Clear Creek State Forest & Trails to Ales

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Franklin, PA

Travel north of Pittsburgh to the Kennerdell Tract of Clear Creek State Forest to tackle this beautiful loop on a ridge over the Allegheny River. The hike features towering hemlock trees, a stunning overlook, and stream cascades, all of which make it a great hike to tackle during the winter season. Afterward, venture to the town of Franklin to grab a brew and a bite at Trails to Ales. With a cozy taproom and delicious food, you’re sure to stay a while!

THE HIKE: Allegheny Gorge and Dennison Overlook

Length: 4.5 miles
Elevation Gain: 650 ft
Difficulty: Moderate
Time: 2-2.5 hours
Trail use: Hiking, leashed pets

This trail crosses into state gamelands so please be aware and wear hunter orange during all hunting seasons. Check out this post for more information about hiking safety during hunting season.

Where to Park: 41.26884167688875, -79.87212916994663. Park at the end of Dewoody Road in Polk, PA. There’s a large dirt parking area that may be difficult for small, 2-wheel-drive vehicles to traverse. Avoid parking on Kennerdell Road in the small pull-off where parking may not be allowed.

View from the Dennison Point Overlook

The Route: This route winds through dense forests, following a charming stream. There are several bridge crossings over the stream and a steep climb to an overlook of the Allegheny River. This route traverses the Kennerdell Tract of Clear Creek State Forest.

From the parking lot on Dewoody Road, cross back over Dewoody Road and start down the access road. Be aware that this section is part of State Gamelands 39. After about 1/4 mile, turn left to get on the Kennerdell Trail which is labeled with a trail sign and marked with yellow blazes. At about 1 mile, you’ll reach a trail junction. Bear to the left to get on Dennison Run Trail which is also marked with yellow blazes. This trail meanders slowly downhill alongside a trickling stream that gently cascades over moss-covered rocks. The surrounding hemlock trees make for a beautiful green expanse at all times of the year.

After just under a mile, you’ll reach the bottom of the hill where the stream meets up with Dennison Run. To the left is Goat Trail, which links up to a whole system of shared-use trails (biking, horseback riding, and hiking) as well as a roughly 10-ft unnamed waterfall that is stunning in the winter. To continue on the route, bear to the right to stay on Dennison Run Trail. From here, the trail is mostly flat, using rustic suspension bridges to frequently cross over the stream. After 0.5 miles, take the right Overlook Trail to head up the hill. This is the hardest climb of the hike, and where the bulk of the elevation gain is! You’re rewarded for your effort by reaching the Dennison Point Overlook, a soaring vista of the Allegheny River and the below town of Kennerdell.

After taking in the majestic views, turn to the left on the Overlook Trail to continue the loop. This section of the trail is flat and easy to traverse. After 0.5 miles, you’ll meet back up with the Kennerdell Trail. It will briefly skirt around a campground before returning to the same trail junction from the beginning of your hike. Now you just retrace your steps along the trail to the access road and finally back to the parking area.

Other Attractions: Drive to the nearby Kennerdell Overlook for a stunning view across the Allegheny River Gorge. There’s also the 29-mile Allegheny River Trail, a rail trail that runs through the over 3,000 ft long Kennerdell Tunnel

View from the Kennerdell Overlook, a short drive from the trailhead

THE BEER: Trails to Ales Brewery

Address: 1270 Liberty St, Franklin, PA 16323
Distance from Trail Head: 12 miles, 22 mins 
Website: https://trailstoalesbrewery.com/
Food?: Full Menu
Details: Parking lot, NA options, indoor seating only, no pets, kids food menu

Tucked onto the main drag of “Always Eventful” Franklin, PA is Trails to Ales Brewery. The bar & grill opened in 2017 and, since then, has been a gathering place for locals and visitors alike. Franklin itself is a small, historic town, and that is clearly reflected in the Trails to Ales taproom. The exposed brick and tin ceiling harken to a prior era, while the rustic wooden bar creates a warmth and coziness. The Liberty Avenue taproom has a wide range of brews, including year-round favorites and seasonal specialties. They also have house-made hard seltzers and stock some canned NA beers.

