Support

We typically respond within 24-48 hours.

Email: support@trail-wise.xyz

In the app: Menu (≡) → Help & Support → Contact Support

Getting Started

What is TrailWise?

TrailWise is a hiking app for the Southern Appalachians and beyond. Browse a curated catalog of trails, read AI-generated trail briefings, view 14-day weather forecasts with hiking-suitability scores, and study illustrated maps of marquee Appalachian Trail sections.

Do I need a subscription?

Yes. TrailWise is offered as a paid subscription with a 7-day free trial — no credit card needed up front. After the trial: $4.99/month or $29.99/year. Cancel anytime in your iOS Apple ID Subscriptions.

How do I sign up?

Sign in with Apple, Google, or an email magic link. There are no passwords; you'll either authenticate via your existing account or click a one-time link sent to your email (valid for 1 hour).

Subscription & Free Trial

How does the 7-day free trial work?

You get full access to every premium feature for seven days. The trial converts to a paid subscription on day 8 unless cancelled at least 24 hours before. Apple charges your card on conversion, not at signup.

How do I cancel?

Open Settings on your iPhone → tap your name at the top → Subscriptions → TrailWise → Cancel Subscription. Cancellation takes effect at the end of the current billing period; no partial refunds for unused time.

I was charged but the app says I'm not premium.

Open the paywall (sign out and sign in if needed) and tap Restore Purchases at the bottom. RevenueCat will re-fetch your entitlement from Apple. If the issue persists, email us with your Apple receipt.

How do I get a refund?

All payments are processed by Apple under their standard App Store terms. Submit refund requests at reportaproblem.apple.com. We don't have the ability to issue refunds for App Store purchases.

Trails & AI

How accurate is the trail data?

GPS routes come from OpenStreetMap contributors under the Open Database License (ODbL). Distances, elevation gain, and difficulty ratings are curated from official park sources where possible. Conditions on the ground may differ — always check current park advisories before heading out.

Can I trust the AI trail analysis?

Treat AI Analysis as a knowledgeable friend's overview, not gospel. Google Gemini can hallucinate small details. Cross-reference with the official park website for closures, permit requirements, and safety advisories.

Why don't I see trails in my area?

TrailWise launches with a curated catalog focused on the Southern Appalachians (Smokies, Blue Ridge, Pisgah, AT sections). More regions are added on a regular cadence. Email us to request your area.

How do I save a trail?

Open the trail's detail page and tap the bookmark icon in the top right of the header. You'll find your saved trails in Menu → Saved Trails.

Account & Privacy

How do I delete my account?

In the app: Menu → Privacy & Security → Danger Zone → Delete my account. You'll be asked to type your username to confirm. Deletion is immediate and permanent — your profile, saved trails, hike activities, uploaded photos, reviews, and follow relationships are all removed. Note that deleting the account does not cancel your subscription; cancel that separately in your Apple ID Subscriptions.

How do I export my data?

Menu → Privacy & Security → Export my data (JSON). This bundles your profile, saved trails, activities, reviews, and follow lists into a JSON file you can save or share.

How do I change my email or username?

Email changes require contacting support — your sign-in method is tied to your original provider. Username can be edited from Profile → Edit Profile (in app v1.1+).

Notifications

I'm not getting push notifications.

Check Menu → Notification Settings in the app — the banner there will tell you whether the issue is iOS permission, backend registration, or a disabled preference. Toggle each notification type on/off; settings save automatically.

Can I get a weekly digest by email instead of push?

Yes — toggle Weekly Digest in Notification Settings. Digest emails go to the address you signed in with.

Troubleshooting

Sign-in stalls or fails.

Try the email magic link if Apple or Google fails. Check your inbox (and spam folder) for the link from noreply@trail-wise.xyz. Magic links expire after 1 hour — request a fresh one if needed.

AI Analysis is taking forever or failed.

AI calls can take 5–15 seconds. If it errors, tap retry. The Cloudflare worker may rate-limit briefly under heavy load; the app will fall back to the trail description and your subscription is unaffected.

The map is blank or won't load.

Force-close and reopen the app. If still blank, check that Apple Maps loads in the native Maps app — TrailWise uses Apple Maps tiles. iOS Settings → Privacy & Security → Location Services must also be enabled for the Map tab to show your position.

Restore Purchases doesn't work.

Make sure you're signed into the same Apple ID that purchased the subscription. Settings → [your name] → confirm the Apple ID. Then return to the paywall and tap Restore.

Safety on the Trail

Is TrailWise enough for backcountry navigation?

No app should be your only navigation source in the backcountry. Always carry a paper map and physical compass for any non-trivial hike, and tell someone your plan before heading out.

Does the app work offline?

Trail data, route lines, and previously viewed AI analyses are cached, but the Map tab and weather need a network connection. Plan downloads and screenshots before losing signal.

What about emergencies on the trail?

TrailWise is not a search-and-rescue tool. In an emergency, call 911 if you have signal, or use your phone's Emergency SOS via satellite (iPhone 14+). For serious backcountry trips, carry a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) or Garmin InReach.

Still Need Help?

Email support@trail-wise.xyz with: