for which you do have a downloaded map, it will show that map rather than automatically displaying the map download screen. Since this user doesn't see the map download screen automatically displayed, he makes the hypothesis that perhaps he can't download another map with a different scale for this location. That hypothesis is completely wrong. There are many ways to bring up the map download screen to download the map with the scale that he wants. The way that iHikeGPS demonstrates during its first-use onboarding process is to tap the Map List tab and then tap the blue Add Map button (+) in the upper left corner. Perhaps being a GIS professional and a programmer, he chose to skip the onboarding process. Another way is, on the main map screen, tap the Mark button then choose the New Map New Scale action.  All major iHikeGPS screens contain a Help button. Tapping it would have lead to detailed on-screen instructions showing how to accomplish what he wants to do. Help directly from us is just an email to support@iHikeGPS.com away. That would have made a lot more sense than posting this review, which I hope he will kindly remove. iHikeGPS with its raster maps may work a little differently than some other GIS apps using vector maps, but a little time spent learning what it can do and how to do it will pay huge dividends. ### 3/5 — Confusing maps approach *2023-12-21* I downloaded this app based on favorable reviews. But so far it’s confusing. I’m a GIS professional and programmer so don’t think it’s just me. I downloaded a few 24K maps near me, then downloaded a few 100K maps surrounding those. Then I wanted to download some 24K maps within the areas of the 100K maps. So far I have not found a way to do so. Tried various taps and buttons but no luck. Maybe once you’ve downloaded a coarser scale map you cannot also download a finer scale map of the same area. I also can’t zoom out very far— pinching out only zooms out to a pretty local scale, so can’t see the context. **Developer response:** On the main map screen if you try to view a map for an area for which no map has been downloaded, iHikeGPS automatically displays the map download screen so you can choose a map to download. If you ask to view a map for an area for which you do have a downloaded map, it will show that map rather than automatically displaying the map download screen. Since this user doesn't see the map download screen automatically displayed, he makes the hypothesis that perhaps he can't download another map with a different scale for this location. That hypothesis is completely wrong. There are many ways to bring up the map download screen to download the map with the scale that he wants. The way that iHikeGPS demonstrates during its first-use onboarding process is to tap the Map List tab and then tap the blue Add Map button (+) in the upper left corner. Perhaps being a GIS professional and a programmer, he chose to skip the onboarding process. Another way is, on the main map screen, tap the Mark button then choose the New Map New Scale action.  All major iHikeGPS screens contain a Help button. Tapping it would have lead to detailed on-screen instructions showing how to accomplish what he wants to do. Help directly from us is just an email to support@iHikeGPS.com away. That would have made a lot more sense than posting this review, which I hope he will kindly remove. iHikeGPS with its raster maps may work a little differently than some other GIS apps using vector maps, but a little time spent learning what it can do and how to do it will pay huge dividends. ### 4/5 — Lost *2023-08-17* I can’t get it to track. I want an app to leave a trail; breadcrumbs. Even on the blank page it left a straight line. Downloaded a map and nothing. Press the track button and it stays on off. **Developer response:** In order for the app to record and show a track, the user must have Location Services (in Privacy & Security) turned on in the Settings app. Also in the iHikeGPS section of the Settings app, under ALLOW LOCATION ACCESS, "While Using the App" must be selected and the switch for Precise Location must be turned on. This person's problems are not caused by any fault in the iHikeGPS app, but by the user not choosing the necessary recommended settings permissions during the on-boarding process. Any user having this problem can call us and we will walk them through the process of choosing the necessary settings. No app can access the user's location without these permissions being granted. Hence this one star rating is completely undeserved. ### 5/5 — Great app *2020-06-15, version 9.0.3* I am very pleased with this app. It has lots of features. ### 5/5 — Works great for my needs *2020-03-25* I didn’t want a social/sharing app. I just wanted to make a gps track and see a topo without needing any signal while hiking. I can download all the maps I need when I’m home on wifi. ### 5/5 — Waypoints *2019-12-09, version 8.3.3* I like everything about it except I would like to be able to create waypoints using the elevation plot. Great to get this feature. ### 3/5 — It works but.... *2019-10-27* Good app for hunting, hiking or even tracking. I like the fact that you can enter shared coordinates and track your own with different icons. There’s are plenty of default roads and waypoints that help your progress and the offline maps are a plus. I would like to see more map options, especially with the offline maps. I don’t always know what the terrain ahead of me looks like, so a more detailed map would really help out there. Also, when I am tracking from one grid to the next, the downloaded map just disappears until I double tap on the white area, then the map I just left disappears. I need to screen shot and send my progress for work and that is a real problem if I can’t show where I was at. Within the last few days, the app won’t find my location. It’ll just take me to the last map I downloaded, not my current location. I