TrailFox

Inspiration

We were inspired by the gap between outdoor exploration and biodiversity discovery. While apps like AllTrails help users find trails, they don’t tell you what you’ll actually experience. At the same time, platforms like iNaturalist contain rich biodiversity data, but are not designed for casual users. We wanted to bridge this gap and make nature exploration more meaningful.

What it does

TrailFox is a trail planner that helps users discover what wildlife and plants they’re likely to see before they go outdoors. Using real biodiversity data, it recommends the best locations and times to experience nature, turning passive hikes into intentional and engaging experiences.

How we built it

We used biodiversity observation data from iNaturalist to identify areas with high species activity. We processed and aggregated this data by location and time to generate recommendations. The frontend displays this information through a simple interface with maps and suggested locations, allowing users to easily explore nearby nature hotspots.

Challenges we ran into

One of the biggest challenges was working with large, unstructured biodiversity datasets and turning them into meaningful insights. We also had to balance accuracy with simplicity, making sure recommendations were useful without overwhelming users. Time constraints required us to focus on core features.

Accomplishments that we're proud of

We successfully built a working prototype that transforms real-world biodiversity data into actionable recommendations. We’re proud of creating a simple, user-friendly interface that clearly demonstrates our idea and delivers real value.

What we learned

We learned how to work with real-world datasets, clean and aggregate data effectively, and design a product with a clear user focus. We also learned the importance of storytelling and presenting a strong value proposition.

What's next for TrailFox

We plan to improve recommendation accuracy by incorporating more environmental data, add personalized filters, and introduce features like rare species alerts and seasonal insights. Long-term, we see TrailFox as a platform for eco-tourism and nature discovery.