Our Story
Built on community, fresh food, and simple good times in Franklin, PA
About Us
🍺 Our Story
At Trails to Ales Brewery, our story starts long before the first beer was poured.
It began with a group of friends and a shared tradition—over 20 years of running together on the local bike trails. Those miles built more than endurance; they built a friendship and a vision. A vision for a place where people could come together the same way—relaxed, connected, and enjoying the moment.
That’s how Trails to Ales got its name.
In 2018, that vision became reality.
After an intense six-month renovation—removing over 22 tons of plaster, uncovering and restoring the original ceilings and floors, and transforming the space with garage doors, a custom bar, and handcrafted shelving—our doors officially opened.
From day one, the goal was simple:
create a place Franklin could be proud of.
Today, we feature 16 craft beers, seltzers, and ciders—all made in-house, with a focus on quality, creativity, and constant rotation to keep things fresh.
But Trails to Ales has always been about more than what’s in the glass.
We’ve built this business around community—supporting local events, giving back whenever we can, and donating a portion of Holden’s Dream sales to the Allegheny Valley Trails Association to help preserve the very trails that inspired us.
As we’ve grown, so has the experience.
Over the years, we’ve expanded multiple times—upgrading and evolving our kitchen to better serve our guests.
In 2023, we took a major step forward by moving production to our dedicated brewing and events facility, Trails II.
Known affectionately as Trails II, this space is more than just where our beer is brewed and distributed—it’s become a destination. The latest addition includes a large covered, climate-controlled outdoor event space constructed from reclaimed barnwood, complete with a stage and a real barnwood dance floor—
creating one of the most unique live entertainment and event venues in the region.
Trails II also features a **self-pour tap wall—one of the only in Pennsylvania—**giving guests the ability to explore and pour their own experience like nowhere else nearby.
From live music on the weekends to weddings, rehearsals, reunions, and private events, Trails II brings people together on a whole new level.
And in June of 2025, we expanded again—this time into hospitality—with the addition of Trails to Ales Downtown Suites.
Located in the center of town, these six high-end bed and breakfast suites offer a luxury stay experience just steps from shopping, dining, and entertainment—extending the Trails to Ales experience beyond the brewery.
And while we’re proud of how far we’ve come, we’re even more proud of the recognition from our community.
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In 2025, Trails to Ales was honored as Franklin Area Chamber of Commerce Business of the Year, and in 2024, we were recognized as one of “America’s Best Restaurants.”
Through it all, one thing hasn’t changed.
This is still a place built on friendship, fueled by passion, and rooted in community.
Whether you’re here for a quick drink, a great meal, or a night out—or now even a weekend stay—
you’re part of the story now.
Eat. Drink. Stay awhile.
Community-Quencher Donation Policy
Trails to Ales Brewery aims to support the local community by giving back to meaningful causes. We donate 3% of sales from a selected beer each month to nonprofit organizations that complete the application process. Once approved, your group will be assigned a craft beer and a specific month. At the end of that month, you will receive 3% of sales from that beer as a donation. Each organization may apply once per year.
