The prospect of living a longer, healthier life may get some of us out on a bike, but others might need a different kind of motivation—like a memorable beer or two at the end of the journey. Maybe you’ve cycled a 30-mile mountain trail, or just five miles along a beach (hey, not all of us are olympians). Either way, there are trails that will connect you to your drink of choice.
Paved rail trails—former railways turned into multi-use paths—will take you through beautiful scenery and to some cool stops. Below are seven of our favorite rail trails in the U.S. that will also lead you to some delicious ales and cocktails when you’re done.
Photo courtesy of Yakima Valley Tourism
The Yakima Greenway
- Where: Washington
- Distance: 20 miles
The Yakima Greenway is a scenic path that winds along the Yakima and Naches Rivers. Yakima Valley produces more than 70% of the hops in the U.S., so it would probably be illegal to not have a brewery nearby after a good ride. Cyclists could hop (see what we did there?) off the trail to get a cold one at Outskirts Brewing Co in Selah or at D’Nile Taphouse in Naches. Consider staying the night at Oxford Suites Yakima, where you’ll find river-facing rooms.
Photo courtesy Discover The Palm Beaches
The Palm Beach Lake Trail
- Where: Florida
- Distance: 5.5 miles
Palm Beach Lake Trail in the land of perpetual sunshine may be relatively short, but it has beautiful views of Lake Worth Lagoon and a convenient place to rent a bike. There are more trails in the immediate region, if you need more miles. But who says a trail needs to be long to earn a drink? Just off the trail is Sant Ambroeus restaurant in the Royal Poinciana Plaza and Lola 41 restaurant at the White Elephant, where you can stay the night and get a cocktail.
Cyclists take a break at Earnest Brew Works.
Photo by Brandon Withrow
The Wabash-Cannonball Trail
- Where: Northwest Ohio
- Distance: 60+ miles
The Wabash Cannonball Trail remains one of the best paved rail trails in Northwest Ohio. The trail’s south fork runs through charming small towns like Whitehouse, while the north fork leads to Oak Openings Preserve. Less than a mile north at Waterville Swanton Road is the Beach Ridge Area, where you’ll find the Cannaley Treehouse Village, more mountain bike trails, and Earnest Brew Works. Book a night at one of the Treehouse dwellings, or stay in nearby historic Maumee at The Federal Inn, a boutique bed and breakfast near Sidecut Park’s connector to the trail.
Photo courtesy of LVCVA
River Mountains Loop Trail
- Where: Boulder City, Nevada
- Length: 34 miles
The paved River Mountains Loop Trail is a scenic ride that connects Lake Mead Recreation Area, Hoover Dam, Henderson, and Boulder City. In Boulder City, be sure to reward yourself with a cold drink and live music at the beer garden at Boulder Dam Brewing Company, craft brews at Beer Zombies, or cocktails at Skinny Bar. Finish off the day with cocktails and music at Cleveland’s Lounge—a speakeasy at the comfy and historic Boulder Dam Hotel.
Photo by Karna Hughes
Obern Trail
- Where: Goleta and Santa Barbara, California
- Distance: 10 miles
The Obern Trail is an out-and-back route that stretches between Goleta and the edge of Santa Barbara, where the city’s bike network will take you the rest of the way. In Goleta, cyclists can get drinks at M. Special Brew Co. or Draughtsmen Aleworks. Santa Barbara’s Funk Zone neighborhood lives up to its name with breweries like Validation Ale and stellar cocktails at Test Pilot. Stay the night at the beautiful Ritz-Carlton Bacara to get incredible views, a private beach, and a spa.
Photo courtesy of King County Parks
The Sammamish River Trail
- Where: Bellevue to Woodinville, Washington
- Distance: 10.5 miles
The Sammamish River Trail is a popular, paved bike path that runs from Bellevue to Woodinville, on the outskirts of Seattle. It’s the gateway to Washington wine country, and some of our favorite spots include Mac & Jack’s Brewing Company near Bellevue, and McQueen Champagne Bar in Woodinville. If you want to stick around the area for the night, consider a luxury stay at the boutique Bellevue Club Hotel.
Photo courtesy of Ocean Edge Resort & Golf Club
Cape Cod Rail Trail
- Where: Massachusetts
- Distance: 27.5 miles
When you think of Cape Cod you might think of boats, but there is also the beautiful Cape Cod Rail Trail that comes with a striking landscape of forests and marshes. Stay at The Villages section of the Ocean Edge Resort & Golf Club and you’ll be right at the trail. Get craft beers and wine at Town Cove Tap House in Orleans, dinner and drinks at CShore Kitchen and Bar in Wellfleet, or cocktails at Bayzo’s Pub when you return to Ocean Ridge.
