Hike and Hop Your Way Through Winter By Hannah Powell

Feeling cooped up this winter? Just because the leaves have dropped doesn’t mean you have to drop your hiking plans too. The best way to motivate yourself to get out on the trails? Knowing exactly where to grab a craft beer afterwards! 

The new book Beer Hiking Pennsylvania and New Jersey offers 35 curated suggestions of trails paired with breweries, perfect for getting outdoors in all seasons. Hiking is a refreshing way to still enjoy the outdoors even when temperatures plummet across the region. In fact, winter hiking can be even more rewarding than in summer! Parks are less crowded so no grappling with overflowing parking lots and busy trails. The chill kills off most of the bugs, so you don’t have to worry about ticks and mosquitos making a meal of you. Hate hiking during the hot, humid summer? Winter is the perfect time to avoid the muggy weather! Finally, nothing beats the sight of evergreen trees sprinkled with a fresh coating of white or the icy majesty of a frozen waterfall. 

Are you convinced yet to break out the wool socks and hit the trails this winter? Here are a couple places you can’t miss in Western Pennsylvania this snowy season:

For a park that has a little bit of everything, venture to McConnells Mill State Park, about 40 miles north of Pittsburgh. With a quintessential covered bridge, historic gristmill, waterfalls, and rocky trails, this park looks like a fairytale in the snow. Tackle the Kildoo Trail, a 2-mile loop that clambers over rocks along the Slippery Rock Creek and features stunning views of the mill and covered bridge. Afterward, it’s only a short drive to the charming town of Zelienople where you can warm up with a flavorful craft brew and a hearty sandwich at Shubrew. Their winter lineup of malty belgian ales and unique stouts are sure to melt that winter chill. 

For another wintery adventure, check out the highest mountains in Pennsylvania by exploring the Laurel Highlands region, which boasts prime spots for skiing, hiking, cross country skiing, sledding and more! The higher elevation in the region means there’s usually a good chance of catching some flurries. A great place to experience a snowy hike is along the Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail (LHHT). The long-distance trail is also great to tackle in small chunks for a day hike. The area’s eponymous evergreen mountain laurel bushes and soaring hemlock trees are picture-perfect when draped with fresh mounds of snow. For a rewarding day hike on the LHHT, start at the trailhead off Route 653 in Rockwood, PA, the same parking lot as the Laurel Ridge Cross Country Ski Center. A 6.5 mile out-and-back hike will lead past rock mazes, an overlook, and thickets of stately evergreens. Perfect for exploring after a fresh dusting of snow! Once you’ve wandered to your heart’s content, you can relax at Forbes Trail Brewing in Stoystown where the taps are flowing and you’re welcomed in like family. Try one of their roasty stouts to warm up after your trek! 

Still have cold feet about winter hiking? Here are some tips for keeping you comfortable this season. Dress properly for the cold with plenty of insulating layers and wind protection. If conditions are snowy or icy, consider using trekking poles and microspikes to get more traction on the trail. Make sure to pay attention to the forecast and know when to turn around if conditions seem unsafe. Finally, make sure to drink plenty of water, you still need to stay hydrated even when it’s cold. 

Cheers to going beer hiking this winter!

Hannah Powell is from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She started her blog Hikes and Hops in 2021 with the aim of finding the perfect pairing for every trail and craft brewery. Beer Hiking Pennsylvania and New Jersey is her first book.