Trail & Tavern Adventure: Ride the Montour to Helicon Brewing (and Back!)

Trail & Tavern Adventure: Ride the Montour to Helicon Brewing (and Back!)

🚴 Trail & Tavern Adventure: Ride the Montour to Helicon Brewing (and Back!)

If you’re on the hunt for a rewarding day ride that pairs scenic rail-trails with small-town flavor, this Coraopolis-to-Helicon Brewery loop delivers everything you need: great coffee, smooth trail miles, cold beer, and a hearty finish. It’s a fantastic out-and-back route that will introduce you to the charm of the Montour and Panhandle Trails—plus a few of the region’s best hidden gems for food, drinks, and rest.

☕ Morning Fuel in Coraopolis

Begin your day in the riverside town of Coraopolis, where the trailhead is just minutes from two excellent breakfast spots:

  • POP Café (1530 4th Ave, Coraopolis) is a welcoming, community-forward spot offering coffee, smoothies, and light eats.

  • Café A Mano (401 Ferree St, Coraopolis) is a rustic Italian-style café serving espresso drinks, hearty sandwiches, and pastries made in-house.

Grab a seat, fuel up, and get your legs ready—you’ll be hitting the Montour Trail within minutes.

🚴 Trail Experience: Coraopolis to Oakdale (via Panhandle Connector)

From the trailhead in Coraopolis, head southeast on the Montour Trail. The ride out is about 16.8 miles and includes a mix of shaded gravel stretches, scenic rail bridges, and peaceful wooded corridors. Early highlights include the Enlow Tunnel, long stretches along Montour Run, and ample spots to stop for water or photos.

To reach Helicon Brewing in Oakdale, you’ll leave the Montour Trail just past the town of McDonald via the Montour–Panhandle Connector—a signed and well-maintained path that links you directly to the Panhandle Trail. From there, it’s a straight, paved ride into downtown Oakdale and your mid-ride brewery break.

This connector is smooth and intuitive, making it a great link between two of western Pennsylvania’s most rider-friendly trails.

🍺 Mid-Ride Destination: Helicon Brewing, Oakdale

After roughly an hour of relaxed pedaling (with maybe a few photo stops along the way), you’ll roll into Oakdale, home to:

Helicon is a rider-favorite brewery featuring a rotating tap list, laid-back atmosphere, and a few surprises like pinball machines, outdoor seating, and frequent food trucks. It’s a great place to cool off and celebrate the first half of your journey. Whether you’re into IPAs, lagers, or sours, they usually have something on tap to suit every taste.

🍻 Ride Back with a Stop at Altered Genius

Once you’re ready to roll again, head back toward Coraopolis along the same route. Just about 7 miles west of Helicon, you’ll come to:

  • Altered Genius Trailside Taproom (258 Main St, Imperial, PA 15126 | 724-318-8755)

Located directly on the Montour Trail, this stop is a no-brainer for a late lunch or afternoon refuel. Their food menu features trail-friendly bites like flatbreads, nachos, sandwiches, and local specialties—plus they pour a wide range of house-brewed beers.

Grab a shaded seat on the patio, rest up, and enjoy the mellow atmosphere before finishing your ride.

🏁 Back to Coraopolis

From Altered Genius, it’s about 9.7 miles back to your starting point. The trail is a gentle mix of gravel and flat grade, making the final stretch very manageable even after a long day. Expect to return to Coraopolis by mid to late afternoon, depending on your pacing and how long you lingered at the breweries.

For those looking to cap off the day with one final round or meal, The Montour Hotel & Lounge (1500 4th Ave, Coraopolis, PA 15108 | 412-264-9633) is a local staple with a pub-style menu and cold drinks to finish your adventure.

🔁 Total Stats

  • Distance: ~33.6 miles round-trip

  • Ride Time: ~4 hours moving time

  • Stops: 3 major (Helicon, Altered Genius, Montour Hotel), with optional café at the start

  • Ideal For: Intermediate riders, brewery lovers, gravel cruisers

✅ Final Thoughts

This loop offers something for everyone—a relaxed, scenic ride with low elevation, trail-friendly pit stops, and plenty of reward at the halfway point. Whether you're a local looking to discover new routes or a visiting cyclist wanting a trail experience that includes great beer and community vibes, this Coraopolis-to-Helicon loop will hit the spot.

Grab your bike, bring a water bottle, and ride hungry—this journey feeds more than just your legs.

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