After a day of hiking, the extensive food menu is sure to have something of interest. From pub appetizers to pizza to hot stone steak, you won’t be leaving hungry! If you’re looking for a unique experience, check out Trails to Ales II, the brewery’s newest location that also houses its production facility. The huge warehouse-style space is open on most weekends and has a large outdoor space, self-service taps, and live music. I only visited the original taproom, but would definitely check out the new location on my next visit!

As evidenced by the brewery’s name, the business is a love letter to the great outdoors of Venango County. In fact, a percentage of the sales from their flagship beer, Holden’s Dream (a steam beer) goes to support the Allegheny Valley Trails Association. I love it when a brewery is passionate about their local trails!

Our Beer:

  • Allegheny River Fog – NEIPA – 5.8%
  • Mud Puppy Stour – Milk Chocolate Stout – 5.5%

Looking for more Hikes & Hops in Northwestern PA? Check out Erie Bluffs & Twisted Elk, Beartown Rocks & Mechanistic Brewing, Cook Forest & Lost in the Wilds Brewing, or Wolf Creek Narrows & Big Rail Brewing.

Looking for more adventures in Pennsylvania and beyond? Check out my new book: Beer Hiking Pennsylvania and New Jersey

Hiking During Hunting Season: Safety Tips

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Our public lands are utilized for a wide range of outdoor sports and activities. One of the most popular fall activities here in Pennsylvania is hunting. Because many public lands are shared-use areas, it’s important to know how to respectfully share the woods and be safe during this time of year. These tips are not intended to be comprehensive of all hunting regulations, so please visit the PA Game Commission’s website for details on hunting seasons.

Disclaimer: The dates and regulations shared here are specific to Pennsylvania. Be sure to check your local hunting regulations for specifics. Regulations may change year to year, so please do your research!

I am not a hunter, but I do support everyone’s right to recreate on our public lands! I enjoy hiking all year round, and that often means getting outside when hunters are also out in the woods. Here are some ways you can still get out on the trails while being respectful of other park-users and staying safe. Remember that hunters are strong advocates for public lands and are our allies in conservation!

Hunting supports wildlife conservation

The Pennsylvania Game Commission’s mission is to manage and protect wildlife and their habitats. The revenue generated from hunting and fishing licenses goes right back into land and habitat conservation. Sometimes people think that hunters and hikers are at odds, but I see us as partners in our love of the great outdoors!

Hunters Wear Orange and So Should You!

One of the best ways to stay safe on the trails is to wear fluorescent orange, also called blaze orange. This is a highly visible color and alerts others to your presence. In fact, in Pennsylvania, from November 16 to December 16, everyone recreating on State Gamelands must wear 250 square inches of blaze orange that can be seen on all sides. However, it’s a good idea to wear orange throughout the entire hunting season, wherever you are hiking. I like to wear an orange hoodie or a high-visibility vest! Make sure that you have orange for your pets too, and keep them leashed at all times.

Another good idea is to wear a bell or something that will make noise to alert nearby hunters to your presence. I also like to hike with friends, so the chatter keeps us from accidentally sneaking up on someone!

Tip: leave an orange vest in your car so that it’s always ready if you need it!

Consider Hiking in Other Locations

I never hike in State Gamelands during hiking season. There are so many other options for hikers, while hunters are restricted to those specific areas. So, it’s a good idea to leave the game lands to them.

Of Pennsylvania’s 124 state parks, 100 allow hunting in specific areas. I usually try to stick to the non-hunting areas when possible! Typically, hunting is not allowed in state parks on Sundays except on November 16, 23, and 30 for 2025. There are also lots of county and local parks that don’t allow hunting at all. These are great options for hiking during hunting season. Please note that some local parks have active deer management programs that may include archery. Always check the current regulations before heading out.

