My brewery-loving sister and her two dogs have spent a wonderful 2 years in DC with me. As someone without a car or dog, this opened up a whole world of dog-friendly hikes and brewery visits. As she plans her move across the country, I am thinking of all the wonderful times we had exploring hikes & hops around the entire DMV area.
Below is a list of some of my favorites…
Catoctin Mountain Park to Attaboy Beer (Maryland)
𝐇𝐈𝐊𝐄: Catoctin Mountain Park has a lot to offer, we took our hike west to visit Cunningham Falls (a beautiful waterfall that is walkable and super child friendly/accessible) and then made our way up the hill to Hog Rock and the Blue Ridge Summit Overlook. It’s a fairly easy, dog-friendly hike of about 3.5 miles right next to Camp David.
𝐇𝐎𝐏𝐒: Next, we drove into Fredrick, Maryland to enjoy Attaboy Brewery.
They have great beer and cider to enjoy, tons of space and outdoor seating, and are super dog-friendly. When we visited, we grabbed food from a food truck there that serves AMAZING Mexican food. We enjoyed fried quesadillas and yummy loaded fries.
Couldn’t recommend Attaboy enough!
Sugarloaf Mountain to Idiom Brewing Co. (Maryland)
𝐇𝐈𝐊𝐄: Sugarloaf is one of the most popular hikes in the DMV area, and for good reason. It is very easy to get to from DC, not too difficult of a hike, and has some excellent views. That said, I recommend going early in the morning if you are trying to grab a parking spot or want to bring your dog - it fills up fast!
𝐇𝐎𝐏𝐒: Idiom has to be my favorite brewery in the area. It is located right on the gorgeous manmade canal that runs through Frederick. There's great food truck food, beers, ciders, and tons of space to enjoy with friends and family. Both the interior and exterior are gorgeous, as it was refurbished from an old Frederick mill.
Buzzard Hill Hike to Bear Chase Brewing Company (Virginia)
𝐇𝐈𝐊𝐄: I absolutely love this hike. It’s the Buzzard Hill section of the Appalachian Trail, and so gorgeous. We saw some AT hikers, kids playing, a few other doggos, and a great waterfall. Highly recommended for a family hike!
𝐇𝐎𝐏𝐒: The view!! Bear Chase Brewing Company has a huge outdoor space, spanning across the edge of one some of Shenandoah's rolling hills. We grabbed beer, cider, pizza, and pretzels, and lounged while looking out onto the valley. Kids were playing, friends were gathering, dogs were getting as many pets as possible. We loved, loved this brewery!
Raven Rocks Hike to Leesburg Breweries (Virginia)
𝐇𝐈𝐊𝐄: A little past the historic downtown Leesburg, there are some gorgeous hiking trails. Raven Rocks actually crosses into West Virginia a bit, as you head to a beautiful lookout over the Shenandoah Valley. It’s a moderately easy 2-3 hr hike. Three up and downs, a few streams (so opt for waterproof shoes if possible) and definitely kid and dog friendly. We ate a snack at the top, had a little dog photo shoot, and made our way back down, eager for some food and drinks.
𝐇𝐎𝐏𝐒: Next was our stop in historic downtown Leesburg at little Black Walnut Brewery. I grabbed some coffee and my sister grabbed a nice flight, while we chowed down on some pizzas they threw in the oven.
Walking back up the street we stopped at another highly recommended brewery in Leesburg- Black Hoof. They have a full back area where they brew some German style beers. My sister grabbed a few and we stood at some bar tables outside with the dogs while enjoying some old historic storefront views. This is the brewery to visit if you’re in town, very popular and has such a great vibe.
All in all, it’s an adorable part of Virginia, and a great day trip from DC!
Manassas National Battlefield Hike/Walk to Eavesdrop Brewery (Virginia)
𝐇𝐈𝐊𝐄: I have such vivid memories of doing this hikes & hops for the first time. It was the day after election day in DC and my nerves were through the roof. Manassas National Battlefield was an easy, level hike through the woods. Is it the perfect trail if you are looking for something more leisurely, where you can chat and enjoy the falling leaves.
𝐇𝐎𝐏𝐒: After a nice walk, we made our way to local Eavesdrop Brewery. They have a great big outdoor space, with picnic tables and good sun. We enjoyed the food trucks, flights of beer, and cider while the dogs rested and soaked up the sun.
Shenandoah National Park to Skyline Brewing (Virginia)
𝐇𝐈𝐊𝐄: It is hard to not escape to Shenandoah National Park when you are so close in proximity. Breathtaking Skyline views, excellent hiking trains, and such cute surrounding towns. I have been lucky to visit this national park quite a few times over the years, and it is full of hikes of various levels of difficulty. Many dog friendly hikes too! Just make sure to do your research beforehand.
𝐇𝐎𝐏𝐒: During our weekend of camping in Shenandoah last summer, we decided it would be fun to visit a few local spots to relax and enjoy the views. One of my favorites is Skyline Brewing - also Little Washington Winery. Their whites wines are known region wide and their hops are grown right on property. We brought the dogs and enjoyed some tastings and snacks in our hiking gear, while it lightly drizzled outside. Such a great escape!
Theodore Roosevelt Island to Port City Brewing Company (DC/Virginia)
𝐇𝐈𝐊𝐄: This is the closest hike-like walk you will get to DC proper, if you’re looking for a short drive to get some fresh air. The entrance is located on the Virginia side, but you can see the Georgetown Waterfront from the island. This national landmark has one of my favorite presidential monuments of Teddy Roosevelt. As a lover of National Parks and fresh air, it is only fitting that he has an island devoted to him with hidden trails and ponds that transport you out of the city. An excellent city escape!
𝐇𝐎𝐏𝐒: It wouldn't be a DMV roundup without the inclusion of Port City Brewing Company. One of the most famous breweries in the area, you can find Port City beers all over the surrounding states in grocery stores and restaurants. They have a huge outdoor area located in the surrounding parking lots, and a smaller indoor space as well. They don't serve any food or ciders here, but you can order food right to the brewery to enjoy with friends and family.
Extra: Gettysburg Battlefield to Battlefield Brew Works & Distillery (Pennsylvania)
𝐇𝐈𝐊𝐄: A little different than my usual hike recommendations, but a great option for those who love a little fresh air and history! The Gettysburg area is full of historical fun and is easy to walk around to tour the land and different monuments. We brought the dogs, wandered the vast grounds, and read up on the Battle of Gettysburg.
𝐇𝐎𝐏𝐒: Next, we hopped over to Battlefield Brew Works & Spirits of Gettysburg Distillery, which I honestly cannot recommend enough. They have some amazing beers but ALSO distill some delicious spirits! The food was amazing too. 🥃🍻
Small story- I actually left my favorite jacket here, called two days later explaining that I lived back in DC, HOURS away, and they offered to personally deliver it back to me! In regards to customer service, they are my number 1.
