Just in time for summer, Pocket Ranger has released a smartphone app for the state park system.
The free app, available for iPhone and Android, lists information on each state park including maps, contact information, ways to volunteer and EcoChallenges.
There is also an alert button so you can call for help in the case of an emergency.
You can share your adventure via Facebook or Twitter, or follow the news of the state park system with the app.
A calendar of events updates every time you activate the app and you can take photos and share them with other people using the app.
For example, using the app I learned there is a free family fishing program at Codorus State Park on Saturday at 9 a.m. and a Cool Critters in the Creek walk at 3:30 p.m. Saturday.
You can also find weather, information on camping and general information on the parks.
You can download PDFs of maps and zoom in all you need on your phone. The quality is great, but the app does suggest you download the maps before you head out into the woods and potentially lose your service. Not a bad idea.
And if you plan on doing any traveling this summer, be sure to check if the state you’re visiting has a state park app. There are 23 available now.
I’ve downloaded seven of them.
