Estimate your hiking time, pace & speed accurately with TrailsNH's quick and easy hiking time calculator. Based on Book Time, Naismith's Rule, and TrailsNH Correction.
Welcome Hikers! With the TrailsNH interactive Hiking Time Calculator, you get three estimates in one: Naismith's Rule, Book Time, and the TrailsNH Correction. Adjust the options below for the most precise estimate anywhere. All 3 estimates change instantly as you enter your hikes details. The TrailsNH Correction estmate is the most accurate. I've included the standard Naismith's Rule and Book Time estimates for comparison.
Have a great hike! Don't forget: 1) Plan your trip, 2) Tell someone, 3) Be aware of the weather, 4) Know your limits, 5) Take essential gear
Copyright © 2016 Kimball Rexford, TrailsNH.com
Estimates
Hike: miles, vertical feet
TrailsNH: moving time
Pace: per mile.
Speed: MPH.
TrailsNH Correction:
- Intended Pace
- Trail Surface
- Pack Weight
Naismith's Rule: moving time
- Pace: per mile.
- Speed: MPH.
Book Time: moving time
- Pace: per mile.
- Speed: MPH.
Hiking Estimates:
TrailsNH Correction: The TrailsNH Correction takes Naismith's Rule to the next level by incorporating your Intended Pace, the Surface of the Trail, and your Pack Weight.
Naismith's Rule: is 19½ 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.
Book Time: is 30 minutes per mile, plus 30 minutes for every 1,000 feet of ascent, rounded off to the nearest 5 minute increment. A good rough estimate for hiking mountains and rocky trails.
Average Hiking Speed
Average Hiking Speed is generally between 1 MPH to 3 MPH depending on how much hill (vertical gain) is involved, how rough the trail is, and other factors. Based on the hike plan you entered above ( mile hike with vertical feet of elevation gain) TrailsNH estimates your average hiking speed to be around MPH, compared to the Book Time speed of MPH, and Naismith's Rule speed of MPH.
Average Hiking Pace
Average Hiking Pace is generally between 20 minutes per mile and 60 minutes per mile depending on steeepness, trail conditions, and other factors. More experienced and fit hikers can maintain a faster pace, while beginners or hikers carrying heavy backpacks usually hike at a slower pace. Based on the your hike plan above ( miles, vertical feet) TrailsNH estimates your average hiking pace to be around per mile, compared to the Book Time pace of per mile, and Naismith's Rule pace of per mile.
How Long Does It Take To Hike A Few Miles?
Here are the most common estimates for how long short hikes take, generated using the TrailsNH Hiking Time Calculator. These estimates assume the hike is on a smooth well marked path, carring a small backpack, and not hiking beyond your level of fitness and conditioning. Add on some time for breaks, taking photos, lunch, whatever. For a steep hike, or hiking on rough trails use the TrailsNH Hiking Time Calculator above to get an estimate.
| How Many Miles | A Flat Hike Takes | A Gradual Hike Takes |
|---|---|---|
| 2 miles | 40 minutes | 45 minutes |
| 3 miles | 1 hr | 1 hr 15 mins |
| 4 miles | 1 hr 20 mins | 1 hr 40 mins |
| 5 miles | 1 hr 35 mins | 2 hrs |
| 6 miles | 2 hrs | 2 hrs 25 mins |
| 7 miles | 2 hrs 15 mins | 2 hrs 50 mins |
| 8 miles | 2 hrs 35 mins | 3 hrs 15 mins |
| 9 miles | 2 hrs 55 mins | 3 hrs 40 mins |
| 10 miles | 3 hrs 15 mins | 4 hrs |
| 11 miles | 3 hrs 30 mins | 4 hrs 30 mins |
| 12 miles | 3 hrs 55 mins | 4 hrs 55 mins |
| 13 miles | 4 hrs 10 mins | 5 hrs 15 mins |
| 15 miles | 4 hrs 50 mins | 6 hrs 5 mins |
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How Estimated Hiking Times Are Calculated
All estimates by this online Hiking Time Calculator are given in "moving time". Moving time is the time you spend walking, and does not include your breaks or other time not spent moving.
TrailsNH Correction estimated hiking time is a correction to Naismith's Rule. The TrailsNH Correction was developed by Kimball Rexford the TrailsNH creator, based on years of hiking all over the Northeast. The correction makes an adjustment to account for your Intended Pace, the Surface of the Trail, and your Pack Weight. TrailsNH Correction estimated hiking time could be faster or slower than Naismith's Rule, depending on what you enter.
Naismith's Rule estimates hiking time on reasonably easy ground based on 19½ minutes for every mile, plus 30 minutes for every 1,000 feet of ascent.
For example: Naismith's Rule estimates a 2 mile hike over a 500 foot hill will take 54 minutes.
2 miles * 19.5 minutes = 39 minutes 500 feet * (30/1000) minutes = 15 minutes 39 + 15 = 54 minutes Naismith's Rule estimate: 54 minutes total moving time
Book Time estimates hiking time in the mountains based on 30 minutes for every mile, plus 30 minutes for every 1,000 feet of ascent, then rounded off to the nearest :05 minutes. This is the estimate commonly used in guide books.
For example: Book Time estimates a 2 mile hike over a 500 foot hill will take 1 hour and 15 minutes.
2 miles * 30 minutes = 60 minutes 500 feet * (30/1000) minutes = 15 minutes 60 + 15 = 75 minutes, or 1h 15m Book Time estimate: 1h 15m total moving time
