How Long Is A Good Hike?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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What is this? Naismith’s Rule – Simply put, Naismith’s rule states that: “One should estimate

one hour for every 3 miles (5 km) of hiking, plus an additional hour for every 2,000 feet (600m) of elevation gain

.”

What is a good length for a day hike?

Most people will plan to hike

3-10 miles per day

, depending on what shape you’re in and how much elevation gain there is.

Is 7 miles a long hike?


Hiking 7 miles will take approximately 2 to 7 hours

, depending on the pace, trail surface, and pack weight. Additional variables such as the elevation gain and the number of breaks you will take during the hike can affect how long it takes to hike 7 miles.

Is 8 miles a long hike?


An 8 mile hike can easily take 4 to 7 hours

depending on the speed, terrain surface, pack weight, elevation gain, and the number of rest breaks you need to take. There are several variables that will determine your actual hiking time.

Is 10 miles a long hike?


If your fitness level is relatively good and the hike isn’t littered with hills, mountains, or other obstacles, your 10-mile hike could be around four to five hours

. However, if there are large hills or steep slopes, it’s possible a 10-mile hike could take all day.

Can you hike 20 miles a day?


Yes, you can hike 20 miles a day

, but you need the right kind of fitness in order to back it up day after day. It is possible to hike 20 miles without being super fit, although you most likely will be quite sore the next day.

How can I hike 25 miles a day?

Hike More Hours:

Start Early and Finish Late

To hike 25 miles at an average of 3 mph would take only 8 hours and 20 minutes. If you want to hike long distances, then hiking during daylight hours is a great goal to aim for. Depending on the time of year, that could be 14-plus hours of hiking.

How long does a 16 mile hike take?

Hiking Estimates:

Naismith’s Rule: is

191⁄2 minutes per mile

, plus 30 minutes for every 1,000 feet of ascent. A good rough estimate on reasonably easy ground with well marked trails.

How long does it take to hike 10 miles?

A 10-mile hike can take

between 4 and 10 hours

, depending on the pace, trail surface, elevation gain, and pack weight. Additional variables can affect the amount of time it takes to hike this distance, such as your level of fitness, the number of rest breaks you take, and the weather.

How long does it take to hike 13.6 miles?

Miles Relaxed Pace Normal Pace 11 miles 3 hrs, 40 mins 2 hrs, 45 mins 12 miles 4 hrs 3 hrs 13 miles

4 hrs, 20 mins

3 hrs, 15 mins
14 miles 4 hrs, 40 mins 3 hrs, 30 mins

How far can you walk in a day?

How Far Can You Walk in 24 Hours. A Healthy Person can walk around

20 miles

in a day. In a single day, you can walk 20 miles without any problems. This is about the same distance as a marathon race, and it’s a perfectly healthy thing for someone to do.

What should I wear on a 7 mile hike?

  • Hiking backpack.
  • Weather-appropriate clothing (think moisture-wicking and layers)
  • Hiking boots or shoes.
  • Plenty of food.
  • Plenty of water.
  • Navigation tools such as a map and compass.
  • First-aid kit.
  • Knife or multi-tool.

How long should a 7 mile hike take?

For example, most people hike 2 miles per hour on an average hike. If you are walking a five-mile loop through moderate, you should allocate 2.5 hours for the hike. Likewise, a 7-mile hike will take

3.5 hours

, while a 10-mile hike will take 5 hours.

How long would it take to hike 12 miles?

If you know you tend to slow down after 8 miles (or 4 hours), allow 33 minutes for each subsequent mile. This means a 12-mile hike would take closer to

6h 12m

without stops.

How long does it take to walk 5 miles?

Most people walk at a fast pace of approximately 3.5-mile an hour, which requires approximately 17 minutes each mile or

85 minutes

for a 5-mile. You could stroll faster if you speed up your steps.

Is it too much to walk 10 miles a day?

Whether you’re currently sedentary or just looking to add variety to your exercise program,

10 miles per day of walking can be an excellent way to improve your health, well-being, and overall quality of life

.

How long should a 9 mile hike take?

Using Naismith’s Rule, a nine mile hike should have a base hiking time of

three hours

at a calculation of three miles per hour. The elevation gain was 3,169 feet. Adding on 10 minutes to the overall hike time for every 328 feet, that’s roughly 100 minutes to tack on.

Is a 10 mile walk hard?


Walking is not intense exercise

Going for a gentle amble just isn’t going to cut it, even though you’ll feel improvements in both at first (although at 10 miles, you’ll likely be walking for *way* longer than 150 minutes).

How can I hike 30 miles a day?


Pacing is the key to accomplishing a 30-mile hike

. Without a formal plan in place for your pacing and timing, your odds of success will be drastically lessened. The first step is to start the day off right. Wake up early, 30 minutes before sunrise, and give yourself time to pack and prepare for the day.

How do I train for a 25 mile hike?

  1. Take yourself out for a walk two or three times during the week. Make sure to move briskly enough to get your heart rate up, and then keep it up for at least 30 minutes.
  2. Be sure to wear the same shoes that you’ll be wearing on your hike. …
  3. Carry a lightly-weighted daypack on your weekday walks.

How many miles can the average hiker hike in a day?

Every hiker and trail is different, but on average, you can hike

8 – 15 miles

a day [5]. Even the slowest hikers can cover a considerable distance if they have the time to spare. At a pace of 2 mph (slower than average), you can comfortably hike 10 miles in a day.

How hard is it to hike 30 miles?

Mathematically speaking, 30 miles at three miles per hour means

at least ten hours of hiking

. It sounds like a lot, and it is. But how you break up your day can make it feel less daunting. Plan to wake up between 5:30 a.m. and 6 a.m., and spend 45 minutes (or less) breaking down camp before hitting the trail.

Can I hike 15 miles a day?


Based on your normal level of exercise each week you should hike about 3 – 15 miles a day

. All of these numbers can change depending on circumstances, but if you’ve been exercising regularly each week the same amount you will likely be able to complete between 3 – 15 miles fairly well.

Can I hike everyday?


Not at all

. Research (and personal experience) has proven that hiking offers a host of physical and mental health benefits. Not only does it help you lose weight, strengthen muscles, reduce disease and optimize endurance, it also reduces stress. As experts have advised, exercising every day is encouraged in moderation.

How long should a 6 mile hike take?

Quick Answer: If you are fairly fit and the conditions are mild (no snow, ice, or slick mud), expect it to take

20 minutes for each mile plus 60 minutes for every 2,000 feet of ascent

. If you are hiking with a heavy pack, then calculate 30 minutes for each mile plus 60 minutes for every 1,000 feet of ascent.

Kim Nguyen
Author
Kim Nguyen
Kim Nguyen is a fitness expert and personal trainer with over 15 years of experience in the industry. She is a certified strength and conditioning specialist and has trained a variety of clients, from professional athletes to everyday fitness enthusiasts. Kim is passionate about helping people achieve their fitness goals and promoting a healthy, active lifestyle.