The Northeast's Top 10 Mountain Town Breweries

There’s something extra satisfying about capping a day in the outdoors with a cold beer, which is why it seems that every awesome mountain town in New England has a great place to grab a pint nearby. Whether you’re getting rad climbing trad in Acadia, pebble wrestling in Rhode Island, or anything in between, check out these awesome breweries to score a drink after your next adventure.

1. Lincoln Woods & Trinity Brewhouse 

“The Woods” has a reputation for sharp, hand-destroying granite and old-school, ego-deflating grades. Either way, it’s likely you’re ready for a coldie at the end of the day. Just like the Ocean State is an under-the-radar climbing destination, it’s also overlooked when it comes time to grab a beer. Trinity Brewhouse is a long-time favorite and stands out among the crowd, thanks in part to their deck, which is an awesome après spot in nice weather. Almost as good as Trinity’s beer are their nachos—add the pulled pork and try not to think about how those extra calories might affect sending.

2. Mount Greylock & Northampton Brewery 

Whether you’re hiking up the super-steep Thunderbolt Trail on a summer day or descending its iconic sections on skis in winter, you’ve probably worked up a thirst. Northampton Brewery is a nice stopping point at the end of an adventure on Mount Greylock. Summer visitors love quenching their thirst on the brewery’s awesome rooftop deck, while winter travelers will want to park themselves in front of the fireplace for a pint.

3. Crow Hill & Wachusett Brewery 

Crow Hill classics like Intertwine, Tarzan, and Cro-Magnon have been stymieing Central Massachusetts climbers for decades. Luckily for the last few, there has been a local brewhouse to help drown their sorrows. Just minutes away from the crag, Wachusett Brewery serves up great brews like their Green Monsta American IPA. Not a beer-drinker? Not a problem—they also serve their Country Hard Ciders, which go down as easy as a cooldown lap on Boardwalk. 

4. Franconia Notch & Woodstock Inn Brewery 

A day spent hiking one of New Hampshire’s most iconic ridgelines, Franconia Ridge, warrants a visit to one of the region’s best-known breweries: the Woodstock Inn Brewery. If the weather is nice, angle for a table outside and watch the crowds amble by as you sip an aptly named 4,000-Footer IPA. In the winter, or when the weather doesn’t cooperate, the spacious indoor bar works well for sipping their classic Pig’s Ear Brown Ale (they also make a Double Pig’s Ear for when you need something stronger).

5. Mount Washington & Moat Mountain Brewing Company 

From rock climbs like the Northeast Ridge of the Pinnacle, to ski descents like those found in Tuckerman Ravine, to day hiking on one of the Rockpile’s numerous trails, Mount Washington is a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts. Almost as iconic as ascending the Lion Head Winter Route is grabbing a beer at the Moat after a long day outdoors. Iron Mike Pale is a classic choice, but their Flavah of the Day! East Coast Style IPA is a good choice for those who like a beer as adventurous as their outdoor activities. We suggest ordering a cold one with the brisket. Whether it’s the Texas-Style Brisket and Andouille Sausage Chili, Long Horn Nachos, or Barbeque Smoked Brisket Sandwich, you can’t go wrong. And don’t forget to add cajun fries!

6. Kingdom Trails & Saint J Brewery

Kingdom Trails is to mountain biking what Vermont is to craft beer—a hotbed. While it’s tempting to plop down at Mike’s Tiki Bar after a day exploring the Northeast Kingdom’s best trails, beat the crowds of bikers and go directly to the source with a short trip down the road to Saint J Brewery in St. Johnsbury. Smokin’ J IPA is a consistent favorite, but if you’re looking for something as spicy as the trails in Moose Haven, check out the Taco Loco, a German Dortmunder Lager made with pineapples, limes, and jalapeños.

7. Mount Mansfield & The Alchemist/Stowe Cider 

From the historic hiking on the Long Trail to the legendary ski runs of Stowe Mountain Resort, there are a lot of great reasons to visit Mount Mansfield. Another popular objective: visiting the Alchemist’s state-of-the-art facility in Stowe to grab a four-pack (or more) of the brewery’s equally legendary Heady Topper. Those looking to sit down, or in the mood for a little something different, should check out Stowe Cider which is just a short trip down the road. Their Safety Meeting Dry-Hopped Cider is a perfect thirst-quencher that both beer and non-beer drinkers will love.

8. The High Peaks & Lake Placid Pub & Brewery

Winter, spring, summer, and fall—Lake Placid is an epicenter of outdoor activity in the Adirondacks. Whatever your outdoor adventure, be sure to stop by the Lake Placid Pub & Brewery at the end of the day for nourishment in both the solid and liquid variety. And remember to grab a few extra brews for some campfire storytelling or for sipping while you plan tomorrow’s adventure on one of the many ADK classics like Mount Marcy and the Trap Dike.

9. Ragged Mountain & Connecticut Brewery Collective/Two Roads Brewing Company

Connecticut’s Ragged Mountain is a classic Northeast crag that’s home to some of the most sandbagged climbing in the region. Take, for example, Unconquerable Crack, a sustained 5.10-ish route that requires smooth crack climbing technique and some impressive stamina. After working the Crack, head over to the Connecticut Brewery Collective in Wolcott. A craft beer lover’s paradise, there’s something for everybody in your crew, as the Collective assembles the very best Connecticut has to offer under one roof. Up for a little extra driving? Zip down to Two Roads Brewing Company in Stratford, where just about everything on tap or in the to-go cans is outstanding.

10. Acadia & Atlantic Brewing 

From big hikes like Cadillac Mountain’s South Ridge Trail to shorter outings like a climb up the Beehive, scaling seaside cliffs to catching the earliest sunrise in the U.S., there is no shortage of things to do in Acadia. Another item for your Acadia tick list is a visit to Atlantic Brewing—their downtown brewpub is a hub of activity in the summer as thirsty patrons scramble for seating on the roof deck or near one of the large windows that open to the street. Bar Harbor Real Ale is a tasty low-alcohol option for sipping after a long day on the island. Another favorite, Cadillac Mountain Stout, was originally a staple of Bar Harbor Brewing, but Atlantic has continued to produce it since their owners retired.

 

There’s something special about pairing outdoor activities with good brews—and if you have a winning combination, we want to hear about it! Tell us in the comments below so we can drink in the adventure.