How Long Does It Take to Hike a Mile? Times for 1, 3, 5 and 10 Miles

On flat, easy trail a mile takes about 20 minutes: the classic planning rule, Naismith's rule, allows one hour per three miles. Add 30 minutes for every 1,000 feet you climb. So 3 miles is about 1 hour, 5 miles about 1 hour 40 minutes and 10 miles about 3 hours 20 minutes before any climbing or breaks.

That is moving time for a fit walker. When we compared it with the hiking times the National Park Service publishes for eight Shenandoah hikes, the official times were 1.3 to 2.5 times longer (median 1.9×). Use the hiking time calculator to set your own pace and breaks.

Hiking time by distance and climb

Moving time from Naismith's rule (3 mph plus 1 hour per 2,000 ft of ascent), before breaks:

Distance	Flat	500 ft climb	1,000 ft climb	2,000 ft climb
1 mi	20 min	35 min	50 min	1 h 20 min
2 mi	40 min	55 min	1 h 10 min	1 h 40 min
3 mi	1 h	1 h 15 min	1 h 30 min	2 h
5 mi	1 h 40 min	1 h 55 min	2 h 10 min	2 h 40 min
8 mi	2 h 40 min	2 h 55 min	3 h 10 min	3 h 40 min
10 mi	3 h 20 min	3 h 35 min	3 h 50 min	4 h 20 min

Average hiking speed on this rule is 3 miles an hour on the flat and slower the more you climb: a 5-mile hike with 1,000 feet of gain averages about 2.3 mph. Most people walk 2 to 3 mph on a real trail once roots, rocks, photos and snacks are counted, which is why the Park Service times below are longer.

What the Park Service says: 1.9× Naismith

Shenandoah National Park lists a distance, elevation gain and hiking time for many of its waterfall hikes. Here are eight, with Naismith's moving time beside the official figure:

Hike	Distance	Gain	NPS hiking time	Naismith	Ratio
Whiteoak Canyon (Upper Falls)	4.6 mi	1,040 ft	3 h 30 min	2 h 5 min	1.7×
Overall Run Falls	5.1 mi	1,291 ft	4 h	2 h 20 min	1.7×
Rose River Falls	4.0 mi	910 ft	4 h 30 min	1 h 45 min	2.5×
South River Falls	3.3 mi	910 ft	2 h 15 min	1 h 35 min	1.4×
Lewis Falls	3.3 mi	990 ft	4 h	1 h 35 min	2.5×
Hazel Falls	5.3 mi	1,070 ft	5 h	2 h 20 min	2.2×
Doyles River Falls	3.3 mi	1,189 ft	2 h 15 min	1 h 40 min	1.3×
Lands Run Falls	1.3 mi	325 ft	1 h 30 min	35 min	2.5×

The ratio runs from 1.3× on Doyles River Falls to 2.5× on Lands Run, Lewis and Rose River Falls. The official times are meant for the general public, include time at the falls and allow for the steep return climb these canyon hikes have (you descend to the water first). If you are new to hiking or have children with you, planning on about twice Naismith's time is a safe start.

What slows a hike down

Climbing. Each 1,000 feet of gain adds about 30 minutes by Naismith; on steep, rocky trail it can add more.
Steep descents. The Langmuir correction to Naismith's rule adds time on steep downhill (over 12°), because you slow down to protect your knees.
Surface and weather. Roots, rock, mud, snow and heat all cut your pace.
Group size and breaks. A group moves at its slowest member's pace; 5 to 10 minutes of rest per hour is normal.
Pack weight. A heavy pack slows most hikers noticeably on climbs.

Estimate any hike

Every trail guide on Summit Seeker with a checked distance now shows a “Your time” estimate, and the hiking time calculator lets you set pace and breaks for any distance and climb. Looking for somewhere to try it? Short hikes near you lists trails under 3 miles, nearest first.

Rule of thumb: 20 minutes a mile plus 30 minutes per 1,000 feet, then add breaks, or simply double it for a relaxed day. Check the time against daylight before you start, and use the calculator for anything longer.

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