Looking for parks in Western PA that don’t allow hunting? Check out the Nine Allegheny County Parks, Dead Man’s Hollow, Boyce Mayview Park, Montour Woods Conservation Area, Riverview Park, and Duff Park

Don’t Hike at Dawn or Dusk

Wildlife is most active first thing in the morning and in the evening. So that’s when the hunters are out! Try to avoid hiking at this time when visibility is low.

Hunting Seasons Vary…

…but it’s your responsibility to stay informed! The most dangerous period is during firearm season. Regular firearm season for deer runs from November 30-December 16, 2025, in Pennsylvania. These dates may vary year to year! There are also special seasons for archery, small game, trapping, and more.

Clear Creek State Forest & Trails to Ales

Franklin, PA Travel north of Pittsburgh to the Kennerdell Tract of Clear Creek State Forest to tackle this beautiful loop on a ridge over the Allegheny River. The hike features towering hemlock trees, a stunning overlook, and stream cascades, all of which make it a great hike to tackle during the winter season. Afterward, venture…

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Hiking During Hunting Season: Safety Tips

In Pennsylvania, it’s crucial for outdoor enthusiasts to respect shared public lands during hunting season. Wearing blaze orange, hiking in non-hunting areas, and staying informed on regulations enhance safety for all users.

hikesandhopsblog's avatar by hikesandhopsblog

The Nine Allegheny County Parks

Allegheny County features nine regional parks encompassing over 12,000 acres of recreational land, offering various activities such as hiking, wave pools, and sporting fields. The parks are maintained by the county and supported by the Allegheny County Parks Foundation.

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The Nine Allegheny County Parks

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Did you know that here in Allegheny County, PA there are nine amazing regional parks? These parks are completely free and offer over 12,000 acres of recreational land managed by the county. From wave pools to amphitheaters, hiking trails to working farms, there’s so much to explore in your Allegheny County Parks.

I’ve visited each of the parks and will be updating this page with information about my favorite trails and recreation areas at each of them. While the parks are maintained by the County, the Allegheny County Parks Foundation does the heavy lifting, behind-the-scenes work to support these vital green spaces. To learn more about them and to support your parks, visit their website.

Settler’s Cabin

Location: 608 Ridge Rd, Pittsburgh, PA 15205

Highlights: Hiking trails, waterfall, wave pool, pavilions, dog park, dek hockey field, playgrounds, connector trail to the Panhandle rail trail

Featured Trail: Park at Tomahawk shelter to access the Waterfall Trail! You’ll start on the Blue Trail, leading through a dense pine grove. Stay on Blue until it connects with the Green trail heading down a hillside. At the bottom of the hill is the roughly 5-ft tall waterfall. You can continue on the Green trail away from the waterfall along the stream and it will eventually meet up with the Red Trail. This loop back to connect with the Blue Trail, making a pleasant 2.5ish mile loop.

Check out Settler’s Cabin & Altered Genius Trailside

Round Hill

Location: 651 Round Hill Rd, Elizabeth, PA 15037

Highlights: Exhibition farm with tours, spray park, playgrounds, hiking trails,

Featured Trail: The Red Trail leads through open meadows and alongside a wooded creek. You can begin the trail at the Harmony House shelter or take the Yellow Trail from the main parking lot by the duck pond to connect to the Red Trail. At times the trail can be difficult to follow so it’s best to have a map handy! Make sure to add on a walk through the farm to see the animals at the end!

