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Get around to the Breweries of Athens – all on your bike

Oct 23, 2023

In recent years, Athens County has seen a boom in the number of breweries opening. There are now over a dozen breweries in the county, all within easy reach of each other. This makes Athens County a great place to be a beer lover, and it’s also a great place to be a biker.

The Athens County Bikeway (known more formally as the Hockhocking Adena Bikeway) is a 22-mile paved trail that connects many of the breweries, and many other amenities, in the county. The trail is perfect for a leisurely bike ride, and it’s also a great way to get some exercise and enjoy the outdoors. Most importantly, though, it’s a great way to go drinking with your buddies! Here’s a list of the breweries along the trail. 

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The Breweries on the Bikeway

Here is a more detailed list of the breweries in Athens County, along with their locations, addresses, hours, and a brief history:

Jackie O’s Pub & Brewery

Jackie O’s is one of the most popular breweries in Ohio. It was founded in 2005 by Brad Clark and Art Oestrike, and it’s known for its innovative beers and its friendly atmosphere. 

The brewery has two locations in Athens: the original pub on Union Street, and the newer taproom on Campbell Street. Both locations have a wide variety of beers on tap, and the pub has a full food menu.

Jackie O’s is known for its experimental beers, and it’s always trying new things. The brewery has won numerous awards for its beers. The business also has a strong commitment to sustainability, and it’s been recognized for its efforts by many environmental and sustainability-focused organizations.

You can find the pub at 22 W. Union St. and the taproom at 25 Campbell St.
Athens, OH 45701. The pub is open Mon-Thurs from 4-11 p.m., Friday from 3 p.m. – 2 a.m. and Saturday from 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. 

Little Fish Brewing Company

Little Fish Brewing Company is a small-batch brewery that’s committed to sustainability. The brewery uses locally sourced ingredients whenever possible, and it recycles and composts all of its waste. Little Fish offers a variety of beers, including IPAs, stouts, and sours. The brewery also has a small food menu that features locally sourced ingredients.

Little Fish was founded in summer 2015 by Jimmy Stockwell and Sean White. The brewery is located just outside of Athens, and it’s quickly become a popular spot for locals and visitors alike. Little Fish is known for its friendly atmosphere and its delicious beers.

The brewery is located at 8675 Armitage Road, open Tues-Thurs from 12 – 10 p.m., Friday from 12 – 11 p.m., Saturday from 11 a.m.  – 11 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Devil’s Kettle Brewing

Devil’s Kettle Brewing is known for its experimental beers. The brewery is always trying new things, and it’s not afraid to take risks. Devil’s Kettle offers a wide variety of beers, including IPAs, stouts, sours, and even a few experimental brews that you won’t find anywhere else. The brewery also has a small food menu that features pub fare.

Devil’s Kettle was founded in 2015 by Cameron Fuller. The brewery, located on the west side of town, has quickly become a popular spot for locals and visitors alike. Devil’s Kettle is known for its friendly atmosphere and its delicious beers. It’s located at 97 Columbus Rd. and is open Weds – Fri from 4-10 p.m., Saturday from 12 – 10 p.m. and Sunday from 12 – 6 p.m.

West End Cider House

West End Cider House is a cidery that’s known for its fresh, seasonal ciders. The cidery uses locally sourced apples whenever possible, and it makes a variety of different ciders, including dry, sweet, and sparkling ciders.

West End Cider House was founded in 2014 by Kelly Sauber and Deanna Schwartz. The cidery is located in the historic West End of Athens, and it’s quickly become a popular spot for locals and visitors alike. West End Cider House is known for its friendly atmosphere and its delicious ciders.

The establishment is located at 234 West Washington St. and is open from 3 p.m. – 10 p.m. Mon – Weds, 3 p.m. – 12 a.m. Thurs – Fri and Saturday 12 to 12. 

History of the Bikeway

The Athens County Bikeway was built in the early 1970s to provide a safe and scenic route for bikers to travel between Athens and Nelsonville. The trail was originally built on an old railroad bed, and it has since been expanded and improved. The bikeway is now a popular destination for bikers of all levels, and it’s a great way to see the beautiful scenery of Athens County.

What else does the bikeway offer?

In addition to connecting breweries, the Athens County Bikeway also offers a variety of other amenities, including:

  • Rest stops with restrooms and water fountains
  • Picnic tables
  • Wildlife viewing areas
  • Access to parks and nature preserves

The bikeway is also a great place to get some exercise and enjoy the outdoors. It’s a relatively flat trail, making it easy for people of all fitness levels to enjoy. The bikeway is also well-maintained, making it a safe and enjoyable ride.

Ultimately, Athens County is a great place to be a beer lover. With over a dozen breweries within easy reach, you can easily spend a day biking and drinking your way through the county. Just be sure to drink responsibly and pace yourself. 

The Athens County Bikeway is a great way to explore the county and enjoy the outdoors. It’s a safe and scenic route that’s perfect for bikers of all levels. So next time you’re in Athens County, be sure to check out the bikeway. You won’t be disappointed.