FALLING IN LOVE WITH CLINTON COUNTY

By Gabriel Moore, Wilmington College Class of 2026. ​Author. Dedicated Runner. Quaker For Life.

Fall is here, and most of us know what that means. It means, of course, something different for everyone. We all have different memories, different associations with the fall, but we all appreciate it in one way or another, whether it’s the cool off or the pretty colors or the sports or anything else.

If you’re a football fan, you’re probably envisioning spending your entire weekend watching some football-high school on Friday night, Ohio State on Saturday, and the Bengals (ouch) or Browns (double ouch) on Sunday.

​Maybe you’re a holiday enthusiast-if so, you’re probably preparing your black fingernail paint, pointy witch hat and plastic pumpkin for some trick-or-treating later this month. You’re also probably just a few weeks from being able to fantasize about the taste of turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, pumpkin pie, and ham at your Thanksgiving this November.

FALL IN LOVE WITH NATURE

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. 

Photo by Kimberly Zerkle

FALL IN LOVE WITH COLOR

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.

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. 

Photo by Jason King

FALL IN LOVE WITH QUIETUDE

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?