Celebrate Our Trail Community - Mariah H.
Meet Mariah, a 37-year-old physical therapist who’s spent the last decade calling the Black Hills home. Raised on a North Dakota ranch, Mariah is happiest outside—especially hiking scenic, peaceful trails with her two dogs. She is known for the occasional spectacular stumble and her friends’ rallying cry, “Do it for the booty!” on tough climbs. Mariah keeps trail life fun and adventurous, saying that if a trail was named after her, it would be called “Mariah’s Shenanigans”.
About Me
Name: Mariah H.
Age: 37
Current City: Rapid City
Occupation: Physical Therapist
How long I’ve lived in the hills: 10 years
Where I grew up: North Dakota
My family: 2 dogs, 2 rabbits, and duckins (chickens and ducks)
What's your favorite way to enjoy the trails?
Hiking with my dogs.
How did you first fall in love with exploring the outdoors?
I grew up on a farm/ranch, so I prefer to be outdoors.
What’s your favorite Black Hills trail and why?
Little Elk Creek in the fall to enjoy the beautiful fall colors and the creek at the same time.
What’s your most memorable moment on a Black Hills trail?
Finding wildlife while hiking is my favorite, ie mountain goat, elk, deer, marmots, ect.
What kind of trail day makes you happiest?
Scenic and peaceful.
What’s your favorite time of year to explore the Hills?
Fall in the Black Hills cannot be beaten.
Who’s your favorite trail companion (person, pet, or solo)?
My dogs, Ireland and Remi.
What’s one piece of gear you never hit the trail without?
CamelBak
What piece of gear do you always carry but rarely use?
A pet carrier harness for my dogs if one of them gets injured, so I can carry them out.
Are you a heavy packer or a minimalist?
Minimalist for short hikes.
Which trail would you recommend for beginners?
Skyline
Which trail would you recommend for someone who wants a challenge?
Black Elk Peak and add on Poet’s Table and Cathedral Spires.
What’s one helpful tip you’d share with someone exploring the Black Hills for the first time?
If you are unfamiliar with the area, download a map in case you get lost.
If you could go on a trail adventure with any celebrity or historical figure, who would you choose and why?
Betty White would have made for an amazing travel companion. She would have me laughing the entire time.
Waterfalls or Summits?
Waterfalls
Sunrise or Sunset?
Sunset
Wildflowers or Wildlife?
Wildlife
Smooth Trails or Rugged Terrain?
Combo
Solo or Group Adventures?
Solo with my dogs.
Plan it or wing it?
Plan it if I am traveling. Wing it if I am in the hills.
What’s the funniest thing that has ever happened to you outdoors?
I tend to fall often when hiking. Sometimes it is quite ridiculous how it occurs. I was trying to set my dogs up for a picture, tripped over a tree root and it took about 15 seconds for me to hit the ground, because I kept getting my balance and then losing it again.
If you could only hike or bike one trail in the Black Hills for the rest of your life, which trail would you choose and why?
I call it Doty Trail. I don’t know if it has an actual name. My dogs love to explore the area, and they can go swimming along the way.
What’s your favorite nature/outdoor quote or saying?
Anytime someone complains about a hike, especially the incline, my friends and I shout, “Do it for the booty!”
Nominate Someone From Our Trail Community
Do you know someone who loves spending time on local trails? We’d love to celebrate them! Nominate a friend, family member, or fellow trail-goer who enjoys hiking, biking, riding, or simply being outside. Send an email to: info@trailaddict.com
