In many parts of the country, there is an intersection between bike culture and craft beer culture. While I’ve seen very few cyclists at NE Ohio Breweries, many are convenient to our bike trails. It can be fun to park at or near a local microbrew place, and then do an out-and-back ride. Or, if you are on a bike tour, pick one near your final destination for the day. Many of these businesses are closed from 2-4 days in the early part of the week so plan ahead. Drive and ride responsibly. Check the website for menu changes, hours, etc. before arriving. This information was gathered in March 2022.
Breweries by Trail on this Page:
The Portage Hike and Bike Trail
The Headwaters Trail
The Summit Bike and Hike Trail, North Branch
The Summit Bike and Hike Trail, South Branch
Ohio and Erie Canal Towpath Trail
Great-Ohio-Lake-To-River Greenway (North from Warren) = the Western Reserve Greenway
Great-Ohio-Lake-To-River Greenway (South from Niles)
The Portage Hike and Bike Trail
North Water Brewing Company
101 Crain Ave, Kent, OH 44240.
https://northwaterbrewing.com/
Distance from Trail: 0.2 miles via the “official” route. Or…
Food: Food trucks available some evenings. If you take a right after crossing the bike bridge across the Cuyahoga River, Little City Grill is only 0.1 miles ahead on the west side of the street. Just continue on the trail/sidewalk and cross Rt 43. There are many other local food options in th downtown area which is accessible by bike friendly stairs from the trail to the Main Street Bridge.
Directions: Approaching from the northwest, the brewery is located directly across the railroad tracks from the trail as it approaches the ramp to bike bridge across the Cuyahoga to Rt 43. The “official” access route will take you across that bridge, where you will take left turn and a slight right towards the road, and another left to continue on the sidewalk back across the Fairchild Avenue bridge. To avoid 4 lanes of bridge traffic and two busy intersections, stay on this north-side sidewalk, which is a legal option in Kent. Once across the bridge take another left on the sidewalk and you’ll arrive at “N. Water.” You may see a rather obvious 95% shorter route (50 feet) through a couple of holes in fences…just saying, not advising.
Parking: Behind the brewery.
Bike Racks: Yes, on the sidewalk near the patio. Or bring your bike to the patio.
Nearby Accommodations: Kent State Hotel and Conference Center. 0.7 miles. If you continue south on the Portage H&B Trail, it is 0.3 miles from the bike stairs at Main Street to the hotel. Expect some downtown riding.
Bell Tower Brewing Company
310 Park Ave, Kent, OH 44240
https://belltowerbrewing.com/
Distance from Trail: 0.1 to 0.3 miles
Food: Full menu.
Directions: If approaching from the north, continue over the bike bridge near North Water Street Brewing Company. Stay left to continue under the Fairchild Avenue bridge. From here there are two options to safely access Bell Tower: Option 1: about 0.2 miles after passing under Fairchild, make a hard right at a trail going uphill towards Rt 43. Use sidewalks to reach the brewery, as traffic is one-way in the wrong direction. Option 2: Completed in 2022, a set of bike-friendly stairs are available at the Main Street bridge. Take a right at the top and follow the road or sidewalk to the brewery.
Parking: There is limited parking at the brewery. Parallel street parking is available across Gougler Ave (43 Northbound). Evening parking is allowed at the businesses at the intersection Main St and Gougler (NW corner).
Bike Racks: Yes, and plenty of fencing around the patio to which you could chain a bike.
Nearby Accommodations: Kent State Hotel and Conference Center. ~0.3 to 0.5 miles. It is 0.3 miles from the bike stairs at Main Street to the hotel. Expect some downtown riding.
The Headwaters Trail
Garrett's Mill & Brewing Company
8148 Main St, Garrettsville, OH 44231
https://www.garrettsmillbrewing.com/
Distance from Trail: 0.2 miles
Food: full menu.
Directions: As you head into down from the west, make a left turn on Rt. 88 (South St.). Turn right on Freedom St. and bear left to cross the river gorge on the Rt. 82 bridge (Windham St.). Bear left onto Main St. and the brewery is on your left.
Parking: Diagonal parking is available on Main St., and there are other parking options on nearby streets and city lots (Maple St. Municipal lot, for example).
