With temperatures finally beginning to warm up, it’s safe to say that spring is finally here, and we can’t wait to be outside. There’s nothing better than packing up the winter jackets, trading sweaters in for tank tops, and feeling the vitamin D seep into your pores once again. As April turns to May, we’re celebrating spring with our favorite way to enjoy the outdoors: by hiking, of course! And as anyone who’s ever been on a hike knows, after a long trek, there’s nothing more rewarding than an ice cold pint of beer. We’ve compiled a list of 11e gorgeous hikes across the country, ideally situated near breweries, for all of your outdoor hiking and patio sipping needs. Satisfaction and refreshment have never tasted so good.
Washington – Saddle Rock Trail
When in Washington, head to Wenatchee for a gorgeous hike and brew. Saddle Rock trail is just two miles away from the downtown area and is perfect for those who are, well, more in it for the beer. The steep hike is a short mile in each direction. Head back down for an ice-cold pint at Badger Mountain Brewing and lunch at Country Boy’s BBQ to round out the afternoon.
Virginia – Appalachian Trail
Take it to the king of hiking trails with the one and only Appalachian Trail. We’re looking to Virginia for this neck of the hike, mainly because the brewery options are endless. Around the Waynesboro entrance, you’ll find Blue Mountain Brewery and Bold Rock Cidery and Brew Pub, while on the Buena Vista side of the Blue Ridge Parkway, you have Devils Backbone Outpost and Blue Lab Brewing. Roanoke Railhouse Brewery and Parkway Brewing Company also aren’t too far away. Make a weekend trip out of this one and hit all your desired stops.
North Carolina – Pisgah National Forest
Hike through North Carolina’s stunning Arboretum, surrounded by the Pisgah National Forest. Ten miles of trails exist here, just a hop, skip, and a jump away from Asheville, America’s “mecca of microbrew.” Here, you’ll find Asheville’s first microbrewery, Highland Brewing Company, Green Man, and Wicked Weed Brewing Pub, known for their refreshing sour beers. Should you decide to take on the French Broad River with a paddling trip, we recommend doing so before the drinking commences.
Colorado – Boulder Ale Trail
Fifteen miles, 12 breweries, and absolutely zero cars in sight? Sounds like paradise to us. The trail connects Boulder and Longmont, winding through farmlands and rural spaces. The trail is long and flat, a.k.a, perfect for consuming pints along the way. Boulder Beer is a must, as is Sanitas if you’re looking to pair beer with tacos. Asher Brewing Company is entirely organic, and Avery Brewing crafts over 20 different brews.
Maine – Portland Trail Network
The 70 miles of Portland Trail network have many hikes that intersect with breweries, including the Bayside Trail, which connects with Rising Tide, Lone Pine, One Eye Open Breweries, Maine Craft Distilling, and Urban Farm Fermentory; the Fore River Trail, which connects with Bissell Brothers, and the nearby Bunker Brewing; and Riverton Trolley Park, which connects with Allagash Brewing Company, and Foundation, Austin Street Breweries.
O.K., we’re taking a hipster twist on this hike and using two wheels to get to our desired brewery. Perfect for Brooklynites, Manhattanites, and Queens dwellers alike, accessing Captain Lawrence Brewery has never been easier. Forget the train ride on Metro-North; grab a bike and get to pedaling. Just 15 miles north of Van Cortlandt Park, the trail is flat, paved, and a breathtaking escape from the noise of the city. This trail is (liquid) gold.
The Forest City Trail is wonderful 10-mile cross city trail, however it does not cross by East Bayside breweries…in fact, it’s one of the few trails in our network that doesn’t intersect with any breweries. Shocking!
The following trails do however:
Bayside Trail (connects with Rising Tide, Lone Pine, One Eye Open Breweries, Maine Craft Distilling, Urban Farm Fermentory)
Fore River Trail // Fore River Parkway (Connects with Bissell Brothers, and the nearby Bunker Brewing)
Riverton Trolley Park // Presumpscot River Trail (Connects with Allagash Brewing Company, and Foundation, Austin Street Breweries.)
Vermont – The Long Trail
Hike one of Vermont’s most renowned trails and end at no other brewery than the namesake establishment itself, Long Trail Brewing Company. Grab a can of the signature Long Tail Ale, or our personal favorite, Cranberry Gose, to refuel after your intense trek.
Oregon – Columbia River Gorge Hikes
The Columbia Gorge Hiking Trail in Oregon offers a plethora of hiking options for all skill levels. (Click here for a list of easy, moderate, and advanced options.) Some of our favorite breweries along the way include Thunder Island Brewing Co. and Everybody’s Brewing. Head to Full Sail Brewing Company for free tours and stunning river views.
California – Griffith Park
Hiking trails within L.A.? Yes, it’s possible! Griffith Park offers miles of trails, perfect for a weekend afternoon escape from the noise of the city. Golden Road Brewing sits just across from the park, and best of all, there’s an entire deck set aside for you and your furry hiking companion. The only thing that makes a post-hike beer even better is a post-hike beer alongside your dog.
Delaware – White Clay Creek State Park
Whether shady tracks or sunny meadows are your style, White Clay offers 150 miles of hiking terrains. Just a 40-minute drive from Philly, these hiking trails are not to be missed. Best of all, Dogfish Head is within the vicinity. The brewery is the state’s most popular brewery and loved by beer drinkers all over the country. What’s better than ending a day of hikes with a flight of IPAs? Nothing. The answer is nothing.
Pennsylvania – Ridley Creek State Park
According to Roots Rated, Ridley Creek State Park boasts over 2,600 acres of land, with 13 miles of marked hiking trails. The park is located just 16 miles outside the city center, perfect for urban dwellers looking for an afternoon escape. The park also has five miles of paved walkways for more easygoing hikes, as well as a ton of picnic tables for snack breaks. End your day at Sterling Pig Brewery, snacking on savory soups and apps, wood-fired pizzas, and sipping on craft brews. Sounds like the perfect day to us.
