how long will it take to hike 21 miles?

Question

I want to hike the Northern Central Railroad trail in maryland, and I was wondering how long it might take. Is it a day hike or is it a overnighter? Any info would be helpful, thank you.

Answer 1

It's probably do-able if you're in good shape or have a lot of gumption. The 21 mile hike I took over rough trail with considerable elevation gain and around 7000' - 10000' elevation took from around 6:30 AM to 7 PM with a couple breaks, while the 21 mile hike I took on a compacted-snow snowed-in road at about 6000' - 7000' elevation took from around 7:30 AM to 6:15 PM (yes, edited) with an hour for lunch.

Answer 2

Are you a light hiker? A simple day pack is easy, but no pack is easier. You can calculate by using how much time you take to hike a mile, then add in a certain amount of added time for such things as hot daylight hours, bad footwear, etc. all of which have the potential to slow you down. Will you be stopping for lunch, or is this a no-stopping forced march with water breaks only?

Good luck and have fun!

Answer 3

If you're in reasonable shape it's a long day hike 7-8 hours. This is what you know for sure; Since it seems to be an abandoned railroad line [Rails to Trails ?] you know that its going to be reasonably flat and open and not have any steep grades - probably under 5%- and that makes for fast walking.

Answer 4

Not sure what the trail is like, but I hike a brisk pace with elevation at a steady 3 mph with a light pack. If you want some margin, allow for 3.5 mph, and don't forget to add in breaks.

Answer 5

Using Naismith's rule, on good ground a reasonably fit (normal) man carrying a light pack (Under 20 pounds) allowing for breaks will cover three miles in an hour, so therefore allow seven hours. now if there is altitude allow an extra minute for every thirty feet gained. This is a very accurate system ... look up Naismith's Rule on the internet and after you finish the hike record your time and compare it. look up chander's corelation to naismiths rule to factor in fitness and age.

Answer 6

That's going to depend on you and on the weather. No one else's experiences or abilities can duplicate your own.