The Beerline Trail, so named because the corridor was once used by freight trains transporting the ingredients for beer to some of Milwaukee’s famous breweries, has contributed to the revitalization of neighborhoods adjacent to the Milwaukee River. Two disconnected segments of the trail are currently open.
The longer, southern section runs through the Riverwest, Harambee and—appropriately—Brewer’s Hill neighborhoods. The trail begins at E. Pleasant Street as a wide sidewalk along Commerce Street and Riverboat Road, until it switches to an off-road path near a dam over the Milwaukee River. A switchback trail midway along this stretch leads up to Kadish Park and adjacent houses; the park is a great spot to take in stunning views of the river and urban skyline. At E. Locust Street, travelers on the Beerline Trail can connect to the Oaf Leaf Trail, a web of trail spanning more than 100 miles throughout the city.
The second segment of the trail begins at the intersection of Burleigh Street and Bremen Street and cuts northwest on the former rail corridor to just north of W. Capitol Drive (State Highway 190). Trail users can take the signed bike route and sidewalk on Humboldt Boulevard north from Gordon Park to Burleigh Street to reach the trailhead for the northern portion. On this stretch, the surroundings are dominated by the charming houses of the Riverwest and Williamsburg Heights neighborhoods.
Parking for the Beerline Trail is available at Gordon Park on Humboldt Boulevard and along city streets in the Riverwest neighborhood.
I just did the segment from Capital Drive down to Burleigh, and given its length and street crossings, the trail is probably better suited for walking. The trail is smooth and in great condition, but the ride is over before it starts, if you know what I mean. I rode it in the dark, and it can be a bit tricky to find the trail on the other side of some of the crossings, but I'm sure this is not likely an issue in the daylight.
This trail does not have any events yet.
Be the first to add one!
The Milwaukee RiverWalk provides a pleasant way to get around Milwaukee from the Historic Third Ward, through downtown, and north to the Lower East...
The Oak Leaf Trail is the jewel in the crown of Milwaukee County’s extensive trail system. The trail meanders for more than 120 miles in and around...
In 1957, baseball legend Hank “The Hammer” Aaron led the Milwaukee Braves to the first of two consecutive World Series appearances and a championship...
Kinnickinnic River Trail (called the KK River Trail by locals) runs just over 2 miles in southern Milwaukee, following the river through a densely...
Although short, the West Allis Cross Town Connector represents an important start to a future link between three trails in Milwaukee County....
The paved New Berlin Recreation Trail runs straight as an east–west compass bearing for 7 miles through the western Milwaukee suburbs, from New Berlin...
The Brown Deer Recreational Trail runs through the Village of Brown Deer, a suburb of Milwaukee. The tree-line route parallels an active rail line...
If you’re going to visit the historical communities that lie just west of Lake Michigan, why not use the former route of the venerable interurban...
The City of Franklin Hike and Bike Trail follows a corridor originally used by the Milwaukee Electric Railway & Light, an interurban railroad in...
The Muskego Recreation Trail follows a corridor originally used by the Milwaukee Electric Railway & Light, an interurban railroad in southeastern...
Broad blue skies strung with white cloud wisps; gem-green fields harboring cattails and butterflies; canopied glens giving way to cavernous quarries....
The WE Energies Trail, so named because it uses a Wisconsin Energy Corporation utility corridor for much of its route, links Racine and Oak Creek in...
Download the TrailLink mobile app and take TrailLink with you!
Build trails nationwide + pick your FREE 2019 RTC member t-shirt!
Be Part of the Movement to Support the Great American Rail-Trail!
TrailLink is a free service provided by Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (a non-profit) and we need your support!
