6 Gorgeous Philly-Area Hikes Near Breweries
Spend your weekends exploring great hikes near local craft breweries — the best of both worlds.
Enjoy stunning scenery (like these views from the top of Mount Tammany!) and delicious craft beer at these six hikes near breweries. / Photograph courtesy of Getty Images.
Living in a city like Philly, going on a hike isn’t always as easy as strapping on some boots and stepping out the door. (Though, it can be if you hit up the copious offerings of the Wiss!) But, many hikes — as gorgeous and rewarding as they may be — require planning, and often, a drive to get to a trailhead. That’s why we think if you’re going to spend time making your way to some of the area’s prettiest trails, you might as well also grab a locally-made beer to enjoy afterwards — or pick up a six-pack to take home and enjoy in the comfort of your home later on! (Of course, remember to imbibe responsibly and to select a designated driver if need be.)
Here to help you plan your weekends ahead is Carl Ewald, founder of Run Fest, race director for the Great American Brewery Runs, and expert hiking guide. Below, find six of his recommendations for hikes near breweries where you can scout great vistas and sip on some delicious brews.
Hawk Mountain
Drive from Philly: 1 hour 50 minutes
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The Hike: “Hawk Mountain is probably the best vista in the state for fall foliage,” Ewald says. “I recommend making a real hike out of it by exploring the trails below the summit first.”
The Brewery: Ewald recommends making a stop at Sly Fox Brewing Company (Pottstown) on the way home. “They have perfect brews for autumn-weather hiking,” he says.
Pulpit Rock and Pinnacle Loop
Drive from Philly: 1 hour 30 minutes
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The Hike: “This hike definitely is one of the best foliage hikes you can find, but it’s not easy,” Ewald says. “The loop will take you across nearly nine miles and up over 1,000 feet in elevation. But it is definitely worth it. Both lookouts will have perfect views of the valley in all its fall glory.”
The Brewery: About 50 minutes away is Hidden River Brewing Company in Douglassvile, where you can make a stop on the way back. “This nano brewery excels at IPAs and has a great setting along the river,” Ewald says. They offer a light menu with snack and sandwiches that highlight seasonal ingredients, like pumpkin hummus and a panini featuring pears and fig sauce.
Nockamixon State Park
Drive from Philly: 1 hour, 10 minutes
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The Hike: Nockamixon State Park is said to have the largest lake in Southeastern Pennsylvania, and boasts a 5,286-acre park. According to Ewald, Lake Nockamixon is also great for scenic hiking, boating, and fishing.
The Brewery: Ewald recommends hitting Imprint Beer Co. in Hatfield on the way back to Philly, as it’s only about a 35-minute drive from Nockamixon. “Known for its fruited sours and hazy IPAs, Imprint is a must try for any beer nerd hiking through the area,” he says. Plus, they offer take-out only pick-up from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturdays and 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays, so you can sample at your leisure at home.
Ridley Creek State Park
Drive from Philly: 45 minutes
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The Hike: “When you don’t have much time, Ridley Creek is the perfect chance to enjoy fall hiking close to the city,” Ewald says. “The elevation change is limited, but the park is stunning.”
The Brewery: La Cabra Brewing‘s brewpub in Berwyn and tap room and smokehouse in Bryn Mawr are both roughly 15 minutes from Ridley Creek by car. “Their food is as good as their beer, so plan to grab a bite here as well,” Ewald suggests. Both locations offer take-out if you’d prefer to enjoy your libations at home.
Mount Tammany
Drive from Philly: 2 hours
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The Hike: “Mount Tammany is one of the best hikes in the region,” Ewald says. “It’s short, but steep — you’ll go up more than 1,200 feet in less than two miles. The rock outcropping at the top has excellent views of the Delaware River and the Pennsylvania side of the water gap.”
The Brewery: Swing by Funk Brewing‘s tap room in Emmaus, an hour southwest of the trail, on the way home. The Emmaus location is open from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturdays and 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Sundays, and offers pick-up options. Though it doesn’t feature a kitchen, the tap room partners with food trucks in the area for local eclectic grub.
Mount Minsi
Drive from Philly: 2 hours, 15 minutes
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The Hike: “Mount Minsi is one of my favorite hikes in Pennsylvania, but, I must admit that half of the reason is for the pie,” Ewald says. “Do not leave Mount Minsi without stopping to pick one up at the Village Farmer. He adds that there are three great vistas along the trail, but most hikers don’t realize the third exists. “You will reach a false summit at about 2.5 miles in. This large rock outcropping has spectacular views of Mount Tammany, but if you continue a couple 100 feet further, you’ll earn a completely different view from the other side of the mountain,” Ewald says.
The Brewery: An hour south of the trail in Easton is the original location of the Separatist Beer Project, where you can stop for refreshments on your way back. “It has a great little tasting room right on the waterfront,” Ewald says. The Easton location offers beers to-go, and is open from 12 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Saturdays, and 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Sundays. Bonus: They have a spot in South Philly open every day of the week.
