It’s amazing how my view of beer has changed over the years. There was a time when I thought beer was “that gross stuff that people drink while watching sports”. But craft beer has changed that viewpoint as I know what good beer is now and realize that it has a place in many areas of life – including participating in sports and other physical activities. For example, in Cincinnati, you can bike along the Little Miami Scenic Trail and visit multiple breweries.
While biking isn’t for everyone; it can be really approachable and I’ll show you how food and beer can motivate you to keep pedaling.
Disclaimer: While riding a bike isn’t as dangerous as driving, it would be irresponsible to ride a bike while intoxicated. Be sure to hydrate, pace yourself, take ample breaks and stop your bike tour if anyone becomes unable to operate their bike safely.
What Is The Little Miami Scenic Trail
The Little Miami Scenic Trail (LMST) is part of the Miami Valley trail system in Ohio. In fact, the Little Miami Scenic Trail is the longest single trail in this network.
Winding 78 miles through Ohio, it stretches from Springfield, Ohio (Northeast of Dayton) to Anderson Township (East of Cincinnati).
This huge stretch of bike trail is an ideal spot to ride as much of it is very scenic (hence the name), is often shaded and provides access to parks and other attractions.
Furthermore, this is a paved bike course which makes it manageable for all skill levels.
For the purpose of this article, we are just focused on the southern most portion of the LMST starting in Morrow, Ohio and making its way south.
Why?
Because there are six Cincinnati breweries that you can visit while biking along that portion of the Little Miami Scenic Trail.
What Cincinnati Breweries Can You Visit
I wouldn’t be writing about the Little Miami Scenic Trail if there weren’t great breweries to visit along the way.
Here are the six Cincinnati breweries that sit along the LMST; listed from North to South.
Cellar Dweller
There’s an ongoing conversation about what is considered a Cincinnati brewery. And while Cellar Dweller is quite a bit away from the city of Cincinnati, I definitely include them when I refer to Cincinnati beer.
And what’s really unique is this is also a winery. Valley Vineyards and Cellar Dweller are one and the same. So you get the opportunity to try wine and beer side by side if you choose.
And like a few other breweries on the list; there are food options as well. Food, beer, and wine with a view sounds like a winning combination.
Being able to look out over a vineyard is one of the many elements that makes Cellar Dweller one of the most unique breweries in the area.
Check Out Their Site For More Information
Narrow Path Brewing
One of the smaller breweries on this list, Narrow Path Brewing is situated in an area that is full of restaurants and small retail shops that encourages walking and exploration.
In addition, the Little Miami Scenic Trail runs along the backside of their property and beer garden. You can watch people ride by while sipping on your beer.
Check Out Their Site For More Information
Little Miami Brewing
This is the newest of the breweries along the Little Miami Scenic Trail and has a patio that overlooks the Little Miami River. This is where I would recommend sitting; assuming the weather agrees.
In addition to having great beer, they also serve pizza. This is one of the options for food along your bike ride so you’ll want to time your stops to make this either lunch or dinner.
Check Out Their Site For More Information
Fifty West Brewing
This is the largest brewery that you’ll visit along your bike ride. In fact, they have two uniquely different locations that sit across the street from each other.
The BrewPub is ideal if you want a nice meal along with a relaxing ambiance. While Production Works has sand volleyball, a more casual menu, and a laid back environment.
It’s also worth mentioning there is a bike shop here in case you need a bike rental, quick repair, or an upgrade.
Check Out Their Site For More Information Or Read My Brewery Spotlight
Bad Tom Brewing
As you get close to the end of the the Little Miami Scenic Trail, there are two breweries very close to each other. The first one that you will come across is Bad Tom Brewing.
Sitting on the West side of the street, you find this taproom to be cozy and easy going. Grab a flight and make sure to try their Fink Red Rye Ale.
Note that you do have to wonder off the trail to get to Bad Tom and Streetside – more on that later.
Check Out Their Site For More Information
Streetside Brewery
About 1 1/2 miles from Bad Tom Brewing is Streetside Brewery. It’s the last stop on our craft beer and bike riding tour.
This brewery has really impressed the Cincinnati market since opening in late 2016. They offer a wide variety of styles; all the way from standard IPA and Stouts to New England IPAs and Sours.
They also have a small menu if you arrive hungry from all of the pedaling.
Check Out Their Site For More Information Or Read My Brewery Spotlight
Suggested Routes
To make your biking trip successful, I believe you need a good plan. This will ensure you don’t bike further than you are able, consume too much alcohol or miss out on the chance for a great meal.
North To South Or South To North
Seems like the most straight forward option; start at either Cellar Dweller or Streetside and make your way to the other. It’s roughly a 30 mile bike ride and will take at least 2 1/2 hours to complete just the bike riding portion. Add in the brewery stops and you’ve got a full day’s worth of activity.
However, keep in mind that you’ll be ending at a different spot than your car. So consider getting dropped off/picked up or biking the entire route twice to end back at the beginning.
Pick A Segment
For many, they aren’t looking to bike the entire route but rather take a relaxed approach. To accomplish this, I recommend picking a small segment.
For example, start at Narrow Path, bike to Little Miami for pizza and beer. Then bike back to Narrow Path to end the bike riding with a final beer or two.
It is about a 1 hour bike ride between breweries so it isn’t intimidating and you can grab food midway through biking.
Don’t Own A Bike?
If you are like me, then you don’t own a bike. But that shouldn’t be the reason to avoid biking the Little Miami Scenic Trail. So you may opt to start at Fifty West because where Fifty West Cycling has you covered with their bike rentals.
This means you are starting at a midpoint along the route. The good thing is Fifty West offers food which means you can end or start your ride with a meal.
It also allows you to start and end at the same spot, avoiding the issue of getting back to your car.
Starting here, you could easily bike South to Bad Tom and Streetside then back to Fifty West. Or go North to Little Miami and Narrow Path. Either way, you can visit a good portion of the breweries along the Little Miami Scenic Trail.
Map And Biking Times
To help you plan out your route, I’ve included the estimated biking time and miles between breweries as well as a map of the locations. Time and distance are rounded up.
Cellar Dwellar To Narrow Path Brewing – 1 Hour – 12 Miles
Narrow Path Brewing To Little Miami Brewing – 1 Hour – 10 Miles
Little Miami Brewing To Fifty West Brewing – 30 Minutes – 5 Miles
Fifty West Brewing To Bad Tom Brewing* – 30 Minutes – 5 Miles
Bad Tom Brewing To Streetside Brewery – 10 Minutes – 1.5 Miles
Cellar Dwellar To Streetside Brewery – 2 Hours 30 Minutes – 30 Miles
* From Fifty West to Bad Tom Smith / Streetside is for advanced/experienced riders. There are portions of the route that are not a marked bike lane or bike path.
Final Thoughts
Biking isn’t for everyone but the promise of great craft beer and food along the way is enough motivation for many to try something new.
The path is paved the entire way so it should be a nice ride – just be aware of my warning above of areas that are not marked bike lanes. And you can pick and choose a number of different routes to make it as short or long of a bike ride as you want.
As I noted earlier, it would be very dangerous to ride your bike while intoxicated so drink in moderation, hydrate and provide ample breaks along the way to ensure it is a safe experience.
I haven’t tried this yet but I know a few people that have and said it made for a great day. I’d love to hear some feedback on your experiences biking while enjoying craft beer.
