NDLTAP
NDLTAP Spotlight: Curt Glasoe

Posted: Oct 22, 2020

The Maah Daah Hey Trail has been a recreation boon for North Dakota and has been coined as "North Dakota's best-kept secret." The phrase, Maah Daah Hey, originates with the Mandan Indians, a tribe located in North Dakota. In the Mandan Language, a single word or phrase can contain profound meaning. In simple English, Maah Daah Hey means an area that has been, or will be, around for a long time and is worthy of respect.

While all success stories are the culmination of the efforts of many, it takes a true champion to pave the way and make the dreams of a group become reality. Curt Glasoe is one such champion. He has worked tirelessly since the 1980s to create a world-class trail in North Dakota. That dream is essentially a 144-mile long single track (i.e., very long cattle trail) that winds through the majestic Badlands of western North Dakota. Originally planned as an equestrian trail, the Maah Daah Hey morphed into the model of balance between mountain biking, hiking, and horseback riding. This harmonious path unites non-motorized groups. One of the trail's secrets of success is the trail design. Curt and his faithful sidekick, Russ Walsh, Dakota Prairie Grasslands, designed and carved out a trail network that nestles perfectly into the landscape and yet is predictable to the point that it creates a safe environment for multiple modes of trail users. The trail should be a bucket list item for all North Dakotans.

NDLTAP is proud to have Curt Glasoe, father of the Maah Daah Hey trail and its biggest champion, as a team member. His passion for volunteering on the trail is only exceeded by his passion to help local leaders on their roadway network.