As anyone reading this has certainly noticed by now, the weather isn’t getting any warmer. It’s been particularly slow this year (that’s Ohio for you), but, inevitably, we’ve continued edging slowly toward winter. Hopefully you, like me, are doing everything you can to enjoy the last warm breaths of summer and autumn before we plunge into the depths of winter.

Winter, of course, is a much different time here in Ohio. There’s snow, ice, rocksalt, frigid wind, and the ever-present risk of subzero temperatures. Mother nature, to say the least, is rather inhospitable during this time of year.

This, combined with the rapid encroachment of darkness and quick end that are put to many of our afternoons, can make it very, very difficult just to go outside-let alone to go outside and hit the trails for some exercise. Who wants to go for a walk when it’s ten degrees outside?

​As a collegiate cross-country runner, I’m in the throes of training all-year round, and cold weather has never been a qualifying excuse for not running outside in the eyes of my head coach. So, when winter comes along, me and my team have no choice but to bundle up and try to out-tough the cold. I am personally of the belief that if a group of college kids can handle the cold, anyone else can too.

​Even if you’re not tougher than Mother Nature, there are a few things anyone can do to mitigate the cold and get those steps in this winter:

It may seem simple, but sometimes bringing gloves along for your walk, run, bike ride, etc, can make a big difference. Your hands and feet, as the furthest parts of your body from your heart, are subject to getting cold faster than anywhere else.

If your hands are freezing, you aren’t going to be having a lot of fun outside-additionally, if it’s cold enough, you’re risking frostbite and possible major damage to your hands.

Be sure to have a pair of gloves on the ready at all times-whether you keep them in your car, your jacket, or anywhere else. You never know what can happen when you’re at the mercy of the cold. And hey, the more the merrier-if one pair of gloves doesn’t get the job done, strap on another pair!

​As mentioned above, the first parts of the body to get cold are those furthest from the heart. That includes not only the fingers and toes, but also the ears, which quickly get cold when you’re exposed to the elements. While having a hood up is better than nothing, it’s no substitute for a proper winter hat, which settles over the ears and keeps them warm when you’re out in the cold.

Not only that, but a hat protects your hair from getting snow or ice in it-because, if you’re not Jack Frost, the icy hairstyle is hard to pull off. Just like with a pair of gloves, you should always make sure to have a winter hat nearby, just in case.

​If you’re freezing your ears off, you’re much less likely to want to keep yourself out on the trails, so be sure you have your hat on standby!

​For those of you who are willing to endure the cold for the sake of getting some exercise, be sure you’re being smart about how long you’re out in the weather. It’s great to be tough, but it’s better to be smart-staying out in the cold for too long can cause serious risks to health, including frostbite and hypothermia.

​If it’s seriously cold, be sure you’re not staying outside for too long at once, and make sure to keep moving to be sure you don’t lose any warmth. If you get to the point of being too cold to continue, shut it down and try again another day. There’s always tomorrow, so don’t be tougher than you are smart.

Sources:

If you’re a nature lover, you might be envisioning taking a few walks in the woods, surveying the brilliant fall colors and excellent fall sunsets we are blessed with here in Clinton County and throughout Ohio. Others can say what they want, but this writer is convinced that there is no more beautiful state in the U.S. than the Buckeye state we call home.

I can also safely assert that there is no better way to view Clinton County at its best than to stroll along the strong and ever-lengthening system of trails we have here. 

You will probably be inclined to think that I am merely a hometown hero, who believes Clinton County is the greatest place on Earth and that our resources are the best that have been allocated to anyone anywhere. But I’m not simply an overzealous trail ambassador. You see, I am a Wilmington College Cross Country Runner, so fall for me means cross country season. And cross country season means miles upon miles of running every single day. Obviously, it’s much easier to run when you have someplace to run to, or something to run towards.

For me, and most of my cross-country team, that means frequent visits to the trail system. We see through our own eyes the colors of fall, sprawled all across the trails. Nature becomes more and more encapsulating as one moves further and further away from the city. The yellows, the oranges, the browns, the slowly fading greens, the long rays of sunlight, the leaves falling over the trail on a cool, fall evening…all of it’s more beautiful than words could adequately convey. It helps to remind us that, even in the sea of chaos and calamity we live in, islands of calm and serenity can be found. In today’s world, with the foot constantly on the gas and the cycle constantly turning over and over, we need it more than ever. It’s also a reminder to count our blessings, to not sweat the small things, to appreciate the great things right in front of us.

It’s difficult to do. In a world where literally everything in our lives is designed to try and garner one hundred percent of our attention, it’s hard to force ourselves to keep it on one thing for a while.

You don’t have to take my word for it. The American Heart Association reinforces the idea that walking or exercising can help alleviate depression and anxiety, reduce your risk for diabetes and other diseases, and improve overall physical health. That’s of course, combined with the benefit of some truly special natural scenery and some much needed R and R-all of which are readily available on the Clinton County Trails. And, since we have it readily available, why not take advantage of it?

