The FLTC offers downloadable files containing complete track and complete waypoint GPS data detailing all of the approximately 1,000 miles of the FLT, including main, loop, branch, and spur trails. In addition to GPS data, the downloadable files contain PDF images of the paper maps. GPS data is in the form of GPX files that can be loaded onto color “field” (i.e. hiking, as opposed to automotive) GPS units. These GPX files can also be opened in Google Earth, so that you can view your hikes ahead of time (you can download the necessary software from Google Earth for free).

Detailed instructions for using the Track and Waypoint data in these GPX files are provided here.

Notes on Garmin units

Instructions for using the data with these recommended Garmin GPS units are also included:

Recent Garmin units: 62, 78, Oregon, Dakota, and Colorado. The Oregon and Dakota models are “touch screen” units (similar to auto GPS units) amd may be a little easier to learn how to use.

  • Advantages: Can hold 200 loaded (saved) tracks of up to 10,000 track points each, slicker interfaces to work with, can load in aerial imagery (Google Earth in your hand) at $30/year.
  • Disadvantages: More expensive, loaded (saved) tracks do not retain track colors and are not turned on by default (but we’re hoping a future update with Garmin WebUpdater will fix these two problems).

Older Garmin units: 60, 78 (instructions can also be used with Etrex Vista HCx and Etrex Legend HCx with slight modifications).

  • Advantages: Less expensive, loaded (saved) tracks retain track colors and are turned on by default.
  • Disadvantages: Can hold only 20 loaded (saved) tracks of only 500 track points each (but tracks we sell are filtered down to this level), these models may soon be discontinued, Etrex models mentioned above can be quite inaccurate if oriented vertically.

Bottom Line Recommended Unit?  If you are a “techie” and can find it, grab the 60CSx at the present discounted prices.  If you are a “newbie” you might prefer the touch screen Dakota or Oregon units (the Oregon 550 models can also take geotagged [lat-long embedded] photos).

Unless you have one of the recent Garmin units that has preloaded topo maps (indicated with a “t” at the end of the model number) you will want to download free topo maps for Garmin GPS units from GPS File Depot or other web sites. You can also purchase Garmin Topo U.S. 100K  or similar Garmin software on DVD or micro SD card, but these can be expensive.

Notes on other GPS brands

Delorme Units: These data also work with the Delorme GPS units PN-20 and PN-40, if you also have Delorme Topo software. Brief instructions for these units are included with the GPS CD. However, expect loss of track and waypoint attributes (such as colors and symbols) with these and other GPS units that are not in the above recommended list.

Other Units: These GPX files may be compatible with other GPS units, but we have tested these files only with the recommended units listed above. If you are using another unit, it is up to you to determine that your GPS unit can use this GPX data.

Before ordering the digital download map  files, try downloading this sample GPX file, M09.gpx (our map M9), to ensure that it is compatible with your hardware and software.