The NC Ale Trail by Rail blends train travel and regional craft beer exploration
By JENNIFER PRIMROSE
North Carolina’s craft beer scene has gotten a unique twist with the launch of the NC Ale Trail by Rail, a collaborative effort between the North Carolina Craft Brewers Guild and NC By Train. The initiative invites beer enthusiasts to explore the state’s vibrant craft beer scene by train.
It “promotes the idea that you can use the train to explore our state—in particular, our breweries—in a fun, safe and easily accessible way,” says Les Stewart, president of the NC Craft Brewers Guild.
The Ale Trail connects cities along the train route from Charlotte to Raleigh, with stops in Kannapolis, Salisbury, High Point, Greensboro, Burlington, Durham and Cary—all home to thriving craft breweries. Each destination offers a chance to discover something new, from traditional lagers to experimental ales.
Lisa Parker, executive director of the NC Craft Brewers Guild, is thrilled about this new collaboration. “We are delighted to partner with NC By Train to introduce this new and novel way for visitors and residents alike to explore the craft breweries of North Carolina,” she says. “As community gathering hubs, our North Carolina breweries offer welcoming taproom and tasting experiences.”
NC Ale Trail by Rail allows travelers to explore breweries within walking distance or a short ride from train stations. No car rentals or navigation skills are required—just hop off the train, grab a pint and continue your journey. Trophy Brewing’s Morgan Street location and The Bend Bar in Raleigh are prime examples of how this initiative benefits breweries close to train stations.
“I think the clear benefit is access to a new type of explorer,” Stewart says. “As breweries located in a market not known for tourism, we focus a lot on our local population. The Ale Trail gives us an opportunity to speak to a new kind of customer and introduce our company and our city to them.”
Stops along the way include standout breweries like Bond Brothers Beer Company (Cary), New Sarum Salisbury Brewing Co. (Salisbury), Atomic Clock Brewing Co. (Durham) and Oden Brewing Co. (Greensboro). Each city offers its own charm—from Charlotte’s bustling beer scene to the quieter, more intimate atmosphere of High Point.
The initiative has generated significant organic interest. “Yes, we worked to produce a promotional video and communicated with our member breweries to share the campaign,” Stewart explains. “But a lot of the buzz has been organic. NC By Train has also worked to ensure the campaign has had visibility in the train stations, online and elsewhere.”
In addition to NC By Train’s promotion, Lowes Foods, the program’s sponsor, and local tourism organizations such as Visit Raleigh, Discover Durham, Visit Greensboro and Visit High Point, have also amplified the trail. This collaboration highlights the importance of connecting breweries both to their communities and to visitors across the state.
Plan Your Trip
Planning your trip is simple. Visit drinkncbeer.org/nc-ale-trail-by-rail, where an interactive map highlights breweries along the route and their distances from the train station, complete with links to their websites.
Each city has something unique to offer. Greensboro and Durham are known for their innovative breweries, such as DSSOLVR Durham, Durty Bull Brewing Company and Joymongers Brewing Co. Beer lovers might want to stop in Cabarrus County, where strolls to Buzzed Viking Brewing Company, Cabarrus Brewing Co. and High Branch Brewing Co. will tickle your fancy with hazy IPAs, fresh lagers and mead.
“I’m excited about the idea of introducing North Carolinians who may not have experienced the fun and ease of using the train system to explore our state,” says Stewart. “Hopefully, they’ll explore our great craft breweries in North Carolina, but if not, then maybe they’ll check out a ball game, a museum or a festival. We live in an amazing state with people doing wonderful and unique things.”
Trophy Brewing, known for its playful approach to beer and branding, may even create a train-themed beer to celebrate the Ale Trail. “Oh, it’s certainly possible!” Stewart teases.
For breweries like Trophy, the initiative isn’t just about attracting visitors—it’s about sharing North Carolina’s craft beer culture with a broader audience. “We hope people seek and find these jewels,” he says.
VisitA Sustainable Journey
Combining craft beer with rail travel, the NC Ale Trail by Rail offers an eco-friendly alternative to traditional road trips. Trains produce a lower carbon footprint, making it easier for beer enthusiasts to explore multiple breweries sustainably.
Tickets for the NC Ale Trail by Rail range from $6 to $27 for business class, and there are a total of 10 daily trips across the state. So whether you’re a native looking for a fresh adventure or a visitor eager to explore North Carolina’s craft beer culture, the NC Ale Trail by Rail is the perfect way to sip and savor your way across the state.
Grab your ticket, hop on board and experience the vibrant world of North Carolina craft beer—one pint at a time.