Bike Racks: Nope. There is a fenced patio area in front and various levels of decks overlooking Eagle Creek in the back.
Nearby Accommodations: There are a couple of BnB locations nearby.
The Summit Bike and Hike Trail, North Branch
Includes the Portage H&B Trail’s Franklin Connector. (Kent at Judson Rd. to Walton Hills at Alexander Rd.)
Hop Tree Brewing
1297 Hudson Gate Dr, Hudson, OH 44236
https://www.hoptreebrewing.com/
Distance from Trail: 0.4 miles
Food: Full menu.
Directions: If heading west, turn right on Hudson Dr. In less than ~0.2 miles take a right on Hudson Gate Dr., the entrance to a small industrial area.
Parking: Out front.
Nearby Accommodations: none. If you want to access a hotel and avoid any road riding to get there, there is a Hampton Inn on the south spur (diverges just east of Rt 8) about 6.5 miles away. You can exit the Trail at the Cleveland Clinic and ride through their lot to reach the motel. There are shorter routes using roads, and the Kent State University Hotel is another option to the east (several miles of roads to get there).
Bike Racks: Nope. Lots of fencing in the outside patio area that to which you can chair a bike, if you choose to sit there. Nothing visible from inside.
The Summit Bike and Hike Trail, South Branch
(Kent at Munroe Falls-Kent Rd to Silver Lake’s ball field and arboretum, or to Water Works Park)
Missing Mountain Brewing Company
2811 Front St, Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44221
https://www.missingmountain.com/
Distance from Trail: 0.8 miles, mostly on neighborhood streets.
Food: Sandwich menu.
Directions: From Water Works Park, there is a sidewalk connecting the dog park area to Ruth Ave. Turn right on Oak Park Blvd. The brewery is at the SW corner of Oak Park and Front St. Do not attempt to ride on Front St., a busy 4-lane road with no shoulder.
Parking: Often full. Alternate parking is behind Front Street Music, about 0.2 miles west of the brewery.
Bike Racks: Nope. But there are accessible gates to the huge patio areas.
Nearby Accommodations: none.
McArthur's Brew House (Nanobrewery)
2721 Front St, Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44221
https://mcarthursbrewhouse.com/
Distance from Trail: 1.1 miles, mostly via neighborhood streets.
Food: Snacks, flatbreads, etc.
Directions: From Water Works Park, there is a sidewalk connecting the dog park area to Ruth Ave. At the end of this road (0.6 mi), continue right (becomes Overbrook Rd), and immediately turn left on Owaisa Rd. This road again bends sharp right and continues. Turn left on Gaylord Grove Rd. Turn right onto Hudson Drive and consider using the sidewalk here (for 500 ft), as this is a 4-lane, busy road with no shoulder. The brewery is on the SE corner with Front St.
Parking: out front. Also, not far from alternate Missing Mountain Parking.
Bike Racks: Nope. Fencing around patio area.
Nearby Accommodations: none.
Ohio and Erie Canal Towpath Trail
Cleveland Breweries (details will be a future project)
Nine or ten options exist at the northern end of the Towpath Trail and its intersection with the Centennial Lake Link Trail and Redline Greenway. Numerous mapped bike routes also exist for local city streets near these businesses.
There are numerous hotel options in downtown Cleveland within 0.5 miles of the towpath, and there are designated bike lanes on some streets. Use extreme caution when choosing a route.
R. Shea Brewing - Merriman Valley (Note: don’t confuse this with the second location in downtown Akron)
1662 Merriman Rd, Akron, OH 44313
https://www.rsheabrewing.com/homepage/Merriman-Valley-Location-Akron.html?loc=mv
Distance from Trail: 300+ft, but across a busy street.
Food: large sandwich menu
Directions: Perhaps the safest way to cross Merriman Rd and Portage Path is to use the traffic lights and crosswalks at the intersection of those roads, near the railroad tracks.
Parking: somewhat limited, but there are options across the street. Visit Blimp City Bikes!
Bike Racks: yes - large, traditional rack out front.
Nearby Accommodations: none.