South Park

Location: 3730 Buffalo Dr, South Park Township, PA 15129

Highlights: Game preserve, wave pool, ice rink, hiking trails, sports fields, dog park, Oliver Miller Homestead, South Park Theatre (free concerts!), playgrounds, golf course, connector trail to Montour rail trail

Featured Trail: Park at the Oliver Miller Homestead and Cascades lot to hike the Vale of Cashmere Trail. To begin, cross over East Park Drive towards Grant Grove shelter. To your right, the trail begins in a small meadow. This narrow trail eventually heads into the woods along a small stream. Eventually you’ll find the Vale of Cashmere, a 100-year-old water feature from when the park was first created. Past the feature, you can pick up the Buffalo Ridge Trail and keep making right turns along it to make your way back to the Oliver Miller Homestead. Make sure to stop at the Cascades to see a modern-day version of a water feature!

Check out South Park & Spoonwood Brewing

White Oak Park

Location: 3 Muse Ln, White Oak, PA 15131

Highlights: Ballfields, hiking trails, wildflowers, dog park, playgrounds

Featured Trail: Park at the Wedding Garden off Sylvan Drive to get on the Green Trail. Some maps call this the Pet Haven Trail or Rainbow Trail. You’ll follow the Green blazes for a roughly 2.5 mile loop of the west section of the park. The trail is sometimes difficult to see, so follow your route on the Allegheny County Parks app or AllTrails. This is a great trail for solitude and has an abundance of both spring and fall wildflowers!

Check out White Oak Park & Wye Beer Co.

North Park

Location: 303 Pearce Mill Rd, Allison Park, PA 15101

Highlights: Huge pool, lake with boating, kayak rentals, and fishing, hiking trails, ballfields, nature center, golf course, ice rink

Featured Trail: The Rachel Carson Trail runs through North Park and is, in my opinion, one of the prettiest sections of the long-distance trail. Start at the Harmar Pavilion and head to the right on the yellow-blazed trail for some steep hills, fun rock scrambles, and several creek crossings.

Check out North Park & Cinderlands Taproom

Deer Lakes Park

Location: 1090 Baileys Run Rd, Tarentum, PA 15084

Highlights: Hiking Trails, spray park, Wagman Observatory, disc golf, ballfields, fishing

Featured Trail: Check out the featured trails on the Allegheny County Park Foundation’s webpage! I visited this park as part of a trail running day where we did sections of all the trails in the park for a large 10 mile loop. The trails were wooded and we hardly saw another person! In the summer, be sure to end your hike at the spray park to cool off!

Boyce Park

Location: 675 Old Frankstown Rd, Pittsburgh, PA 15239

Highlights: Wave pool, winter sports (skiing, snowboarding, tubing), hiking trails, sports fields, hiking trails, pavilions, dog park

Features Trail: Yellow Trail (also called Log House Trail). Park at the Carpenter Log House off of Pierson Run Road. Follow the Yellow blazes into the woods for a 1.2-mile trek that leads through open fields and wooded trail. Excellent for fall colors!

Harrison Hills Park

Location: 5200 Freeport Rd, Natrona Heights, PA 15065

Highlights: Hiking trails (including river vistas), nature center, dog park, ballfields, playgrounds,

Featured Trail: The 5-mile Red Trail leads you through a loop of the highlights of this park. You’ll pass through a rocky gorge, wetlands with a bird blind for wildlife viewing, and the stunning overlook above the Allegheny River. The trail is challenging but well worth it! There are several places to park to start the trail but I parked at the lot near Cottontail and Chipmunk Drives.

Hartwood Acres Park

Location: 200 Hartwood Acres, Pittsburgh, PA 15238

Highlights: Sculpture garden, Mansion tours and special programs, hiking trails, amphitheatre (free concerts!), dog park

Featured Trail: The Paved Trail is an accessible path that winds through the heart of the park. It passes by the Mansion area, allowing hikers to add on a stroll through the Sculpture Garden to their excursion. Following the path leads towards the Amphitheatre, where one can also see the wildflower meadow (note the mown paths here are not wheelchair-friendly).

Check out 10 Things to do at Hartwood Acres Park

Top 10 Activities at Hartwood Acres Park

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Hartwood Acres is one of nine county parks managed by Allegheny County. Located north of Pittsburgh, the 630-acre estate spans Hampton and Indiana counties. Best known for its Tudor-revival 1929 mansion, the park also boasts miles of multi-purpose trails, an amphitheater, formal gardens, and a dog park.

