Hiking is an opportunity to escape the daily grind and hectic work schedules while enjoying the outdoors. While some people hike for pure entertainment or physical activity, others may be more detailed in their hikes. These people choose to monitor their hiking performance by tracking several factors such as pace and distance. You can track distance while hiking using various steps and techniques.
Step 1
Use the trail markers located near the trailhead and along the entire length of the trail. State parks or national parks will commonly post the distance on the trail marker signs to the tenth of a mile. You may also consult a trail map for detailed distance information for each trail within the park.
Step 2
Calculate the distance on the map using a ruler and the distance key. You can use the map to either plan your trip or calculate the distance after the trip. Planning ahead allows you to plan accordingly for food and water while you are hiking.
Step 3
Wear a pedometer to estimate the number of steps taken during the hike. You can transfer the number of steps to estimate your total distance. For example, 4,000 steps is equivalent to about two miles while it takes 20,000 steps to cover 10 miles.
Step 4
Use the tracking or route function on your handheld GPS device. Start the function before the hike and stop it at the end to show your total distance. Some GPS devices show additional data such as average speed, elevation change and total time.
Step 5
Download an app for your smartphone. New apps are released all the time and can be used to track and record your hiking data. The apps typically record distance along with time, speed and elevation. You can also use the app for biking, running or any other outdoor recreational activity.
Things You'll Need
- Map
- Ruler
- Pedometer
- GPS
- Smartphone
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