As the sun peeked through the canopy, casting dappled shadows across the verdant trail, I laced up my hiking boots and embarked on a solitary adventure. My destination: the Summit Trail, a 10-mile loop known for its breathtaking views and challenging terrain.

I set a brisk pace, eager to reach the first viewpoint. The trail wound through a dense grove of pines, the undergrowth rustling beneath my feet. An hour passed swiftly as I navigated rocky switchbacks and slippery slopes.

As I approached the summit, the forest opened up, revealing a panoramic vista. Mountains stretched out before me, their snow-capped peaks reaching towards the heavens. I paused to catch my breath and soak in the awe-inspiring scenery.

Continuing my journey, I descended the trail towards the valley below. The path became more gradual but no less demanding. Boulders littered my path, testing my agility and balance. As the afternoon sun began to set, I realized I had been hiking for nearly four hours.

Just as I started to feel the weight of my pack, I stumbled upon a babbling brook. I knelt down and drank deeply from the cool water, its refreshing taste giving me renewed energy.

With the sun now dipping below the horizon, casting an ethereal glow over the landscape, I pushed onward. The last few miles seemed interminable, each step heavier than the last. But as I rounded a bend, the trailhead came into view.

Exhausted but exhilarated, I crossed the finish line, clocking in a total of five hours and twenty minutes. While the hike had been arduous at times, the rewards - the stunning views, the sense of accomplishment, and the solitude of nature - had made it all worthwhile.

And so, to answer the oft-asked question, "How long does it take to hike 10 miles?" The answer, like the experience itself, can vary greatly depending on the trail conditions, your fitness level, and the pace you choose to set. But one thing is for certain: the journey, like the destination, is filled with its own unique rewards.