Keep reading for some ideas on how to spend a day at this beautiful park!

Quick Tips about Visiting

Location: From Pittsburgh, head North on Route 28, then take Exit 5B for PA 8N. Make a right onto Saxonburg Road and continue for 4.5 miles. The entrance road to the park will be on your left.

Parking: 4100 Middle Rd, Allison Park, PA 15101 (Amphitheatre)
200 Hartwood Acres, Pittsburgh, PA 15238 (Mansion)

Free to visit!

History of Hartwood Acres

Hartwood Acres was formerly the estate of the philanthropic Lawrence family. Mary Lawrence, the daughter of a U.S. Senator, purchased the land for her home. She and her husband were inspired by the Tudor homes of Oxfordshire and built Hartwood Manor in 1929. The estate also included horse stables, an equestrian showcase area, and wooded riding trails. Mary sold 400 acres of her estate to Allegheny County in 1969 with the understanding that Mary could remain living in the manor until her death. The park opened to the public in 1976.

10 Things to Do at Hartwood Acres

Tour the Sculpture Garden

In the grounds surrounding the mansion are 14 large-scale abstract sculptures. This public art collection was recently revitalized and connected by a paved path. There’s also new signage about the pieces and the artists, as well as a QR code to listen to an audio tour. This is a totally free activity and is completely self-paced. Great for hikers and art-lovers alike!

Free summer concerts at the Amphitheater

Every summer from June to August, there are free concerts at the Amphitheatre on Sundays. Bring a blanket, chair and a picnic and enjoy the sounds of a variety of music from the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra to internationally known artists. Hozier even played a show here! There are also food trucks, beer, and wine tents to enjoy. The shows start at 7:30pm and you can find the full schedule here. Please remember to dispose of all trash after the show!

Go for a hike

There are miles of trails that weave throughout the wooded park. The trail markers aren’t always the most intuitive, so download a trail map or get the Allegheny County Park app to plan your route. Most trails start at either the Amphitheater or the Mansion. If you’re looking for a stroller or wheelchair accessible trail, both the Middle Road Trail (1.5 miles, Amphitheatre parking lot) and the Sculpture Garden Paths (0.5 miles, Mansion parking) are ADA-Accessible. There are also miles of natural trails that are shared usage (mountain bikes, hiking, horseback riding) so make sure to be aware and know when to yield to other trail users.

The Purple Trail (beginning across the street from the Mansion) is a great 2.25-mile hike through the peaceful woods of Hartwood Acres. You’ll stroll along a hillside of tall trees, getting some elevation and enjoying shade throughout. The hike takes about an hour and it offers plenty of chances to connect with other trails in the park. For a large loop of the entire park, follow this route from AllTrails.

Tour the historic mansion ($)

The Tudor-revival mansion is the heart of the park. Built in 1929, the mansion is open daily for tours of the building. You can learn more about the architecture and the family that once lived there. There is a fee for the tour and it’s best to call to make reservations. The grounds and gardens surrounding the mansion are free to walk around. The mansion hosts special tours during the holidays, including an evening candlelight tour.

Explore the wildflower meadow

Planted in 2019, the wildflower meadow used to be a mown lawn near the concert grounds. Now the 5-acre field is a pollinator’s dream, full of native flowers and grasses. The colorful array is not only beautiful to see but also provides ecological benefits like stormwater management and animal habitat. Find the meadow off Middle Road near the Amphitheatre.

Bike along the paths

Biking is welcome along the many trails at the park! Whether you want to stick to paved ways like the various park roads or the Middle Road Trail, or want to get adventurous by mountain biking on the natural trails, there are miles for you to explore. The natural trails range from easy to intermediate and offer some elevation changes and technical challenges. Just remember that the trails are multi-use so know when to yield to hikers and horses. Check out Trail Pittsburgh for more info about mountain biking in Hartwood Acres.