So, the next time your family is arguing about turkey versus ham or the Bengals are getting decimated by whoever they’re playing or the six-year olds dressed as Disney characters are threatening to riot because you didn’t buy enough candy, feel free to lock the door, head outside, and take a nice, peaceful walk on the Trails, enjoying the sights, sounds, and smells of a Clinton County Autumn.
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You may just surprise yourself with how much you enjoy it. 

And hey-it can’t be worse than watching the Browns, right?

Roger Starnes has such a heart for Clinton County Trails, most especially the trail that runs through his hometown of Sabina, the Clinton-Fayette Friendship Trail. We are fortunate to have him on our team with his vast knowledge of the railroad lines that once ran along our trails.

At our August board meeting, we were joined by several citizens from Clarksville. They shared their concern about the creation of a trail from Ogden road through Clarksville to Morrow. They shared their concern about the location of that trail through their property. A good discussion was had with members of the Trails Coalition sharing perspective and insights with members of the Clarksville community, as well as listening to their questions and concerns.

We were happy to have Kenny Upthegrove from the Wilmington City Parks Board at the meeting sharing about trail projects, including paving of the Luther Warren Peace Path, that the park system is working on.

We have received another Legacy Fund grant. This time, we will receive $80,500 to fully fund the paving of the remainder of the Clinton-Fayette Friendship Trail. We do not yet know for sure when the paving project will be completed.
We hope to be able to notify the community of the timeline of this work so that we can close the trail as needed. We are grateful to the Clinton County Parks Board for working on the logistics for this job.

The mission of the Wilmington Bicycle Club is to build a supportive and inclusive community that shares a love for cycling and the outdoors. They host regular group rides, bike maintenance workshops, and social events to help you connect with fellow cyclists and make new friends. The meetings are the third Tuesday of the month at  7pm at Wheelies on Mulberry. You do not have to reside in Wilmington to attend.

It's not too late to submit your trail photos for the 2026 Trail Calendar! 

Calling all shutterbugs, photography enthusiasts, and trail-lovers! The Trails Coalition is excited to announce a call for photos for our 2026 Trail Calendar and media promotions. Whether you're a seasoned pro or an amateur photographer, we want to see your best shots!

We're looking for high-quality, visually stunning photos that showcase the beauty of our trails and the surrounding landscape. Suitable subjects include:

• Breathtaking landscapes and vistas

• Wildlife in their natural habitats

• Still life shots of trailside treasures

• Historic structures and trail infrastructure

• People enjoying the trails

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​All photographers, regardless of skill level or experience, are welcome to submit their photos. This is a fantastic opportunity for local photographers to get their work featured and recognized.

To submit your photos, simply email us your high-resolution images before November 1, 2025. We'll take care of the rest! As a token of appreciation, all contributing photographers will receive recognition for their submissions.

Don't miss out on this chance to share your passion for photography and the outdoors with our community. Get snapping and send us your best shots!

​Email us at clintoncountytrails@gmail.com to share your photos and become part of our Trails Coalition family.
Happy trails and happy snapping!

​Bruce Saunders, the President of the Coalition, was in invited to attend a Memorable Morrow meeting to discuss the building of a trail to connect Morrow to Clarksville. Memorable Morrow is a committee of downtown business leaders working together to continue to develop downtown Morrow.

​Bruce met with Memorable Morrow in April, 2021, about a planned 9-mile extension from Wilmington through Clarksville to Morrow. It's exciting to revisit this topic with our friends in Morrow! We'll continue to reconnect with them periodically. Stay tuned for more developments!

A HUGE thank you to everyone who took time to advocate for continued trail development.

The Ohio legislation to remove eminent domain from trail building was vetoed by Ohio Governor Dewine. Governor DeWine's veto of the eminent domain ban for recreational trails in Ohio was pivotal because it preserved a critical tool for building and expanding community bike and pedestrian pathways. Follow the link if you want to CONTACT Governor Dewine to thank him for his veto.

Wilmington’s chapter of Cycling Without Age is off to a rolling start on the Luther Warren Peace Path this year. 
After Clinton County Trails Coalition was granted funds from HealthFirst of Clinton County and Rails To Trails Coalition for the purchase of 2 three- wheeled electric tri-shaws from Copenhagen Denmark, designed specifically to give rides to those that can’t ride, we spent many months training pilots in to be prepared for the summer 

We have seven fully-trained pilots and a full slate of pilots in training.  We are in process of booking rides with one last long-term care facility in Clinton County and are currently giving rides each week to both long term care residents who come by bus as a group and individuals who book rides one on one.