need coordinates of where I’m at. Not very useful anymore. I might delete app and pay again for something else that is more reliable. **Developer response:** iHikeGPS works in two modes, with and without map stitching. Map stitching can be turned on and off in Settings. Map stitching OFF allows you to see all of the information in the margins of the USGS topo quads, but it does give the described behavior of the current quadrangle disappearing from view when you switch to viewing a new quadrangle where the margins would cover up the view of the previous map. Map stitching ON is the normal mode that most people will use. In that mode, all map quads are continuously visible, clipped at the margins, and stitched together as you move across quad boundaries. The only exception is where two map quads have different map projections, such as one quad being a modern USFS map using the latitude-longitude map projection, and the adjacent quad being a USGS map using the Universal Transverse Mercator zone map projection. The only way iHikeGPS would not find your current location is if the Location Services part of the iOS operating system is not providing your current location to the app. To fix this, make sure that Privacy>Location Services permissions are turned on in the Settings app for iHikeGPS. Sometimes the GPS receiver in an iOS device temporarily stops providing a location. To fix this, restart your device, turn off AutoLock, start iHikeGPS, then place your iOS device outside somewhere with a clear view of the entire sky and let it sit there for a half hour or so to re-establish a lock on the received GPS satellite signals. ### 5/5 — Best topo ever. *2019-09-25* I’ve owned this app since 2012. Phenomenal. Solved many an off-road quandary. Recommended to over a 100, that download on the spot. It’s Helped find stuck and lost people, planned epic adventures. Every time I start to think “other than iPhone”? iHike is what keeps me Apple. (So it’s sold for them a 4s, 5s, 6s+, 7+, and XSMax since I bought in on my 3g, lol) I could go on for hours. The only way this would improve? Is if we had CarPlay/Projection Manager stuff. And trivial, but I’d sacrifice a small portion of my screen for an active Gps driven speedometer indicator. ### 5/5 — Good stuff *2019-09-18* I’m passionate the outdoors. I seem to use paper maps and iPhone/iPad apps weekly for hiking, backpacking, bikepacking, backcountry skiing and exploring in my car. I have maintained a paid Gaia subscription for years, I’ve used low cost/free GPS mapping tools, location enabled PDF’s, etc. Still iHike is the simplest, fastest, most intuitive app of them all, with also the lowest power consumption and best map download facility. These days I only use Gaia on my Mac at home for planning. The map choices on iHike are ‘limited’ to USGS and USFS topos, but in real life these are the ones you need for backcountry travel. ### 5/5 — Circling Back *2019-08-22, version 8.2.9* I wrote a glowing review of this app a few years ago. I wasn’t wrong. This is an awesome app. I use it weekly and have never been disappointed. There are no add-ons to buy, and nothing else is needed to make this app fully functional. I continue to be very impressed. ### 5/5 — Great! *2019-06-20* I really appreciate how this developer makes features available that other apps charge a premium or subscription for. I've owned several such apps, and this one is my favorite. ### 5/5 — Fantastic app-watch support please *2019-05-27* I have checked many other gps apps. Still think this is the best. Still longing for watch support. I have used it for years and love it. Please, please add watch support. Make it an in app purchase. Very high quality topo maps for no charge. Great support from the developer both for the app and for the topos he hosts on his server. Make sure your compass is calibrated before using the app. If your compass can't calibrate check Settings/privacy/location services/system services/ ### 2/5 — Maps are extremely old. *2019-05-23, version 8.2.6* Maps for my area are well over 35 years old. Does not reflect federal turnpike that has been in service for over 35 years. What other state/federal infrastructure is missing. ### 5/5 — Works great! *2018-10-10* I have been using this app for years to record gps tracks on the USGS topographic maps. It works wonderfully! I am using my Garmin units less now. You do need to bring along external batteries to power the iPhone gps on a long day trip. My only quibble is that it does not record enough data points for a long bike ride, so you must remember to save your data log every few hours or it will start to overwrite itself without warning when it has reached its maximum number of points. **Developer response:** The currently shipping version allows a much larger number of points in a track log. If you enable notifications for iHikeGPS, it will give you a warning when the track log is full. ### 5/5 — Best GPS app for iPhone and iPad!! *2018-08-17* I’ve used this app for 4-5 years and it’s much better than any map app out there! I’ve had Garmin GPS’s since they came out. This app with my iPhone is so much more user friendly than any of the Garmin models. Easy to download maps, works when you have no cell service, support is unbelievable. Twice in the last few years I’ve had a problem (user error)and my emails were answered within a couple of hours to resolve it. Can’t go wrong with this app! ## Most critical reviews (10 lowest-rated) ### 1/5 — Not useful *2024-02-18, version 9.4.4* Good screenshots but bad resolution. Not good for hiking or anything else. ### 1/5 — Lost *2023-08-10* I can’t get it to track. I want an app to leave a trail; breadcrumbs. Even on the blank page it left a straight line. Downloaded a map and nothing. Press the track button and it stays on off. **Developer response:** In order for the app to record and show a track, the user must have Location Services (in Privacy & Security) turned on in the Settings app. Also in the iHikeGPS section of the Settings app, under ALLOW LOCATION ACCESS, "While Using the App" must be selected and the switch for Precise Location must be turned on. This person's problems are not caused by any fault in the iHikeGPS app, but by the user not choosing the necessary recommended settings permissions during the on-boarding process. Any user having this problem can call us and we will walk them through the process of choosing the necessary settings. No app can access the user's location without these permissions being granted. Hence this one star rating is completely undeserved. ### 1/5 — Maps Seem Poor *2019-03-22, version 8.2.5* I couldn’t believe I bought this! The map quality is extremely poor. ### 1/5 — IHikeGPS *2016-10-02, version 6.3.6* Horrible app! I want my money back!!!! Maps in my area are well over 25 years old and not accurate!!! I would not recommend this to anyone. When I contacted the developer he said it didn't matter as terrain didn't change that much overtime. He must be in prison where there is very little change over time in terrain, because terrain where I live is constantly on the move.You couldn't find your way out of a one door broom closet with this!!!!! ### 1/5 — Québec *2015-06-23* Dosent work un Québec ### 1/5 — Very Disappointed *2015-06-11, version 5.2* The USGS maps used where published in the 1970s or earlier. Example: there is a 6 lane highway (990) here in Amhearst NY built in the late 1980s that is not on these maps. I have a Garmin GPS hand held that is 10 yrs old and the maps are more up to date and much more detailed. I'm sure there are much better apps for hiking and out door activities. ### 1/5 — Very old and outdated maps. This is a waste of $8 *2015-05-23, version 5.1* Not very useful when the maps are 40+ years old. ### 1/5 — Difficult to use *2015-04-05, version 5.0.3* And the help menu is not very helpful ### 1/5 — 한국에서는 안된다는... *2010-08-06* 미국만 되는건가요? ㅡ,.ㅡ 내가 못하는건가요? ### 1/5 — I am very upset ! *2010-06-05* I am very upset that you do sell something on the canadian store that does not have canadian maps . ## Most praised reviews (10 highest-rated) ### 5/5 — Fantastic *2026-02-19* It is easy to configure and use. I have used it over 15 years. Solid and dependable. Internet is only needed to download USFS and/or USGS topographic maps of your choice, which are stored on your iPhone. All operating features are completely useable in Airplane mode. Waypoints, GoTo, Tracks, Routes. Multiple Waypoints shown on your map screen. Help info is stored on your device. ihikeGPS is the Winner! ### 5/5 — Lots of choices *2024-08-24* This app allows you to do many different things. The help menu that’s available in the app can be confusing, at least for me, however in you look up the app in your browser, then you can scroll through the menu and find what to do. I wanted to delete some track segments and using the info in the browser version I was able to remove just the segments I wanted and not the whole track. ### 5/5 — Battery Saver - on Trail or close to Home *2023-10-02* My location is determined by automatically receiving multiple satellite signals. Therefore iHikeGPS works completely with my iphone while being in (or not being in) Airplane Mode. I have used it 10+ years. My Hiking days are less each year (age 81); iHikeGPS is my most used GPS App. Now it is easily used to help find my car in a large Parking Lot! Thank you to the authors for creating and updating a wonderful and useful App, without a subscription fee. ### 5/5 — Best hiking app *2023-09-19* Have used a variety of GPS apps. This is best for US and Canada users because it’s easy to import/export GPX and other common formats, it uses the very familiar USGS/USFS topo maps at all scales (1/24K to 1/250K), and once the needed maps are downloaded it needs no mobile data connection. It also has no subscription fees and no strange proprietary maps. It would be nice if it also took geolocated PDFs, but so far so good. ### 5/5 — Don’t leave home without it *2023-08-22* This is one of my first apps. I was just beginning to understand the ropes of navigating with a hand held gps. They were fascinating to me. Then I discovered IHikeGPS. Works offline, download and store USGS and USFS maps, create waypoints, no hassles with subscriptions or purchases. One inexpensive payment and actual product support from the author. There is a learning curve. It’s not steep. It is important to read the instructions and not assume to much. Works on the ground, in a plane or car. This app shows me where in at and where I’m going. ### 5/5 — Ten *2023-04-17* I have used iHikeGPS for several years. Top Features : 1. Useable in Airplane mode 2. Over 1000 maps stored in my iPhone, with seamless stitching 3. Easy to replace a map with an update 4. Tracking of both position and elevation 5. Waypoints easy to add, use, update 6. Finds my Car in the Costco parking lot! 7. No subscription fees ### 5/5 — A little fix? *2021-10-30* It’s a great app. I like how as you scroll it moves from one contiguous map to another. How hard would it be for you to change the map title to reflect the new quad it’s on? Thanks. ### 5/5 — Great app *2021-09-13* This app allows preloading maps so you can be well prepared for no cell phone service. The app has helped me get un-lost multiple times. It is also easy to use. ### 5/5 — Great app *2021-03-06* I just discovered and downloaded this app on my iPhone and iPad. It is awesome period. ### 5/5 — Great app. *2020-09-04* Have been using the app for several years and it works and has been a great resource in off road and backcountry. I would love to see two additions to the app. 1. Be able to show on apple CarPlay and 2. The ability to move in and out from high resolution maps to 100k by just zooming with finger motions instead of having to change maps. --- *Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-09-13.*