Enjoy a picnic

There’s nothing like dining al fresco! Especially when it’s as simple as throwing a blanket in a shady spot and unpacking a quick bite. Whether its just a quick snack or a full meal spread, there’s plenty of spots around the park to spread out and relax. Just be sure to always Leave No Trace and dispose of your trash properly! If you don’t feel like packing a lunch, consider grabbing a snack at one of the local coffee shops or cafes for your picnic!

Run wild at the dog park

Dogs are welcome on all the trails at the park but must remain leashed. The dog park is the one place where your beloved mutt can run free! The off-leash area is fenced in and has separate sections for large and small dogs. It’s a popular spot to end a walk in the woods with your pup and let them burn off some energy.

Winter fun

The fun doesn’t stop when the weather cools off! The trails at Hartwood Acres are also open for cross-country skiing in the winter. Lace up your boots, wax your skis, and enjoy the snow-covered views! Please note that there are no ski rentals available at the park.

Special Events ($)

Throughout the year, you can attend special events at the Hartwood Acres Mansion, including holiday candlelit tours and high tea. Keep an eye out on the Allegheny Parks social media for updates about special events. Make sure to book your tickets early, as these events are very popular! Keep up to date on daily programming and special events here.

Explore the other county parks! Check out some Hikes & Hops Settler’s Cabin & Altered Genius Trailside, North Park & Cinderlands Taproom, White Oak Park & Wye Beer Co, and South Park & Spoonwood.

Schenley Park & Monday’s Brewing (Greenfield)

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Pittsburgh, PA

We’re lucky to have a number of beautiful parks here in Pittsburgh! Schenley Park is one of my favorites because it has miles of wooded trails and stunning century-old stone bridges. It’s the perfect spot for hiking, running, relaxing, and a bunch of other outdoor activities. Plus, after soaking up nature, you can head right across the Greenfield Bridge to grab a pint and a bite to eat at Monday’s Brewing (yup, it’s open every Monday!)

THE HIKE: Schenley Park Loop

Length: 4.3 miles
Elevation Gain: 400 ft
Difficulty: Moderate
Time: 1.5-2 hours
Trail use: Hiking, biking, running

Where to Park: There’s plenty of street parking around Schenley Park. If you want to follow these trail directions, park along the road on Overlook Drive, which is free. Other places to park where you can pick up the trail are free parking at the Anderson Playground (the Dino Playground), or paid street parking by the Schenley Visitors Center. All of these locations have either a porta-potty or a full bathroom (Schenley Park Visitors Center).

The Route: There are miles of interweaving trails through Schenley, so you can easily do a short loop or extend for a much longer outing. This is one of my go-to loops that incorporates both the narrow wooded trails and the wider bridle trails and passes some of Schenley Park’s iconic features.

Start off on the Bridle Trail just off of Greenfield Road. Follow this wide trail as it curves around the cliffside overlooking the Parkway. This is a popular trail and you’ll likely be sharing the way with runners, cyclists, and other groups. After following downhill for about 0.8 miles, you’ll encounter the first historic bridge of your hike. This bridge, along with several others in the park, was built in the 1930s by the Works Progress Administration during the Great Depression. At one mile into your trek, you’ll reach a trail junction. To the right is the swimming pool. Stay to the left, getting onto the Upper Panther Hollow Trail and passing under a bridge. After popping up on the other side of the bridge underpass, the Anderson playground will be to your right, along with a water fountain and a porta-potty.

