Get your exercise on the North Coast Inland Trail

SANDUSKY — With gyms closed, and warmer weather, hopefully, on the way, one outdoor recreation area welcomes all people to visit — so long as everyone keeps 6 feet away from one another. When Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine enacted the state's stay-at-home order, among other places, indoor public venues where people exercise closed. But DeWine himself said people should venture outside for fresh air and exercise. What better place, according to one area resident, to fulfill his wishes than the North Coast Inland Trail? "I encourage anyone who needs to get out of the house, to consider using the North Coast Inland Trail or like recreational trails in the area," said Lance Franke, a board member representing Firelands Rails to Trails. Firelands Rails to Trails, a volunteer group, helps develop, maintain and operate the trail. "Getting out in the fresh air, even on a raw day, is invigorating to the spirit and helps get some of the kinks out of one's sofa-limited body," Franke said. "Keeping up one's attitude and mood helps the immune system, according to most medical writers. Mood and exercise won't stop a virus, but they certainly help us resist and recover." What is the North Coast Inland Trail? The trail, which aspires to connect a 103-mile area from Elyria to Indiana's eastern border with a dedicated pathway, spans through many local communities. It does run uninterrupted through many parts of northern Ohio, including near Fremont, Clyde, Bellevue, Monroeville and Norwalk. Right now, the pathway is about 85 percent complete with some areas unconnected to others. For instance, it's segregated between Elmore and Genoa. Some preliminary plans show the path extending further eastward into Cleveland and Pittsburgh. "It's so unique with all sorts of different terrain," Franke said. "There are farm areas. There are open areas. You can go over historic bridges. Everywhere is spectacular." People can run, walk, bicycle and, in some spots, horseback ride along the trail. "Just remember to act in conformity to the wise counsel of Dr. (Amy) Acton, our Ohio Department of Health chief," Franke said. "Maintain social/spatial distance from other trail users, watch and cover those sneezes, have antiseptic wipes available and also realize that most trails have shut down water supplies and even restrooms during this time as part of infection control," Franke said.