Lock 15 Brewing Company
21 West North Street Suite TL 1, 21 W North St, Akron, OH 44304
https://www.lock15brewing.com/
Distance from Trail: ~500 ft.
Food: full menu
Directions: There is a short path leading from the Mustill Store (historic structure) on the trail, the brewery parking lot.
Parking: lots are near entrance. There is also a trailhead lot on West North St. next door.
Bike Racks: Meh. Also have outdoor patio fencing.
Nearby Accommodations: The Courtyard by Marriott Akron Downtown is a few blocks away. Also visit Dirty River Bikes!
Missing Falls Brewery
540 S Main St suite 112, Akron, OH 44311 (Canal Place)
https://www.missingfalls.com/
Distance from Trail: 0.3 miles
Food: sandwich menu
Directions: Exit the trail into the Canal Place parking lots (5-6 options). From here cross or follow Falor St. heading south into another set of Canal Place lots. There is parking here for both Missing Falls Brewery and the second location for R. Shea Brewing.
Parking: tons.
Bike Racks: Nope. I have seen folks bring bikes inside.
Nearby Accommodations: The Courtyard by Marriott Akron Downtown is 2.1 miles away to the north by trail. Also visit Dirty River Bikes!
R. Shea Brewing - Canal Place Downtown (don’t confuse it with the Merriman Valley location)
540 S Main St Suite 214, Akron, OH 44311
https://www.rsheabrewing.com/homepage/Canal-Place-Location-Akron.html?loc=cp
Distance from Trail: 0.3 miles
Food: full menu
Directions: Exit the trail into the Canal Place parking lots (5-6 options). From here cross or follow Falor St. heading south into another set of Canal Place lots. There is parking here for both Missing Falls Brewery and the second location for R. Shea Brewing.
Parking: tons.
Bike Racks: Nope.
Nearby Accommodations: The Courtyard by Marriott Akron Downtown is 2.1 miles away to the north by trail. Also visit Dirty River Bikes!
Magic City Brewing Company
2727 Manchester Rd, Akron, OH 44319
http://www.magiccitybrewingcompany.com/
Distance from Trail: 0.1 miles
Food: “Cult Kitchen” operates inside the brewery. Tacos, sliders, flatbreads, etc.
Directions: From the Manchester Rd. Towpath Trailhead parking lot, you will need to carefully ride north on the shoulder of Manchester Rd. for about 200 ft. You can avoid crossing the street by using a rough path on the east side of Manchester Rd (go under the road to access it from the trailhead). Turn right onto Nesbitt Ave, which is an access road leading to the brewery parking lot.
Parking: plenty.
Bike Racks: Nope. Fencing around patio.
Nearby Accommodations: none.
Paradigm Shift Brewing
128 North Ave NE, Massillon, OH 44646
(330)880-0008 (website unsafe when checked 3/27/22)
Distance from Trail: 0.5 miles on city streets.
Food: a review reports flatbreads, salads, sandwiches & wraps
Directions: As you are heading south on the towpath, bear left and go up the ramp to Lincoln Way (172). Turn left on the sidewalk, then turn left on Tommy Henrich Dr NW. Immediately turn right on Federal Ave NW. Turn left onto Conrad Pl NE, then turn right onto North Ave NE. The brewery is in an old house on the left.
Parking: almost none.
Bike Racks: None. There is a designated outdoor area.
Nearby Accommodations: Hampton Inn Massillon, about 0.4 miles from Brewery.
Lockport Brewery
10748 Wilkshire Blvd NE, Bolivar, OH 44612
https://www.lockportbeer.com/
Distance from Trail: 0.7 miles
Food: full menu.
Directions: from Park Avenue SE (trail is on sidewalk), turn onto Rt 212 heading SE. Once you cross the river, jump onto the parallel bike lane. It bears right and continues along Wilkshire Blvd NE. Turn right at Edgebrook Rd NE and cross Wilkshire Blvd to enter the brewery parking lot.
Parking: plenty
Bike Racks: Nope. Fencing around deck area at rear (accessible by stairs from lot).
Nearby Accommodations: Sleep Inn (on Rt.212, 0.2 miles from the brewery, back toward the trail).