Continue along the Upper Panther Hollow Trail, another very wide path, as it passes under another bridge and follows along the curve of a hillside. At 1.8 miles, take a narrow path to the left as it leads down into the hollow. To the right is one of the stunning 1908 historic bridges that are iconic to the park. Continue straight, up the hillside and over another wide path. To the left is a large rock, whimsically painted like a sitting bird. Continue straight ahead onto a cobblestone slope, now getting on the Steve Falconi Trail. Continue along this single-track trail. This natural path is less busy than previous trails but is also more rustic. At 2.7 miles, the trail lets out beside a pavilion and West Circuit Road. Straight ahead is the historic Westinghouse Memorial Fountain. Continue along the road briefly, rounding the bend to the left to walk along the sidewalk along Schenley Drive. After 0.1 mile, the quaint building to your left is the Schenley Park Visitor’s Center. This is a great spot to grab a bite to eat, learn more about the park, or just use the restroom.

To continue your route, follow the cobblestone path behind the building back down into the park. Take the stone stairs that descend into the woods. In the early spring, these stairs are surrounded by bluebells. Cross over the Lower Panther Hollow Trail and keep heading down the stairs. To your right is the other of the stunning 1908 bridges. At the bottom of the stairs, turn right onto the unnamed trail and follow through some wetlands and a small pond. In several hundred feet, the trail opens up onto the Panther Hollow Lake, a popular spot for fishing and relaxing. Follow the trail as it circumnavigates the lake. Now on the Hollow Run Trail, bear slightly right to continue away from the lake and along a small stream. At 3.6 miles, the trail curves up and reaches a junction. Turn right to get on the narrow path that leads along the stream. On maps, this is also called the Hollow Run Trail, but in person, it has a sign for the Ponticulus Trail. This is an incredibly beautiful trail that meanders along the stream deep in the hollow and is less busy than the rest of the park. It’s a great place for seeing wildflowers and amphibians. Finally, the trail ends in stairs that lead up to Barlett Street. Turn right and follow along Bartlett Street for 0.2 miles to complete your loop.

This is just one of the many route options in the park!

Other Attractions: Schenley Park has a lot to offer! Some other spots that may interest you outside of hiking are the very cool and newly renovated Anderson Playground, the ever-popular disc golf course, numerous picnic pavilions, sporting fields, a swimming pool, and more! Just outside of the park are the stunning Phipps Conservatory, which has a free outdoor garden to walk through, and the Bob O’Connor Golf Course, an affordable 9-hole course open to all.

THE BEER: Mondays Brewing Taproom (Greenfield)

Address: 563 Greenfield Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15207
Distance from Trail Head: 0.6 miles, 2 mins 
Website: https://mondays.beer/
Food?: Full Menu, operated by Smashed & Fried
Details: Street parking, wine and cocktails, NA options, indoor seating only, no pets

A guarantee at Mondays Brewing? You can always get a good beer on Monday! Monday’s Brewing originally opened in Peters Township in October 2020. They managed to find their footing during a difficult time in the service industry and have grown enough to open a second location. They found the perfect spot in Greenfield in the former Hough’s Taproom, a long-standing staple of the neighborhood. The huge taproom allows Mondays to grow in ways that their cozy Peters Township bar can’t. They have a full kitchen operated by Smashed & Fried, offering a menu of burgers, BBQ, and seafood.

Anchoring the space is a huge U-shaped bar where the Mondays team serves up 20 taps of their own brews along with some sampling of other local breweries. They are also fully stocked with locally made ciders, wine, seltzers, mead, and spirits. There are even some locally made soda and ginger beer options for the non-boozy.

Mondays is a great addition to the Greenfield neighborhood and we can’t wait to see where they go from here!

Our Beer:

  • Plaza Beer – Dark Mexi Lager – 5%
  • Lawnmower Beer – Pilsner – 5%

Looking for more Hikes & Hops in Pittsburgh? Check out Settler’s Cabin & Altered Genius Trailside, Dead Man’s Hollow & Firewhistle Brewing, North Park & Cinderlands Taproom, and Best Hikes & Hops in Pittsburgh!

Looking for more adventures in Pennsylvania and beyond? Check out my new book: Beer Hiking Pennsylvania and New Jersey