Getting Started
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know to explore Hidden in Plain Sight Heritage Trails — in Savannah or from anywhere.
What is a self-guided trail?
A self-guided trail lets you explore on your own schedule without meeting a guide at a set time or location. Each Hidden in Plain Sight trail includes an interactive map, a planned route through Savannah, documented history, photographs, and audio narration.
Start when you want, pause when you like, skip a stop, or return later. There is no group to keep up with and no time limit while you are exploring.
Do I need to download an app?
No. Hidden in Plain Sight runs directly in your web browser. There is nothing to download from an app store. If you prefer an app-like experience, most phones allow you to use your browser’s “Add to Home Screen” option to place a Hidden in Plain Sight icon on your phone.
How do I experience a trail?
Sign in on your phone and select a trail, then open it to see its interactive map, route, and numbered stops.
At each stop, you can read the history, view photographs, and listen to the narration. Follow the stops in order or choose the locations that interest you most.
Depending on the trail, you can explore on foot, view stops while riding through Savannah, or experience the entire trail remotely.
Do I have to start at Stop 1 or follow the stops in order?
No. The suggested route is designed to make exploring Savannah easier, but you are free to skip stops, change the order, or explore only the locations that interest you.
Do I have to be in Savannah?
No. Every trail can also be explored remotely from a phone, tablet, laptop, or desktop computer.
If you are in Savannah, the maps and routes allow you to experience the history where it happened. If you are somewhere else, you can still explore the maps, photographs, written histories, and narration.
Using the Trails
Is there audio narration?
Yes. Trails include an audio introduction as well as narration for individual stops. You can listen while walking and spend more time looking at the buildings, streets, and squares around you instead of your screen.
Headphones or earbuds are recommended when walking in busy areas.
Does the trail use my location?
Your device’s location services can help you see where you are in relation to the trail route and stops. If your browser asks for permission to use your location, you can choose whether to allow it.
You can still explore the historical content without sharing your location.
Does it work offline?
Largely, yes. Once you have opened it while connected to the internet, core trail content is cached on your device so that much of the experience can continue if your connection becomes weak or temporarily unavailable.
For the smoothest experience, open your trail before you begin while you have a reliable internet connection.
What happens if I lose my signal while walking?
If you opened the trail beforehand, its core content should remain available. Some features that require a live internet connection may not update until service returns.
How long does a trail take?
There is no required pace. Trail length varies according to the route and how much time you spend reading, listening, viewing photographs, or exploring individual locations.
You can complete a trail in one outing or return to it later.
Can I stop and come back later?
Yes. You do not have to finish a trail in one session. Sign back into your account and reopen your unlocked trail whenever you are ready to continue.
Walking the Route
Are the trails accessible?
Savannah is a historic city, and sidewalks, curb cuts, construction, street conditions, and accessibility can change. Routes are planned to use accessible paths where reasonably possible, but conditions encountered along the route cannot be guaranteed.
Do I have to walk the trail?
No. The historical content can be explored remotely, and some locations may also be viewed while riding through Savannah. Individual trail pages explain the best way to experience each route.
Are the routes guided by GPS?
The interactive map can use your device’s location to help show where you are in relation to the route and trail stops. It is intended as a touring aid rather than turn-by-turn navigation.
Is there anything I should bring?
For a walking trail, we recommend a charged phone, comfortable walking shoes, water, and headphones or earbuds if you plan to use the audio narration.
Savannah can be hot and humid, particularly during the summer, so plan your walk accordingly.
Are the routes always open?
Trail stops are located along real Savannah streets, squares, and public areas. Construction, special events, road closures, private-property restrictions, weather, or other conditions may occasionally affect access.
Never enter private property or a restricted area to reach a trail location.
History & Research
Where does the historical information come from?
Hidden in Plain Sight is built around documented history. Our research draws from historical records, newspapers, maps, books, archives, government records, and other historical sources.
Where appropriate, sources and additional references are provided so visitors can explore the history further.
I found an error or have additional historical information. What should I do?
We welcome documented corrections and additional sources. Historical research evolves as records are discovered, digitized, and reexamined.
If you have a correction, historical document, photograph, or source that may improve a trail, please contact us at info@hiddeninplainsighttours.com. When possible, include the trail and stop involved and the source supporting the information. We welcome input and feedback.
Account & Technical Help
I forgot my password. What do I do?
Select “Forgot your password?” on the sign-in screen and enter the email address associated with your account. We will send you a secure password-reset link.
If you don’t see the email, check your spam or junk folder before requesting another link.
What devices and browsers can I use?
Hidden in Plain Sight is designed for current smartphones, tablets, laptops, and desktop computers using modern web browsers. For the best experience, keep your browser updated and enable JavaScript.
Privacy
Do you use cookies or track me?
We use cookies and similar technologies needed for site functions such as keeping you signed in. We also use analytics to understand how the site is used and improve the experience.
See the Privacy & Cookies Policy for details about the information collected, how it is used, and the choices available to you.
Still Need Help?
Who built the website?
The website was designed and developed by The Ladnar Group. For website inquiries, email info@ladnar.com.
How do I get in touch?
For general questions, technical assistance, historical corrections, or research inquiries, email info@hiddeninplainsighttours.com.