Great-Ohio-Lake-To-River Greenway (North from Warren)
a.k.a. the Western Reserve Greenway
Although usually designated on maps as the WRG, this segment also incorporates the Warren Greenway and the North Shore Trail in Ashtabula.
Cloven Hoof Brewing
1308 Bridge St, Ashtabula, OH 44004
http://clovenhoofbrewing.com/
Distance from Trail: 50 feet.
Food: snacks and meat/cheese plates.
Directions: Just a stone’s throw from the corner of W. 5th Street (Bridge St.) and Franklin Ave., which are part of the North Shore Trail’s road section in downtown.
Parking: yes, and also right next to a large city lot.
Bike Racks: Nope.
Nearby Accommodations: You may be limited to BnB options in town. There are numerous hotels at the intersection of I-90 and Rt. 45, 9-10 miles south of Ashtabula in Austinburg, near the trail. If arriving from Ashtabula, get off the Western Reserve Greenway at the Munson Hill Station Trailhead, 2401 Old Austinburg Rd, Ashtabula, OH 44004. Take Old Austinburg Rd. up to Austinburg Rd. and continue south. There are a couple of motels on this road and others nearby. If arriving from the south, jump off the WRG at Clay St. (the trail goes over the road but there is a ramp at the south side of the bridge). Turn right on an access road before reaching Rt. 45. At this writing, a new Fairfield Inn appears to be open there. If you continue up the road and go left on Sidley St., there is a Hampton directly across Rt. 45. Other options exist north of the interstate.
Modern Methods Brewing Company
125 David Grohl Alley, Warren, OH 44481 (yep, that Dave Grohl)
https://modernmethodsbrew.com/
Distance from Trail: 0.7 – 1.4 miles off a road section of the WRG
Food: Chips and a seasonal charcuterie box. Monthly supper club.
Directions: The 0.7-mile option is the shortest Google Maps bike route, but is a high traffic area. Personally, I’d be inclined to avoid the busy roads and take a 1.4-mile route using Fairfield St. NE (west) to Olive St. (South), then Washington St. NE (west) to Washington St. NW, and finally Mahoning Ave. NW (south) to Courthouse Square, near both the brewery and the nearby Best Western.
Parking: Street parking and a large parking garage just southwest of the brewery.
Bike Racks: Nope. And it’s a windowless structure. The "patio" area is actually in a tunnel-like alley, and it may be possible to keep an eye on bikes here if you partake outdoors. If you are staying overnight, leave your bikes at the nearby hotel and walk.
Nearby Accommodations: Best Western Park Hotel in Warren (2 blocks away).
Great-Ohio-Lake-To-River Greenway (South from Niles)
Includes the Niles Greenway, Mill Creek Metroparks Bikeway, Washingtonville Rd (unofficial but perfectly aligned), and the Little Beaver Creek Greenway.
Paladin Brewing
6520 Mahoning Ave Suite 300, Youngstown, OH 44515
https://www.paladinbrewing.com/
Distance from Trail: ~0.1 miles
Food: Sides, boards, flatbreads.
Directions: Just east of the trail on Mahoning Ave. Use the sidewalk on the north side of the road.
Parking: yes.
Bike Racks: traditional rack near entrance on Maple Dr. Patio area at rear of brewery.
Nearby Accommodations: There is a large concentration of motels at the junction of Rt 46 and I-80. Access them via Silica Rd, which intersects the trail about 1.6 miles north of the brewery. Then take Ohltown Rd. (left) going NW and connect to the motel complex by riding through the Humility House (retirement home) and InfoCision Management Corporation lots until you reach Patriot Blvd. This will provide direct access to a couple of hotels and others can be reached using extreme care. This hotel area is about 1.5 miles away from the trail.
Numbers Brewing Company
127 N Beaver St, Lisbon, OH 44432
https://www.numbersbrewco.com/
Distance from Trail: 0.6 miles
Food: sides, boards, flatbreads.
Directions: Exit the Little Beaver Creek Greenway at Maple St. Turn left at Beaver St. The brewery is on your left after crossing Rt. 30.
Parking: lot across the street
Bike Racks: Yes, and there is a well-fenced patio area.
