The last decade has seen an explosion in the number of craft breweries. To help narrow the field of the best breweries we focused on locations within seven miles of the C&O Canal Towpath. Combine a little exercise along the C&O Canal with a relaxing payoff of a cold craft brew at one of these ten breweries. Look the part and shop The Road Trip Mercantile's C&O Canal Collection here.
Church Hall Beer Hall
Just steps away from the C&O Canal the Church Hall Beer Hall is a two story, three bar, neighborhood gathering spot in Georgetown. Select from a massive beer list then relax with friends on a leather sofa, or, watch one of 17 TVs and play table games. If you prefer drinking your brews outside, enjoy their outdoor setting in a brick courtyard with biergarten seating that overlooks the C&O Canal.
1070 Wisconsin Ave NW | Washington, DC 20007 | 202-847-0953
Located one block from the C&O Canal in Georgetown, The Sovereign features 25 drafts and more than 350 bottles of your favorite brews. From classic Belgian to revivalist brewers, as well as international and domestic producers of exceptional Belgian style ales, the Sovereign offers an expansive breadth of selections that illuminate the flavor driven, craft brewed complexity that is the trademark of the very best Belgian brewing.
1206 Wisconsin Ave NW | Washington, DC 20007 | 202-774-5875
The Berliner
This 4,200 square foot beer hall is located in one of Georgetown’s last original warehouse spaces on Water Street. The Berliner features 24 beers on tap with a variety of domestic, international and seasonal brews ranging from larger producers to smaller German breweries rarely found at other breweries. Enjoy seating outside or relax inside at their stadium style seating, communal tables, play ping pong or grab a photo with friends in front of their photo wall. Don’t forget to pair your favorite German brew with a bratwurst, schnitzel or homemade pretzel with beer cheese.
3401 Water St NW | Washington, DC 20007 | 202-621-7000
Vanish Brewery 
Located in Virginia, just 5 miles from the Point of Rocks entry point of the C&O Canal (mile marker 48), you will find this picturesque 63-acre farm side brewery in the beautiful town of Luckett's. Featuring over 20 taps with beers across the flavor spectrum that are Hoppy, Malty, Light, Fruity, Sour, and Barrel Aged. All ingredients are sourced from their own farm and others in the local community that demonstrate just how interesting beer can be.
42245 Black Hops Ln. | Leesburg, VA 20176 | 703-779-7407
Smoketown Brewery
Located in downtown Brunswick, MD (mile marker 55) you will find this fully functioning brewery and tasting room that has been transformed out of a neighborhood fire station. In the 1950s this building was host to music legend Patsy Cline and Duke Ellington. Whatever your style of beer happens to be, you're sure to find the taste you’re looking for from their selection of over 29 beers created on premise. Enjoy the outdoor seating with your favorite brew and then visit the nearby Brunswick Railroad Museum to top off your visit to this historical railroad town.
223 W Potomac St. | Brunswick, MD 21716 | 301-834-4828
Harpers Ferry Brewing
Located in Virginia along the banks of the Potomac River, the views from the outdoor deck are spectacular. Catch an amazing sunset from the west end of the property or watch a train run down the tracks from the north, all while enjoying one of their 15 home brewed beers. Enjoy live music from March to November every Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The in-house kitchen serves pizza and soft pretzels while a resident food truck serves nachos and fries with three meats.
37412 Adventure Center Ln. | Purcellville, VA 20132 | 571-420-2161
Sample seasonal beers made on site matched with intelligent, yet comfortable cuisine and small bites by Executive Chef Jeffrey Ault. Relax and enjoy your brew in the Brew Pub, Brew Lounge or Outdoor Beer Garden. The coolest part of the Outdoor Beer Garden is the fire pit. Enjoy after dinner drinks around the fire, or bring your family to roast marshmallows with their S’more kits.
Cushwa Brewing Company 
Located in Williamsport, Md just 3 miles from the C&O Canal National Historical Park Headquarters, this brewery is named after the Cushwa Basin which was developed as a major point of loading and unloading on the canal and offered one of the few places on the canal that boats could turn around. Every Monday is Happy Hour at Cushwa Brewery, and the taproom is kid friendly and dog friendly. The brew master is always experimenting with different styles and variations of beer that will give you something new to try with each visit. If you build up an appetite try a slice of pizza from the in-house Rad Pizza.
10210 Governor Lane Boulevard #2010 | Williamsport, MD 21795 | 310-223-3434
Also located in Williamsport, this brewery is dedicated to well crafted beer in a variety of styles using a variation of fruit, spices, and barrel aged methods and unique processes to make award winning distinct flavors. In 2019 Homaide Brewing Company won “Best Beer” at the 2019 Maryland Craft Beer Fest. Come inside and enjoy their award-winning brew in their “stay a while” atmosphere.
10212 Governor Lane Boulevard Suite #1012 | Williamsport, MD 21795 | 833-466-2433
Cacapon Mountain Brewing Company 
Located in Berkeley Springs, WV just 6 miles from Hancock, MD (mile marker 124) you will find this brewery nestled in the Cacapon Mountains. The springs along the Cacapon have been known to provide healing powers, reflected in the translation of the native Shawnee name meaning “magic water.” Unfortunately, there is no evidence of the healing powers of the water after it's fermented, but it sure does provide amusement for your flavor buds.
42 Williams St. | Berkeley Springs, WV 25411 |
Whether it’s the start of your journey along the C&O Canal or the end of your journey, this brewery is just steps from mile marker 184.5. Enjoy the open-air layout that allows passersby and customers to see every aspect of the brewing process, or take advantage of their outdoor seating. The brewery is located in the Footer’s Dye Works building which is the last surviving building of a large cleaning and dyeing business that was once one of Cumberland’s major employers.
2 Howard St. | Cumberland, MD 21502 | 301-338-1013
Author: Mike Lane
Mike Lane is Co-owner of The Road Trip Mercantile. Mike enjoys getting inspiration for products from activities along the C&O CANAL and GREAT ALLEGHENY PASSAGE. You can view and shop the collection HERE.