Ales & trails: Where to pair a bike ride with local Pa. breweries

Hop on your bike and take to a local bike trail to experience the hops at these Pennsylvania breweries.

Pennsylvania’s railroad history lends itself to many rail trails — bike trails created from abandoned rail corridors. And with more than 500 craft breweries across the state, you can plan a trip that pairs an old industry with one that’s roaring: The craft beer industry!

We’ve put together six itineraries that combine a bike ride with a visit to a brewery — or multiple breweries. Just be sure to stay safe; that is, don’t drink and ride.

The Greater Allegheny Passage and Trailhead Brewing 

The Greater Allegheny Passage (GAP) meanders 150 miles through southwestern Pa. and western Maryland, connecting Cumberland, Maryland to Pittsburgh. Though the full trail would take require a multi-day trek, you can easily take a day trip on the GAP and make a stop at Trailhead Brewing in Somerset County’s Rockwood.

For example, you can enjoy the scenery on the roughly 25-mile ride from Ohiopyle to Rockwood before you reach the brewery for a rewarding cold one. Located just off the GAP, Trailhead Brewing makes its nature-inspired beers with local ingredients. The young brewery was founded in 2022 — with a goal of bringing craft beers to outdoor enthusiasts conquering the GAP. 

David S. Ammerman Trail and Dented Keg Brewing Company

The David S. Ammerman Trail is a roughly 11-mile trail that connects Clearfield to Grampian near the West Branch of the Susquehanna River in Clearfield County. Like many trails in Pa., this gravel trail runs along the path of an old railway. If you take the ride from Grampian to Clearfield (and park a second vehicle in Clearfield), you can coast down many downhill sections of the trail on your way to Clearfield’s Dented Keg Brewing Company. The brewpub features not only seasonal craft beers, but also a full menu of pub food favorites so you can refuel after your bike ride. 

Cumberland Valley Rail Trail and Maxie’s Brew House

A rail trail that connects Shippensburg to Newville in Cumberland County, the Cumberland Valley Rail Trail is 13 miles of crushed stone trail through farmland, woods, and historical sites. Whether you start in Shippensburg or Newville, you should end your trek at Shippensburg’s Maxie’s Brew House, a Shippensburg mainstay with two dozen craft beers on tap as well as lots of comfort food. Plus, Maxie’s has live entertainment every Saturday night.

Schuylkill River Trail and Manayunk, Norristown, and Phoenixville breweries

The Schuylkill River Trail will one day connect Center City Philadelphia all the way to Schuylkill County along the Schuylkill River, but as of now roughly 75 miles of trail is open for cyclists to make their way through Southeastern Pa. The roughly 27 miles between Philadelphia and Phoenixville offers a host of beer-drinking opportunities.

After just five or so miles on the trail from Philly, you can pause in Manayunk for a stroll down Manayunk’s Main Street. Stop at Manayunk Brewing Company for sips and snacks on the river or Fat Lady Brewing for a lively atmosphere with craft brews and Pa.-made spirits. At the 16-mile marker, you’ll hit Norristown, where microbrewery Von C Brewing Co. offers craft brews on tap in their large outdoor beer garden. Finally, we hope you’ve saved room, because Phoenixville is home to some of the most breweries per square foot than anywhere in the country.

There are several breweries in the downtown area easily accessible from the Schuylkill River Trail: Root Down Brewing Company is on Main Street while nearby Bridge Street breweries include Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant, Steel City Coffeehouse & Brewery, Rec Room by Conshohocken Brewing Co., Rebel Hill Brewing Company, Stable 12 Brewing Company, and Root Down’s biergarten. 

Photo by J. Fusco, courtesy of Visit Philadelphia.

Switchback Railroad Trail and Jim Thorpe breweries

The Switchback Railroad Trail is made up of two nine-mile trails from Summit Hill that follow stunning Pocono Mountains scenery and intersect in Jim Thorpe. This means you can take a nine-mile downhill jaunt to Jim Thorpe, fuel up at a local brewery, and then ride back to Summit Hill for a round trip of 18 miles. (You could also park a second vehicle in Jim Thorpe and avoid trekking uphill back to Summit Hill.) You have a choice of two breweries in Jim Thorpe — or you can try a flight at both Bright Path Brewing and Hairy Guys Brewing. 

Three Rivers Heritage Trail and Pittsburgh breweries

For fans of urban trails, the Three Rivers Heritage Trail follows Pittsburgh’s three rivers along 33 nonlinear miles that explore city neighborhoods and Allegheny County riverside towns. Plus, you can hit up Southern Tier Brewing Company and Sly Fox Pittsburgh Brewery & Pub at The Highline directly along the trail!

Park for free at Southside Riverfront Park and then ride along Pittsburgh’s South Side to Sly Fox. You’ll then cross two rivers (the trail runs under the Fort Pitt and Fort Duquesne Bridges), with a quick ride through Point State Park in between, to get to Southern Tier on the city’s North Shore. This ride is just eight miles round trip!

This article first appeared on Good Info News Wire and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.