Nearby Accommodations: Iffy option. There is a Days Inn near Rt. 11. It is 2.3 miles from the brewery, however most riding will be on Rt 154, the E. Lincoln Highway. This is a fast road with limited shoulders and I don’t recommend this option. Uber or lyft?
Breweries by Trail on this Page:
The Portage Hike and Bike Trail
The Headwaters Trail
The Summit Bike and Hike Trail, North Branch
The Summit Bike and Hike Trail, South Branch
Ohio and Erie Canal Towpath Trail
Great-Ohio-Lake-To-River Greenway (North from Warren) = the Western Reserve Greenway
Great-Ohio-Lake-To-River Greenway (South from Niles)
The Portage Hike and Bike Trail
North Water Brewing Company
101 Crain Ave, Kent, OH 44240.
https://northwaterbrewing.com/
Distance from Trail: 0.2 miles via the “official” route. Or…
Food: Food trucks available some evenings. If you take a right after crossing the bike bridge across the Cuyahoga River, Little City Grill is only 0.1 miles ahead on the west side of the street. Just continue on the trail/sidewalk and cross Rt 43. There are many other local food options in th downtown area which is accessible by bike friendly stairs from the trail to the Main Street Bridge.
Directions: Approaching from the northwest, the brewery is located directly across the railroad tracks from the trail as it approaches the ramp to bike bridge across the Cuyahoga to Rt 43. The “official” access route will take you across that bridge, where you will take left turn and a slight right towards the road, and another left to continue on the sidewalk back across the Fairchild Avenue bridge. To avoid 4 lanes of bridge traffic and two busy intersections, stay on this north-side sidewalk, which is a legal option in Kent. Once across the bridge take another left on the sidewalk and you’ll arrive at “N. Water.” You may see a rather obvious 95% shorter route (50 feet) through a couple of holes in fences…just saying, not advising.
Parking: Behind the brewery.
Bike Racks: Yes, on the sidewalk near the patio. Or bring your bike to the patio.
Nearby Accommodations: Kent State Hotel and Conference Center. 0.7 miles. If you continue south on the Portage H&B Trail, it is 0.3 miles from the bike stairs at Main Street to the hotel. Expect some downtown riding.
Bell Tower Brewing Company
310 Park Ave, Kent, OH 44240
https://belltowerbrewing.com/
Distance from Trail: 0.1 to 0.3 miles
Food: Full menu.
Directions: If approaching from the north, continue over the bike bridge near North Water Street Brewing Company. Stay left to continue under the Fairchild Avenue bridge. From here there are two options to safely access Bell Tower: Option 1: about 0.2 miles after passing under Fairchild, make a hard right at a trail going uphill towards Rt 43. Use sidewalks to reach the brewery, as traffic is one-way in the wrong direction. Option 2: Completed in 2022, a set of bike-friendly stairs are available at the Main Street bridge. Take a right at the top and follow the road or sidewalk to the brewery.
Parking: There is limited parking at the brewery. Parallel street parking is available across Gougler Ave (43 Northbound). Evening parking is allowed at the businesses at the intersection Main St and Gougler (NW corner).
Bike Racks: Yes, and plenty of fencing around the patio to which you could chain a bike.
Nearby Accommodations: Kent State Hotel and Conference Center. ~0.3 to 0.5 miles. It is 0.3 miles from the bike stairs at Main Street to the hotel. Expect some downtown riding.
The Headwaters Trail
Garrett's Mill & Brewing Company
8148 Main St, Garrettsville, OH 44231
https://www.garrettsmillbrewing.com/
Distance from Trail: 0.2 miles
Food: full menu.
Directions: As you head into down from the west, make a left turn on Rt. 88 (South St.). Turn right on Freedom St. and bear left to cross the river gorge on the Rt. 82 bridge (Windham St.). Bear left onto Main St. and the brewery is on your left.
Parking: Diagonal parking is available on Main St., and there are other parking options on nearby streets and city lots (Maple St. Municipal lot, for example).
Bike Racks: Nope. There is a fenced patio area in front and various levels of decks overlooking Eagle Creek in the back.
Nearby Accommodations: There are a couple of BnB locations nearby.
