The original idea for Trails Then Ales was born out of our love of exploring a new hiking trail and then enjoying a beer at a nearby brewery.
Here are some of the parks and areas we’ve explored, and the taprooms visited afterward.
Tip: If you’re a fan of rewards for your beer efforts, be sure to download the Ohio on Tap app and check in your locations. Also, check out the Columbus Ale Trail and Route 33 BrewTrail for passports.
Columbus, OH Metropolitan Area
Trail: Highbanks Metro Park
Address: 9466 US-23, Lewis Center, OH 43035
Situated in the northern Columbus metro area, Highbanks is a true nature gem of central Ohio.
Known for its autumn glory, beautiful all year long. At 2.5 scenic miles, Dripping Rock Trail features foliage. Check out the Eagle’s Nest – best to view in late winter or early spring when the birds are active, but leaves are not hindering the view.
Read more about Highbanks Metro Park in this post.
Ale: Olentangy River Brewing Company
Address: 303 Green Meadows Dr S, Lewis Center, OH 43035
Distance from Park: 0.9 Miles
Olentangy River Brewing Company has an outdoor seating area to enjoy nice weather. They also host food trucks, so check their website for details.
Trail: Walnut Woods – Tall Pines Area
Address: 6833 Richardson Rd, Groveport, OH 43125
Because the pines are evergreen, Walnut Wood Metro Park’s Tall Pines Area can be a great dose of foliage in the winter and the pines look so pretty in the snow. However, the statuesque trees also make a great shaded hike in the hot summer sun.
Ale: BrewDog DogTap
Address: 96 Gender Rd, Canal Winchester, OH 43110
Distance from Park: 3.7 Miles
BrewDog DogTap has a bar area and a restaurant if you’ve worked up an appetite.
Trail: Scioto Audubon
Address: 400 W Whittier St Columbus, OH 43215
On a peninsula within the Scioto River, Scioto Audubon Metro Park is an oasis of nature within the city.
Ale: Antiques on High
Address: 714 S High St, Columbus, OH
Distance from Park: 0.8 Miles
Antiques on High has awesome rooftop area, so go on a day when you can be outside.
Read more about Antiques on High in this post.
Lancaster, OH
Trail: Rhododendron Cove
Address: 2730 Pump Station Rd SE, Lancaster, OH 43130
Rhrododendron Cove Flowers bloom in late June/early July. While the hike isn’t particularly long (about 1.2 miles in each direction), do know there are some steep elevation gains.
Ale: Rockmill Brewery
Address: 5705 Lithopolis Rd NW, Lancaster, OH 43130
Distance from Park: 14.4 Miles
Rockmill is especially enjoyable when you can sit outside, but even on a winter day you can sit inside in the tasting room by the fireplace.
If you have time, be sure to check out the historic namesake of the brewery – the Rock Mill, which is in a small park directly adjacent to the taproom.
Newark, OH
Trail: Blackhand Gorge State Nature Preserve
Address: 2200 Gratiot Rd SE, Heath, OH 43056
Paths on both sides of the Licking River have interesting features, including amazing cuts through rock and tunnel.
Because so much of the beauty is rock and water based, this hike isn’t as dependent upon the lushness of the seasons as some of the others on this list are. Black Hand Gorge is stunning all times of the year.
Ale: Trek Brewing Company
Address: 1486 Granville Rd, Newark, OH 43055
Distance from Park: 15 Miles
Trek Brewing Company will fit right in with your day of nature with it’s outdoor themes.
Yellow Springs, OH
Trail: Glen Helen Nature Preserve
Address: 405 Corry Street, Inman Trail, Yellow Springs, OH 45387
When you visit Glen Helen, you’ll know how Yellow Springs got its name – although the spring looks orange due to the iron content
Be sure to visit the Raptor Center to see some amazing birds going through wildlife rehabilitation.
Ale: Yellow Springs Brewery
Address: 305 Walnut St, Yellow Springs, OH 45387
Distance from Park: 0.9 Miles
Yellow Springs Brewery is a fun place to visit and enjoy a few beers.
Be sure to bookmark this page, as we will continue to add more Trails Then Ales excursions in Columbus, Ohio and beyond.