Adventure awaits on Black Hills trails
The Black Hills are ablaze with the fiery hues of autumn. Crimson and gold leaves dance in the crisp, cool air, painting a breathtaking panorama across the rugged landscape and beckoning hikers far and wide back to the trails.
The intoxicating scent of pine needles and damp earth fills the air, an irresistible call to adventure for experienced hiker Dianne Ellwein, who finds solace and joy in the winding paths and scenic overlooks of her beloved Black Hills.
Though fall may be most commonly known for pumpkin patches and corn mazes, for Ellwein and the 2,400 members of Hikerbabes Community, it is the season to seek adventure.
A thirst for adventure
Ellwein spent her childhood surrounded by the familiar rhythms of farm life. Days were filled with the smell of freshly tilled soil, the warmth of the sun on her skin, and the comforting sounds of animals under her care.
Yet, even as a young girl, a yearning for the unknown stirred within Ellwein. While she diligently carried out her chores, her mind often wandered to faraway lands, imagining the adventures that awaited her beyond the horizon.
The farm was Ellwein's home, but she knew in her heart it wasn't her destination.
Ellwein then sought out to fill that desire by joining the Army. Serving her country for 42 years, Ellwein was able to travel all over the world and experience all the beauty it had to offer.
Participating in every Volksmarch when she was stationed in Germany, Ellwein was finally achieving her lifelong passion.
"I always loved hiking and nature a lot. I've always been real outdoorsy," Ellwein said.
However, Ellwein's years of service came to an end. Though retirement had its perks, Ellwein said she was beginning to become stir crazy the longer she stayed in her home.
The urge to seek adventure still gnawed at her.
That is until she found Hikerbabes Communty: West River, SD Chapter, where she now hikes about 200 miles a month with other women.
"After retirement I wanted to stay fit and this was perfect for me. It actually happened four years ago. I was planning on doing the Volksmarch, I was going to go with a friend but she had gotten COVID so I was looking online to find anyone to go with and that's when I found the Hikerbabes," Ellwein said.
Hikerbabes Community is a global movement that has now united over 165,000 members across 205 chapters worldwide. Ellwein said the goal is to connect women who have a passion for the outdoors.
There Ellwein said she found her "trail sisters," thousands of women who had the same love and passion for the outdoors.
Now a co-ambassador with her friends Sandra Fossen and Cathy Simonds for the West River SD Chapter, Ellwein hopes to inspire more women to strap on their hiking shoes and seek for a new adventure.
Regardless of experience, background, age or race, all are welcomed to have a little fun in the outdoors. Ellwein said it's through this sisterhood she has been able to hike in locations such as Croatia, Canada, Iceland and Hawaii.
Ellwein is also a part of the Rimrock Church Granny Hikers, who have hikers in their 60s and 70s.
"They did the entire Centennial Trail last year and one day we did 13.5 miles! It just goes to show that age is just a number and we should just keep moving," Ellwein said.
When reflecting back on her hiking journey across 31 countries, from the highest peaks to rolling hills, Ellwein said she couldn't pick a favorite as each one held an important spot in her heart.
"Once you get to the top, that overwhelming sense of accomplishment is just phenomenal," Ellwein said.
Healing from nature
Ellwein believes that hiking offers a unique opportunity to connect with nature while simultaneously improving physical and mental well-being. This connection to the natural world, she argues, is crucial for stress reduction and fostering a sense of overall peace, highlighting the holistic benefits of this activity.
"Hiking gives you an opportunity to connect with nature and anytime you get outdoors is so good for our mental health," Ellwein said.
According to the Washington Trails Association, traversing on uneven terrain causes the body to use 28% more energy than walking on flat ground, bolstering a hiker's strength, cardiovascular system and endurance.
The journal "Environmental Science and Technology" produced studies indicating that individuals who engage in physical activity in natural environments tend to report higher levels of positive emotions, such as enthusiasm and contentment, while also experiencing reduced feelings of anger and depression.
Ellwein said if it wasn't for hiking she wouldn't know where she would be after recovering from two hip and knee surgeries, along with going through osteoporosis and osteoarthritis.
"Hiking has helped me recover from my surgeries and helped manage my health conditions and gain back my strength. I have noticed improvements. Hiking has definitely been a game changer," Ellwein said.
Though hiking has its benefits, Ellwein encourages hikers to always recognize their limits. As someone who struggles with asthma, Ellwein knows all too well how difficult it can be to handle elevation and terrain.
Preparing for the unknown
Though the sights while hiking can be captivating, just like any outdoor activity hiking comes with its fair share of danger as well.
According to World Metrics, over 340 people die from hiking-related accidents in the U.S. every year. About 125,000 search and rescue missions for hikers happen each year across the nation.
The Black Hills and Rapid City area is no exception to this, said Pennington County Sheriff's Office Patrol Lt. Casey Kenrick.
"Our busiest time of year with Search and Rescue is fall and spring as the cooler weather invites more hikers and hunters to come out and explore," Kenrick said.
Just last year, Pennington County Search and Rescue performed 24 searches. According to the Pennington County Sheriff's Office annual report, a popular hiking and swimming spot known as Hippie Hole presented a greater-than-normal number of injured, dehydrated, lost, or exhausted individuals in need of rescue efforts to bring them to safety.
Kenrick's number one advice in keeping hikers safe this season is communication. Hikers are encouraged to inform family and friends of what route they will be going and how long their outing will be.
Electronics should always be charged. If a hiker is in danger and needs assistance, Kenrick said they should prioritize calling 911 rather than contacting friends and family. With the temperatures dropping Kenrick said it's better to have your electronics somewhere warm so the battery doesn't drain quicker.
It's also very important to dress for the right occasion as temperatures often fluctuate within the Black Hills area.
With years of hiking and traveling under her belt, Ellwein said she never goes on a trip without essential items such as navigation tools, first aid kit, communication devices, water, snacks, and a survival bag filled with any additional essentials.
While the allure of adventure and breathtaking views is undeniable, Ellwein said responsible enjoyment of hiking means prioritizing safety for all. By taking necessary precautions and respecting the environment, people can ensure that every hike is a memorable and safe experience.
You can contact Madison at
Public Safety/Courts Reporter