The Summit Bike and Hike Trail, North Branch
Includes the Portage H&B Trail’s Franklin Connector. (Kent at Judson Rd. to Walton Hills at Alexander Rd.)
Hop Tree Brewing
1297 Hudson Gate Dr, Hudson, OH 44236
https://www.hoptreebrewing.com/
Distance from Trail: 0.4 miles
Food: Full menu.
Directions: If heading west, turn right on Hudson Dr. In less than ~0.2 miles take a right on Hudson Gate Dr., the entrance to a small industrial area.
Parking: Out front.
Nearby Accommodations: none. If you want to access a hotel and avoid any road riding to get there, there is a Hampton Inn on the south spur (diverges just east of Rt 8) about 6.5 miles away. You can exit the Trail at the Cleveland Clinic and ride through their lot to reach the motel. There are shorter routes using roads, and the Kent State University Hotel is another option to the east (several miles of roads to get there).
Bike Racks: Nope. Lots of fencing in the outside patio area that to which you can chair a bike, if you choose to sit there. Nothing visible from inside.
The Summit Bike and Hike Trail, South Branch
(Kent at Munroe Falls-Kent Rd to Silver Lake’s ball field and arboretum, or to Water Works Park)
Missing Mountain Brewing Company
2811 Front St, Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44221
https://www.missingmountain.com/
Distance from Trail: 0.8 miles, mostly on neighborhood streets.
Food: Sandwich menu.
Directions: From Water Works Park, there is a sidewalk connecting the dog park area to Ruth Ave. Turn right on Oak Park Blvd. The brewery is at the SW corner of Oak Park and Front St. Do not attempt to ride on Front St., a busy 4-lane road with no shoulder.
Parking: Often full. Alternate parking is behind Front Street Music, about 0.2 miles west of the brewery.
Bike Racks: Nope. But there are accessible gates to the huge patio areas.
Nearby Accommodations: none.
McArthur's Brew House (Nanobrewery)
2721 Front St, Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44221
https://mcarthursbrewhouse.com/
Distance from Trail: 1.1 miles, mostly via neighborhood streets.
Food: Snacks, flatbreads, etc.
Directions: From Water Works Park, there is a sidewalk connecting the dog park area to Ruth Ave. At the end of this road (0.6 mi), continue right (becomes Overbrook Rd), and immediately turn left on Owaisa Rd. This road again bends sharp right and continues. Turn left on Gaylord Grove Rd. Turn right onto Hudson Drive and consider using the sidewalk here (for 500 ft), as this is a 4-lane, busy road with no shoulder. The brewery is on the SE corner with Front St.
Parking: out front. Also, not far from alternate Missing Mountain Parking.
Bike Racks: Nope. Fencing around patio area.
Nearby Accommodations: none.
Ohio and Erie Canal Towpath Trail
Cleveland Breweries (details will be a future project)
Nine or ten options exist at the northern end of the Towpath Trail and its intersection with the Centennial Lake Link Trail and Redline Greenway. Numerous mapped bike routes also exist for local city streets near these businesses.
There are numerous hotel options in downtown Cleveland within 0.5 miles of the towpath, and there are designated bike lanes on some streets. Use extreme caution when choosing a route.
R. Shea Brewing - Merriman Valley (Note: don’t confuse this with the second location in downtown Akron)
1662 Merriman Rd, Akron, OH 44313
https://www.rsheabrewing.com/homepage/Merriman-Valley-Location-Akron.html?loc=mv
Distance from Trail: 300+ft, but across a busy street.
Food: large sandwich menu
Directions: Perhaps the safest way to cross Merriman Rd and Portage Path is to use the traffic lights and crosswalks at the intersection of those roads, near the railroad tracks.
Parking: somewhat limited, but there are options across the street. Visit Blimp City Bikes!
Bike Racks: yes - large, traditional rack out front.
Nearby Accommodations: none.
Lock 15 Brewing Company
21 West North Street Suite TL 1, 21 W North St, Akron, OH 44304
https://www.lock15brewing.com/
Distance from Trail: ~500 ft.
Food: full menu
Directions: There is a short path leading from the Mustill Store (historic structure) on the trail, the brewery parking lot.