​​One of the most satisfying parts of these rides is getting to experience the Luther Warren Peace Path in its array of beauty through seasonal and daily changes.  We’ve stopped to pick wildflowers for residents to take home with them.  We stop to take photos of wild turkeys or fawns or snakes we see as we’re riding.  We listen for birds and try to guess what kind they are before we spot them. Riders say the experience reminds them of playing in the woods as a child.  The foliage is finally all filled in and the deep green of the woods is an incredible invitation to breathe deep and soak up the beauty of the forest as we ride through.

Many of us rode bikes as small children.  For elderly or differently abled residents of our community, it seems the gift of riding along on the trishaw bike through the woods with wind in our hair takes us back to riding bike in an earlier stage of life.  We laugh and talk and see if we can spot wildlife.  Riding along in the dappled sunshine and shade makes us feel alive in a new way.

This ancient wisdom holds true today. Walking is one of the simplest ways to improve health, and in Clinton County, it’s also scenic, social, and supported by a community that cares. The Clinton County Health District (CCHD), in collaboration with local partners, wants to turn walking into a powerful public health tool—improving wellness, fostering connection, and creating safer, healthier neighborhoods.

Walking is inclusive, FREE, and can adapt to any schedule or fitness level. Clinton County offers more than 15 miles of well-maintained trails that are open year-round and accessible to all.

​These trails wind through woodlands, parks, college grounds, neighborhoods, and alongside scenic creeks and waterways.  They are ideal for walking, biking, or simply enjoying nature. For more information about the location and distances of various trails, click the button below.

Walking doesn’t just benefit the body—it supports mental and emotional well-being. Outdoor movement is proven to ease symptoms of anxiety and depression, enhance mood, and reduce stress. It also brings people together, creating natural opportunities to socialize and reduce isolation.
 
Increased use of public trails also contributes to safety. When more people walk, bike, and gather in these spaces, the areas become more vibrant, better maintained, and less susceptible to crime.

Walking with others builds accountability, promotes consistency, and turns fitness into a fun, social experience. The Clinton County Health District supports several walking groups that meet regularly and are open to all residents.
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These group walks offer a welcoming environment for individuals and families of all fitness levels. They also create space for friendships, shared goals, and meaningful conversation.

By taking just a few minutes to complete the 2025 Community Health Needs Assessment, you are helping to shape the future of health and wellness in Clinton County. This survey is a vital tool used by the Clinton County Health District and our partners——to better understand local needs and prioritize programs that support our community. Your feedback can influence trail development, wellness initiatives, mental health resources, and more. Together, we can create a healthier, more active Clinton County—one voice at a time.

We have just started working with a marketing team to create a systematic plan for promoting the trails! It’s the same marketing team that has been working with Wilmington College. We’ll keep you posted on our plans. In the meantime, keep following us on our social media platforms - Instagram and Facebook to see what’s happening on the trails, including events, nature, history of the trails, and more! You’re invited to share our posts on your social media feeds and provide us information on your time on the trail or upcoming community event for us to post on our pages!

A mission of Clinton County Trails Coalition is to advocate for trail development. It is important for us to make our voices heard. You’re invited to attend your city council or township meetings to speak out in support of trail development. Below is contact information for our state senator.

• Kyle Koehler
• Address:  Senate Building 1 Capitol Square Ground Floor 035 Columbus, Ohio
• Web: Ohiosenate.gov/kyle-koehler
• Phone: 614-466-3780

There has been trail work happening on the Luther Warren Peace Path. We are so grateful to our friends in the city and parks for their trail maintenance. We will use our social media feeds to keep everyone updated on trail closures as soon as we are made aware.

The spring rains have caused a washout along theFriendship Trail in Sabina, causing a large hole to be created along the trail. We are working with local businesses and city officials to get that resolved as quickly as possible.We are hopeful to have the rest of the Friendship Trail in Sabina paved. We are awaiting grant approval for this funding.

A small group is planning to meet at the trailhead at Nelson to clean off graffiti on the first bridge as we walk towards Mulberry along the Luther Warren Peace Path. Anyone is welcome to join us. Please email us clintoncountytrails@gmail.com to let us know when you notice trails that require maintenance.

By Karla Barker, Executive Director, Wilmington Hope House

On Sunday, June 22nd, Wilmington Hope House is hosting “Run for Hope”, a 5K run/walk on our Clinton County Trails.  The start and finish line will be at the Clinton Memorial Hospital lower parking lot near the connection path to the trail.  The entire route will be on the Luther Warren Peace Path and part of the Ogden Trail with a water break at the halfway/turn around point.

RACE DETAILS
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• Where:  Clinton Memorial Hospital (lower parking lot) 610 W Main St, Wilmington, OH 45177
• Packet Pick-Up: Day of the race between 7:00 AM to 8:00 AM
• Church Service:  7:00 AM 
• Race Start Time:  8:00 AM 
• Age Groups: 12 and under, 13-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70-79, 80+
• Prizes:  The top overall male and female finishers will win a prize.