If you’ve been looking for a new Ohio road trip idea, let me introduce you to one of my newest adventures: the Ohio Hard Cider Trail.

I’ve always loved the kind of road trip where you end up somewhere you never would have found on your own, like a small-town corner spot with regulars who feel like old friends, or a winery tucked into the hills that started as someone’s backyard hobby. One of my favorite ways to explore Ohio is by finding places I probably never would have stumbled across otherwise: getting off the beaten path, visiting small towns, hearing the stories behind local businesses. That’s exactly what the Ohio Hard Cider Trail is all about, and after just two stops, I’m already hooked.

I recently kicked off the trail with two stops near Athens, West End Ciderhouse and Dutch Creek Winery, and I couldn’t have picked a better place to begin. While they’re only a short drive from one another, the experiences couldn’t be more different, and that’s exactly what makes this trail so much fun. Over the next few months, I’ll be working my way through all 14 cideries on the trail, sharing what makes each one worth the drive.

Why You’ll Love the Ohio Hard Cider Trail

The Ohio Hard Cider Trail was created as part of America 250-Ohio, celebrating Ohio’s rich cider-making heritage that dates back to Johnny Appleseed. While many people know him from childhood stories, John Chapman helped shape Ohio’s apple-growing history, and many of the apples he planted were intended for making cider rather than eating.

What I love most about this trail is that no two stops are alike. One minute you’re relaxing in a cozy downtown ciderhouse, and the next you’re sipping cider while overlooking the rolling hills of southeast Ohio. Every cidery has its own personality, whether it’s the people you’ll meet, the stories you’ll hear, the food you’ll discover, or the drinks you’ll try. It feels less like checking destinations off a passport and more like uncovering hidden gems across the state.

Ohio Hard Cider Trail at a Glance

• 14 participating cideries across Ohio
• Runs through December 1
• Pick up a passport at any participating cidery or download one before you go.
• Visit six cideries to earn a limited-edition America 250 commemorative bottle-opener coin.
• Even one stamp enters you into a raffle for cider-themed swag.
• First stops featured: West End Ciderhouse & Dutch Creek Winery
• Coming next: Plum Run Winery & Henmick Farm & Brewery

Stop 1: West End Ciderhouse

West End was one of Ohio’s first cider bars, and from the moment we walked into their spot on the edge of downtown Athens it was clear why it’s earned that kind of loyalty. It felt like one of those places where you instantly want to stay awhile. The exposed brick, cozy couches, vintage décor, board games, and beautiful wooden bar create a warm, welcoming atmosphere that feels more like a neighborhood gathering place than a typical bar.

One of my favorite parts wasn’t just the cider, it was watching the community around us. One table looked like a group of friends meeting for their weekly game night, while another welcomed visitors from out of town who had been told this was a must-stop while in Athens. Everyone who walked through the door was greeted like a regular, and you could tell this place has become part of the fabric of the community.

West End continues crafting naturally gluten-free farmhouse ciders using 100% Ohio-grown apples. The cidery was co-founded by Kelly Sauber and Deanna Schwartz, and Sauber, a longtime Ohio brewer and fermentation expert, sources fresh-pressed apple juice from local orchards each harvest season. Fermentation starts within 24 hours of pressing and takes about six months to become finished hard cider, unfiltered and with no preservatives added. Beyond apples, they incorporate other locally farmed fruit like strawberries, plums, raspberries, and pears, along with wild-harvested pawpaws and blackberries, to create their rotating cider flavors. The staff was incredibly knowledgeable and happy to walk us through the different ciders, ingredients, and fermentation process, making it easy to find something you’ll love.

If you’re hungry, don’t skip the small plates featuring local cheeses, cured meats, pickled vegetables, and other locally sourced snacks. It’s the kind of place where you can settle in for an afternoon, enjoy a flight, play a board game, and soak up the atmosphere.

Stop 2: Dutch Creek Winery

After exploring downtown Athens, we made the short drive into the rolling hills of southeast Ohio to Dutch Creek Winery, and it couldn’t have been a more different experience.

More than just a winery, Dutch Creek is the story of following a passion. Owners Paul and Cynthia traded city life for homesteading in Athens County, where a hobby of beekeeping and making mead eventually grew into the welcoming winery you’ll find today. Getting a behind-the-scenes tour and hearing their story made the visit even more memorable.

Of course, we couldn’t leave without sampling what they do best. Dutch Creek specializes in handcrafted honey meads, hard ciders, and fruit wines, and I highly recommend ordering a tasting flight to discover your favorite. We also had one of our favorite pizzas of the trip, making this stop just as memorable for the food as it was for the drinks.

And then there’s the property itself: a restored caboose you can actually stay the night in, plenty of local lore from Paul and Cynthia, and exciting plans for what’s next for the winery. Between the countryside, the welcoming owners, and everything above, Dutch Creek is absolutely worth the drive.

I put together a complete guide to Dutch Creek Winery — including what to order, the story behind the winery, the caboose Airbnb, and what they have planned for the future — https://eatplaycbus.com/2026/07/26/dutch-creek-winery-a-hidden-gem-worth-discovering-on-the-ohio-hard-cider-trail/

Where We’re Headed Next

With our first two stops complete, we’re already looking forward to the next adventure! Up next, we’ll be visiting Plum Run Winery in Grove City and Henmick Farm & Brewery in Delaware. One of the things I already love about the Ohio Hard Cider Trail is how it encourages you to explore both familiar places and destinations you might not have thought to visit otherwise. As someone who loves finding hidden gems across Ohio, that’s exactly what makes this trail so much fun.

Which cidery should we add to our list after Plum Run and Henmick? I’d love to hear from you.

Know Before You Go

🍎 Download a passport online or pick one up at any participating cidery.
🍎 Ask for a passport stamp at every stop.
🍎 Every cidery has its own vibe — some serve food, some host live music and events, others focus on tastings, so check hours before visiting.
🍎 Please drink responsibly and always plan for a designated driver if you’re visiting multiple stops.

Start Your Own Ohio Hard Cider Trail Adventure

Whether you visit one cidery or all fourteen, the Ohio Hard Cider Trail is a fun way to support local businesses, meet passionate makers, and discover parts of Ohio you may have never explored before. Grab a passport, hit the road, and see where your next adventure takes you. We’ll be sharing every stop along the way, one cidery at a time.