Parking: lots are near entrance. There is also a trailhead lot on West North St. next door.
Bike Racks: Meh. Also have outdoor patio fencing.
Nearby Accommodations: The Courtyard by Marriott Akron Downtown is a few blocks away. Also visit Dirty River Bikes!
Missing Falls Brewery
540 S Main St suite 112, Akron, OH 44311 (Canal Place)
https://www.missingfalls.com/
Distance from Trail: 0.3 miles
Food: sandwich menu
Directions: Exit the trail into the Canal Place parking lots (5-6 options). From here cross or follow Falor St. heading south into another set of Canal Place lots. There is parking here for both Missing Falls Brewery and the second location for R. Shea Brewing.
Parking: tons.
Bike Racks: Nope. I have seen folks bring bikes inside.
Nearby Accommodations: The Courtyard by Marriott Akron Downtown is 2.1 miles away to the north by trail. Also visit Dirty River Bikes!
R. Shea Brewing - Canal Place Downtown (don’t confuse it with the Merriman Valley location)
540 S Main St Suite 214, Akron, OH 44311
https://www.rsheabrewing.com/homepage/Canal-Place-Location-Akron.html?loc=cp
Distance from Trail: 0.3 miles
Food: full menu
Directions: Exit the trail into the Canal Place parking lots (5-6 options). From here cross or follow Falor St. heading south into another set of Canal Place lots. There is parking here for both Missing Falls Brewery and the second location for R. Shea Brewing.
Parking: tons.
Bike Racks: Nope.
Nearby Accommodations: The Courtyard by Marriott Akron Downtown is 2.1 miles away to the north by trail. Also visit Dirty River Bikes!
Magic City Brewing Company
2727 Manchester Rd, Akron, OH 44319
http://www.magiccitybrewingcompany.com/
Distance from Trail: 0.1 miles
Food: “Cult Kitchen” operates inside the brewery. Tacos, sliders, flatbreads, etc.
Directions: From the Manchester Rd. Towpath Trailhead parking lot, you will need to carefully ride north on the shoulder of Manchester Rd. for about 200 ft. You can avoid crossing the street by using a rough path on the east side of Manchester Rd (go under the road to access it from the trailhead). Turn right onto Nesbitt Ave, which is an access road leading to the brewery parking lot.
Parking: plenty.
Bike Racks: Nope. Fencing around patio.
Nearby Accommodations: none.
Paradigm Shift Brewing
128 North Ave NE, Massillon, OH 44646
(330)880-0008 (website unsafe when checked 3/27/22)
Distance from Trail: 0.5 miles on city streets.
Food: a review reports flatbreads, salads, sandwiches & wraps
Directions: As you are heading south on the towpath, bear left and go up the ramp to Lincoln Way (172). Turn left on the sidewalk, then turn left on Tommy Henrich Dr NW. Immediately turn right on Federal Ave NW. Turn left onto Conrad Pl NE, then turn right onto North Ave NE. The brewery is in an old house on the left.
Parking: almost none.
Bike Racks: None. There is a designated outdoor area.
Nearby Accommodations: Hampton Inn Massillon, about 0.4 miles from Brewery.
Lockport Brewery
10748 Wilkshire Blvd NE, Bolivar, OH 44612
https://www.lockportbeer.com/
Distance from Trail: 0.7 miles
Food: full menu.
Directions: from Park Avenue SE (trail is on sidewalk), turn onto Rt 212 heading SE. Once you cross the river, jump onto the parallel bike lane. It bears right and continues along Wilkshire Blvd NE. Turn right at Edgebrook Rd NE and cross Wilkshire Blvd to enter the brewery parking lot.
Parking: plenty
Bike Racks: Nope. Fencing around deck area at rear (accessible by stairs from lot).
Nearby Accommodations: Sleep Inn (on Rt.212, 0.2 miles from the brewery, back toward the trail).
Great-Ohio-Lake-To-River Greenway (North from Warren)
a.k.a. the Western Reserve Greenway
Although usually designated on maps as the WRG, this segment also incorporates the Warren Greenway and the North Shore Trail in Ashtabula.
