for my Iphone.

There are others, but this is my go-to app for tracking hikes, bike rides, anything outdoors. Does not need a connection - you can preload maps and turn off your cell signal to extend your battery.

http://gps.motionx.com/

How long can you go on a regular IPhone battery?

Do you have to pay for the map downloads? Do they have trail maps?

Does it work in the forest?

Thanks for replying.

I.E., you can have the phone in standby and it still works in the background.

I have had no issues in a forest. I use it for mountain biking frequently in NC/GA where most trails are under a canopy.

Battery is pretty good. As a rule of thumb, it shaves about 30-40% off my battery life if I have it on and recording. I can get some of that back by turning off the cell coverage, wifi & bluetooth.

Some maps are free. You can download public maps and their own maps:

MotionX Road
MotionX Terrain
NoAA Marine

And you can use these maps, but they require a connection:

Bing
Apple
Google

Finally, you can buy a $5 upgrade that lets you pull down additional map sets. Examples include USGS BAsemap and Open Cycle Maps. Some of these other map sets have a charge, but most of them are free.

The hikes I go on are not that rugged mostly just walks, but sometimes in the forests. Just looking for something inexpensive to goof around with. Are you familiar with the Olympic Discovery Trail in Washington the State? Most is flat and paved. Great for bikes and casual walkers. The trail is about 127 miles long but some is on highways and streets.