An 8-mile hike with 2,000 ft of gain takes about 3 h 35 min of moving time at an average pace. With a 10-minute break every hour that is about 4 h 11 min, so a hiker starting at 8:00 AM should finish around 12:11 PM.
How the hiking time calculator works
HikingTimeCalc uses Naismith’s rule: 1 hour for every 5 km (3.1 mi) of horizontal distance plus 1 hour for every 600 m (about 2,000 ft) of ascent. If you choose a descent rule it applies Langmuir’s corrections, subtracting 10 minutes per 300 m of gentle descent (never below the flat-ground time) or adding 10 minutes per 300 m of steep descent. The moving time is multiplied by your pace factor, from 0.8 for fast, fit hikers to 1.5 for a heavy pack or young children, and a 10-minute break is added for every hour of walking if breaks are on. Your start time gives an estimated finish time.
Hiking time by distance and elevation gain
Moving time at an average pace, no breaks.
| Distance | Flat | +1,000 ft | +2,000 ft | +3,000 ft |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 mi | 39 min | 1 h 9 min | 1 h 40 min | 2 h 10 min |
| 4 mi | 1 h 17 min | 1 h 48 min | 2 h 18 min | 2 h 49 min |
| 6 mi | 1 h 56 min | 2 h 26 min | 2 h 57 min | 3 h 27 min |
| 8 mi | 2 h 34 min | 3 h 5 min | 3 h 35 min | 4 h 6 min |
| 10 mi | 3 h 13 min | 3 h 44 min | 4 h 14 min | 4 h 45 min |
| 12 mi | 3 h 52 min | 4 h 22 min | 4 h 53 min | 5 h 23 min |
Real hiking times vary with terrain, weather, altitude, fitness and group size. Snow, scrambling, river crossings and off-trail navigation can double them. Check sunset time and carry a headlamp.
Frequently asked questions
How is hiking time calculated?
Naismith’s rule: 1 hour for every 5 km (3.1 mi) of distance plus 1 hour for every 600 m (about 2,000 ft) of ascent.
How accurate is Naismith’s rule?
It is a good baseline for fit hikers on decent trail. Most groups are slower, so use the pace setting and add breaks.
Does descent add time?
Gentle descents can be a little faster and steep ones slower. Choose a descent rule to apply Langmuir’s corrections.
Is HikingTimeCalc free?
Yes, with no sign-up or ads, and your trail details stay in your browser.
Is this estimate safe to rely on?
It is a planning estimate. Check the trail, weather and daylight, carry the essentials and turn around if conditions or time are against you.