With the crisp, cool, fall air settling into Northern Virginia, now, is a better time than any, to enjoy the gorgeous autumn views (and brews) throughout our community.
If you’re looking for an exciting hike this weekend, capped off with a local brew, check out one of these Northern Virginia hiking trails and nearby breweries.
The View
Bears Den Overlook
Location: Bluemont, Virginia
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 1.7 miles
Bears Den Overlook is one of the most popular hiking trails in Loudoun County. Located just off Route 7, there is a main overlook at the top of the hike with a beautiful panoramic view of the Shenandoah Valley and the Blue Ridge Mountains. It’s best to hike this trail in the evening, so you’ll get to see a gorgeous sunset from the overlook. Turn your view and brew into a staycation with lodging available at both Bears Den and Bear Chase.
The Brew
Bear Chase Brewing Company
Location: Bluemont, Virginia
Fan-Favorite Brew: Kodiak Kölsch
Located less than a mile from Bears Den, Bear Chase Brewing Company is the perfect location for a post-hike drink. The team at Bear Chase wanted to re-purpose as much of the original farm property for their brewery and the Brew Barn is actually the original farm barn. If you’re looking for a fan-favorite brew, try the Kodiak Kölsch which won a 2020 Great American Beer Festival Silver medal in the German-Style Koelsch category.
The View
Eastern Watercress & Bank Barn Trail Loop at Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve
Location: Leesburg, Virginia
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 1.42 miles
Nestled on 650 acres in the heart of Loudoun County, Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve offers more than 20 miles of hiking trails. By turning the Eastern Watercress Trail and Bank Barn Trail into a loop, you’ll enjoy a view of the wetlands, wooded area, and Goose Creek. During your easy 1.42 mile hike, listen in for the female spirit—or Banshee—throughout the hills and dales—or Reeks.
The Brew
Solace Brewing Company
Location: Sterling, Virginia
Fan-Favorite Brew: It’s Electric
Solace Brewing Company isn’t the closest brewery to Banshee Reeks, but it is the largest one in Loudoun County. Make the relatively short drive down Evergreen Mills Road after your hike to enjoy the giant brewery and dog-friendly taproom. Solace usually features local food trucks on the weekends, and if you’re lucky, they’ll have It’s Electric on tap to help you relax following your hike.
The View
Potomac Overlook Regional Park
Location: Arlington, Virginia
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 1.4 miles
If you’re interested in exploring nature closer to the nation’s capital, swing by Potomac Overlook Regional Park. Featuring just under two miles of scenic woodland hiking trails, Potomac Overlook offers connecting access to the Potomac River and Potomac National Heritage Scenic Trail via the adjacent Donaldson Run Park. These trails are relatively easy to walk and perfect for the entire family.
The Brew
Board Room Brewing Company
Location: Arlington, Virginia
Fan-Favorite Brew: Ticket To Ride Red Ale
One of the newer breweries and taprooms in Clarendon, Board Room Brewing Company has already brewed up a few award winning brews, including The Bishop Brown and a fan-favorite brew—Ticket To Ride Red Ale—which earned first place for the best amber ale at the Virginia 2020 Craft Beer Cup!
The View
Old Rag Mountain
Location: Madison County, Virginia
Difficulty: Difficult
Distance: 10.8 miles
Are you up for a challenge? Old Rag Mountain is the most challenging hike on our list. Located within Shenandoah National Park, Old Rag Mountain climbs to 3,284 feet and features a couple difficult hikes ranging in distance from 9 to 10.8 miles. If the hike isn’t enough of a rush for you, there are great opportunities for rock climbing at Old Rag as well.
The Brew
Shotwell Run Brewing Company
Location: Etlan, Virginia
Fan-Favorite Brew: German Oktoberfest Bier
After a hike like Old Rag, you definitely deserve a beer, and Shotwell Run Brewing Company serves them up as good as any brewery around. Shotwell Run believes there is a season to everything, including beer, so their selection is always changing. They also try to stick to tradition, meaning their beers, like the German Oktoberfest Bier, feature ingredients from their countries of origin.
What’s your favorite view and brew in Northern Virginia? Let us know on Facebook, so we can enjoy a hike!
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