Pennsylvania’s rolling farmland, mountain towns, and charming small communities make the perfect backdrop for one of the most underrated beverage experiences on the East Coast: the PA Cider Trail. This trail winds through orchards, historic landscapes, and forested counties, offering crisp pours, creative blends, and tasting rooms that feel tailor made for cozy weekend adventures.
If you love discovering local flavors, supporting small makers, or pairing your travels with a laidback drink at the end of the day, this trail deserves a spot on your Pennsylvania bucket list. Below are some of the best tasting rooms along the PA Cider Trail. Plus cozy food pairings that elevate every sip.
Why the PA Cider Trail Should Be on Your Radar
Pennsylvania’s cider tradition goes back centuries, thanks to fertile soil and generations of growers perfecting orchard craft. Today’s cideries lean into that history with small batch blends, orchard fresh ingredients, and tasting rooms that feel warm, welcoming, and rooted in place.
Expect rustic barns, mountain overlooks, firepits, and spaces where you can settle in after a hike, scenic drive, or day exploring a PA state park.
Best Cider Tasting Rooms on the PA Cider Trail
1. 814 Cider Works – State College
Vibe: Farm grown, small batch, and beautifully local
Why Go: 814 Cider Works brings true orchard-to-glass craftsmanship to the heart of Happy Valley. This family owned cidery grows, presses, ferments, and bottles all their ciders right on their farm, ensuring every pour captures the flavor of Central Pennsylvania’s apple country. Their Friday–Sunday tasting room is relaxed and scenic, making it a perfect stop after exploring nearby Rothrock State Forest, Mount Nittany, or the charming cafés of downtown State College. With creative blends, approachable flights, and a warm countryside setting, 814 Cider Works is a standout addition to any PA Cider Trail itinerary.
Cozy Pairings:
• Dry cider + sharp cheddar
• Spiced cider + warm fall desserts
• A quiet farm walk at golden hour
2. Ploughman Cider – Adams County
Vibe: Farm fresh and charming
Why Go: Ploughman uses apples grown right on their longstanding family orchard, creating ciders that taste like PA farmland in a glass. The tasting room is warm and intimate, perfect for slow sips.
Cozy Pairings:
• Local cheese board + Pinot N’arlet
• Butternut squash soup + semi-dry cider
• Leaf-peeping in Michaux State Forest
3. Arsenal Cider House – Pittsburgh & Butler
Vibe: Quirky, historic, inviting
Why Go: Arsenal’s Civil War themed tasting rooms offer a fun experience without sacrificing quality. You’ll find everything from classic apple blends to spicy seasonal options.
Cozy Pairings:
• Warm mulled cider + savory pastry
• Sweet cider + Pittsburgh bakery treats
• A stroll through Lawrenceville shops
4. Big Hill Ciderworks – Gardners
Vibe: Rural, quiet, orchard-rooted
Why Go: Big Hill specializes in bold, dry, orchard forward ciders. If you appreciate craftsmanship and the pure flavor of Pennsylvania apples, don’t skip this stop.
Cozy Pairings:
• Sharp cheddar or smoked gouda + Standard Dry
• Chili by the campfire
• A hike at Pine Grove Furnace State Park
5. Ricketts Cidery — Benton
Vibe: Rustic barn charm in the countryside, with live music and dog-friendly seating
Why Go: Ricketts Cidery, also known as Colonel Ricketts Hard Cider, is a third generation, family run cidery tucked into the hills just minutes from Ricketts Glen State Park. Their tasting room sits inside a beautifully restored 1800s barn, offering a warm, rural atmosphere perfect for unwinding. Ciders are crafted with locally sourced apples and small batch care, and the barn often features live music, seasonal releases, and relaxed outdoor seating. It’s an ideal stop if you’re exploring the Ricketts Glen waterfalls and want to end your adventure with something crisp and refreshing.
Cozy Pairings:
• Semi-dry cider aged in oak barrels + sharp cheddar or charcuterie
• Fruit infused cider flight + soft pretzels and good conversation
• A post hike pour after exploring the waterfalls at Ricketts Glen State Park
6. Titan Hollow — Bellefonte
Vibe: Artistic, cozy, and beautifully atmospheric
Why Go: Titan Hollow isn’t a cidery, it’s an experience. Housed in a stunningly repurposed warehouse, this warm, art-filled space blends fine dining, creative cocktails, and an ambiance that feels both elevated and deeply inviting. It’s also located just a short, scenic drive from 814 Cider Works in State College, making the two a perfect Central PA pairing for a leisurely afternoon of cider sipping followed by an unforgettable dinner. Titan Hollow’s curated cider selections, seasonally inspired dishes, and intimate lighting make it the ideal stop to round out a Happy Valley cider trail day.
Cozy Pairings:
• Their curated cider selections + artisan charcuterie
• Spiced cocktails + seasonal entrées
• A quiet wander around Bellefonte’s Victorian streets or nearby Spring Creek
Cozy Food Pairings to Level Up Your Cider Experience
Whether you’re visiting one cidery or planning a multi-day adventure, these pairings make every sip feel like a hug:
• Sharp Cheddar + Dry Cider
Balances acidity and adds richness.
• Soft Pretzels + Semi-Sweet Blends
Salty + sweet = perfect harmony.
• Chili or Stew + Spiced Cider
Comfort food at its finest.
• Apple Pie + Classic Cider
Warm, nostalgic, and unmistakably PA.
• Charcuterie + Barrel-Aged or Wild Ciders
A great way to highlight complex blends.
Tips for Planning Your PA Cider Trail Adventure
• Visit during harvest season for orchard tours and limited releases.
• Bring a cooler so you can bring home your favorites.
• Pair cider stops with state park hikes like Ricketts Glen, Pine Grove Furnace, or Rothrock.
• Check seasonal hours. They vary widely.
• Designate a driver or turn your trip into a cozy weekend getaway.
The PA Cider Trail blends everything Pennsylvania does best: local agriculture, cozy tasting rooms, creative makers, and scenic landscapes. Whether you’re planning a fall foliage trip, a winter weekend escape, or a slow spring wander through orchard country, these tasting rooms offer unforgettable experiences.
Sip something new, support small makers, and enjoy the charm of Pennsylvania one cider at a time.
