Paper Maps

Digital maps and GPS devices are valuable tools, but a paper map never runs out of battery, loses signal, or crashes mid-trail. Carrying a quality printed map as a backup or primary navigation tool is a practice worth maintaining. These publishers produce reliable, detailed maps built for outdoor recreation.

National Coverage

• National Geographic Trails Illustrated Web — over 250 waterproof, tear-resistant trail maps covering national parks, forests, and wilderness areas across the US. Developed in partnership with local land managers and built on USGS data with updated trail, campground, and water source information.
• Garmin DeLorme Atlas & Gazetteer Web — large-format state-by-state topographic atlases with topo contours, back roads, trails, campgrounds, and points of interest. Available for all 50 states. Originally created by DeLorme in 1976, now published by Garmin.
• USGS Topographic Maps (Print) Web — authoritative base maps from the US Geological Survey. The 1:25,000 scale recreational topos incorporate over 127,000 miles of government-maintained trails. Paper copies can be ordered from the USGS Store.

Regional Specialists

• Purple Lizard Maps Web — detailed, waterproof recreation maps for Pennsylvania state forests and parks. Known for accurate trail data and durable construction built to handle backcountry conditions.
• Tom Harrison Maps Web — full-color shaded-relief topographic maps for California, including the Sierra Nevada, Yosemite, and Sequoia/Kings Canyon. Printed on waterproof, tear-resistant material with clear layout and UTM grid.
• Green Trails Maps Web — the go-to trail maps for the Pacific Northwest, covering Washington and Oregon for over 50 years. Maps are coded for permitted use (hikers, bikes, horses, skiers) and include icons for campgrounds, waterfalls, trailheads, and parking.
• Latitude 40 Maps Web — detailed recreation topo maps for Colorado and Utah. Waterproof and tear-resistant with color-coded trail descriptions, elevation profiles, difficulty ratings, and mileage data.
• Sky Terrain Maps Web — pocket-size waterproof topographic recreation maps with shaded relief, UTM grid, and trail descriptions with mileage between junctions. Covers Colorado and select Southwest destinations including Grand Canyon.
• Beartooth Publishing Web — award-winning waterproof maps for Montana, Wyoming, and the Greater Yellowstone area. Printed at 1:50,000 scale with dayhike descriptions and backpacking route details.

Trail Organizations

• Appalachian Trail Conservancy Maps Web — the official maps for the entire 2,190+ mile Appalachian Trail. Section maps show shelters, water sources, road crossings, and side trails. Purchases support trail maintenance and conservation.
• New York-New Jersey Trail Conference Maps Web — waterproof topographic trail maps printed on Tyvek, covering the primary hiking areas in the NY-NJ region including Harriman-Bear Mountain, Catskills, Shawangunks, and local AT sections.
• Adirondack Mountain Club Maps Web — waterproof, tear-resistant topographic maps for Adirondack Park and Catskill Park in New York. Includes trail distances, lean-tos, campsites, and contour lines.