Tags in GD

I’m wondering how GD tags work and display, and the advantages or disadvantages of using them in addition to or instead of subcategories for CPTs.

For instance, I understand that because of the way Google maps work, only a category and not it’s sub-categories can be displayed on a map at the same time.

For example, I realize that because of the way I want Trail listings to display, I’ve created some redundancy by creating separate categories for Trail, Hiking, Biking and Horse.

And I gotta wonder how tags might be more efficient.

If I create one category for Trail, and added tags for Hiking, Biking and Horse, how would those tags display in the listings? Would it be obvious to the user quickly what kind of trail it is?

So I’m trying to think ahead to the best functionality for the user.

Please direct me to any posts I’ve missed.

Many thanks!

Marsha