Cloven Hoof Brewing
1308 Bridge St, Ashtabula, OH 44004
http://clovenhoofbrewing.com/
Distance from Trail: 50 feet.
Food: snacks and meat/cheese plates.
Directions: Just a stone’s throw from the corner of W. 5th Street (Bridge St.) and Franklin Ave., which are part of the North Shore Trail’s road section in downtown.
Parking: yes, and also right next to a large city lot.
Bike Racks: Nope.
Nearby Accommodations: You may be limited to BnB options in town. There are numerous hotels at the intersection of I-90 and Rt. 45, 9-10 miles south of Ashtabula in Austinburg, near the trail. If arriving from Ashtabula, get off the Western Reserve Greenway at the Munson Hill Station Trailhead, 2401 Old Austinburg Rd, Ashtabula, OH 44004. Take Old Austinburg Rd. up to Austinburg Rd. and continue south. There are a couple of motels on this road and others nearby. If arriving from the south, jump off the WRG at Clay St. (the trail goes over the road but there is a ramp at the south side of the bridge). Turn right on an access road before reaching Rt. 45. At this writing, a new Fairfield Inn appears to be open there. If you continue up the road and go left on Sidley St., there is a Hampton directly across Rt. 45. Other options exist north of the interstate.
Modern Methods Brewing Company
125 David Grohl Alley, Warren, OH 44481 (yep, that Dave Grohl)
https://modernmethodsbrew.com/
Distance from Trail: 0.7 – 1.4 miles off a road section of the WRG
Food: Chips and a seasonal charcuterie box. Monthly supper club.
Directions: The 0.7-mile option is the shortest Google Maps bike route, but is a high traffic area. Personally, I’d be inclined to avoid the busy roads and take a 1.4-mile route using Fairfield St. NE (west) to Olive St. (South), then Washington St. NE (west) to Washington St. NW, and finally Mahoning Ave. NW (south) to Courthouse Square, near both the brewery and the nearby Best Western.
Parking: Street parking and a large parking garage just southwest of the brewery.
Bike Racks: Nope. And it’s a windowless structure. The "patio" area is actually in a tunnel-like alley, and it may be possible to keep an eye on bikes here if you partake outdoors. If you are staying overnight, leave your bikes at the nearby hotel and walk.
Nearby Accommodations: Best Western Park Hotel in Warren (2 blocks away).
Great-Ohio-Lake-To-River Greenway (South from Niles)
Includes the Niles Greenway, Mill Creek Metroparks Bikeway, Washingtonville Rd (unofficial but perfectly aligned), and the Little Beaver Creek Greenway.
Paladin Brewing
6520 Mahoning Ave Suite 300, Youngstown, OH 44515
https://www.paladinbrewing.com/
Distance from Trail: ~0.1 miles
Food: Sides, boards, flatbreads.
Directions: Just east of the trail on Mahoning Ave. Use the sidewalk on the north side of the road.
Parking: yes.
Bike Racks: traditional rack near entrance on Maple Dr. Patio area at rear of brewery.
Nearby Accommodations: There is a large concentration of motels at the junction of Rt 46 and I-80. Access them via Silica Rd, which intersects the trail about 1.6 miles north of the brewery. Then take Ohltown Rd. (left) going NW and connect to the motel complex by riding through the Humility House (retirement home) and InfoCision Management Corporation lots until you reach Patriot Blvd. This will provide direct access to a couple of hotels and others can be reached using extreme care. This hotel area is about 1.5 miles away from the trail.
Numbers Brewing Company
127 N Beaver St, Lisbon, OH 44432
https://www.numbersbrewco.com/
Distance from Trail: 0.6 miles
Food: sides, boards, flatbreads.
Directions: Exit the Little Beaver Creek Greenway at Maple St. Turn left at Beaver St. The brewery is on your left after crossing Rt. 30.
Parking: lot across the street
Bike Racks: Yes, and there is a well-fenced patio area.
Nearby Accommodations: Iffy option. There is a Days Inn near Rt. 11. It is 2.3 miles from the brewery, however most riding will be on Rt 154, the E. Lincoln Highway. This is a fast road with limited shoulders and I don’t recommend this option. Uber or lyft?
