Whether you’ve embarked on a long bike ride, scenic run, exhilarating hike, or Susquehanna River paddle, there’s nothing better than stepping off a trail and gathering around a delicious local brew and regional grub to build camaraderie amongst your fellow outdoor adventurers.

It’s that little bit of incentive that makes a day in the great outdoors that much greater… and tastier.

Luckily, land and water trails across the country are seeing more of our ‘sudsy friends’ (re)locating their operations to reap the rewards of this symbiotic relationship with the local recreators.

Reflecting this shift, many trails within NEPA and the Susquehanna Greenway are just a stone’s throw from some of Pennsylvania’s top breweries. Check out the list of locations below to explore some of the area’s trails that never fail ‘to end in beer.’

Tunkhannock, PA

Tucked within the endless mountains of the North Branch, the quaint Susquehanna Greenway River Town of Tunkhannock is a gateway to the outdoors. Tunkhannock Riverside Park, for example, is a local treasure for boating, fishing, picnicking, dog-walking, and stunning views of the river and surrounding mountains. Alternatively, take a walk or bike ride on the Iroquois Trail. This pleasant, wooded path offers a 3.6 mile out-and-back experience filled with the sounds of nature and the nearby Tunkhannock Creek.

After your outdoor adventures, be sure to take a pit stop at Nimble Hill Vineyard and Brewing Company. Serving both wine and beer, this tasting room is a roadside treasure, and a great way to wind down after a day of exploring.

Pittston, PA

Embracing the industrial heritage of the North Branch, the Luzerne County Rail Trail offers a 1.9-mile rail-to-trail corridor great for walking, running, or biking right alongside the Susquehanna River. On the trail, you will see nods to the area’s coal mining past with a memorial to the Knox Mine Disaster and a marker that shows where 33 miners escaped the disaster using the Eagle Air Shaft. This historic mine collapse infamously created a whirlpool in the Susquehanna River, which rescuers combatted by dumping train cars into the cavity.

Once you’ve finished ruminating on this fascinating history and taking in the beautiful riverside views, visit Pittston’s Susquehanna Brewing Co. With a tasting room and tours of their state-of-the-art German-built brew house, this stop is an adventure in itself.

Wilkes-Barre, PA

The Wilkes-Barre River Commons is a riverfront park located on the eastern banks of the Susquehanna North Branch in Wilkes-Barre, PA. It is the 16th oldest park in America and one of the few with a revitalized riverfront on the eastern seaboard. The park is also located along the 12-mile Wyoming Valley Levee System, one of the largest projects east of the Mississippi and critical to flood prevention in the region. This levee is known as the Luzerne County Levee Trail and serves as a popular walking, running, and biking trail in Luzerne County.

After exploring this urban riverside escape, there is no shortage of area breweries to embark on another exploration of the sudsy variety. Sandy Shore Brewing prides itself on delicious beers and the friendly atmosphere of “Gemütlichkeit,” Breaker Brewing Company pairs its craft beers with a woody taproom and pub grub, and Benny Brewing Co. offers no shortage of amazing food and beer. Try one or try them all!

Berwick, PA

Nestled along the banks of the Lower North Branch is a 12.5-mile rail trail known as the Susquehanna Warrior Trail. This wooded path meanders between the mountains and the river with access to boat launches to make your adventure a pedal and paddle! Be sure to explore the Susquehanna Riverlands at the trail’s southern terminus, a relaxing park with a network of scenic trails and abundant birdlife.

After your time in the great outdoors, make your way to the nearby town of Berwick and grab a brew at the Berwick Brewing Company. In addition to their ales and lagers, they also make a delicious hand-tossed thin crust pizza and sell a variety of locally baked soft pretzels, which all pair nicely with their prime location right on the riverside. Another nearby brew stop is Five Mountain Brewing Company, in Shickshinny, whose beers and food represent the owners’ personal travels, experiences, and a desire to do things differently. And don’t forget to check out Anomaly Craft Brewing in Berwick, whose brews are served alongside their own selection of smoked meats.

Bloomsburg, PA

For walkers, pedalers, or paddlers, the Susquehanna Greenway River Town of Bloomsburg is another hub for outdoor recreation on and along the river. For on-water adventurers, river access is available at the PFBC Bloomsburg Boat Launch. Berwick to Bloomsburg or Bloomsburg to Danville are both great kayaking itineraries on this stretch of river. For land dwellers, explore Bloomsburg Town Park or hop on the Bloomsburg Rail Trail for a pleasant stroll.

Following your outdoor excursions, head to town to experience two great brewpubs. Marley’s Brewery & Grille is host to a variety of brews and great eats in a warm and trendy bar setting, while the Turkey Hill Brewing Company also boasts beer and pub food in a cozy reclaimed barn atmosphere.

Now, get your tail on the trail! Whether you adventure by land or by water, the Susquehanna Greenway is brimming with trails and ales to provide the “hop on top” of your next outdoor adventure.

Want to explore more? Check out additional recommendations for trails & ales on the Susquehanna Greenway here.

Please drink responsibly. Do not bike or boat under the influence. Do not drink and drive. Please have a designated driver if you choose to drink beyond the limit designated for safe driving in Pennsylvania.