Sometimes the best bike and brewery adventures are the ones that combine scenic riding with that perfect post-ride meal. Our recent trip from Morrow, OH to Little River Bar & Grill in Oregonia checked all the boxes: beautiful countryside, a solid workout, and cold beer waiting at the finish line.
The Route
We parked in downtown Morrow, OH, where there’s plenty of free street parking and easy access to the trail system. The ride to Little River Bar & Grill is a pleasant 16.8-mile round trip (8.4 miles each way) following the beautiful Little Miami Trail the entire way.
The route follows the scenic Little Miami River with gentle rolling terrain and just a few slight inclines. It’s suitable for intermediate cyclists, though beginners who are comfortable with longer distances will enjoy it too. The trail offers beautiful views of the Little Miami River valley and the surrounding Ohio countryside, especially lovely during spring and fall.
The destination: Little River Bar and Grill
After our refreshing 8.4-mile ride, Little River Bar & Grill provided exactly what we needed—a casual, welcoming atmosphere to refuel and relax. Located right in Oregonia, it’s perfectly positioned for trail users looking for a mid-ride or post-ride stop.
The Scene: This particular Saturday, the place was bustling with activity. The parking lot was packed with motorcycles—apparently we weren’t the only ones who thought it was perfect riding weather! The mix of cyclists and motorcyclists created a fun, laid-back outdoor adventure vibe.
Food & Drink Recommendations
The Beer: While Little River Bar & Grill doesn’t have an extensive craft beer selection, sometimes simple is perfect. We opted for ice-cold domestic beers, and honestly? After 6 miles of pedaling, they hit the spot perfectly. There’s something to be said for a perfectly cold, refreshing beer when you’ve earned it.
Pretzel Bites (★★★★★): Start here—these were absolutely perfect. Crispy and golden on the outside, soft and warm on the inside, served with beer cheese. This is exactly the kind of shareable starter that tastes incredible after a good ride.
Buffalo Chicken Grilled Cheese: A solid choice if you’ve worked up a real appetite. The combination of spicy buffalo chicken with melted cheese hits all the comfort food notes you’re craving post-ride. Came with fries that were crispy and well-seasoned.
Trail Tips & What We Learned
Timing Matters: Weekend afternoons can be busy both on the trail and at the restaurant. We encountered steady trail traffic (cyclists, walkers, and families), so be prepared for a more social ride rather than a solitary one.
Parking: The Morrow trailhead has adequate parking, but arrive early on nice weekend days. The popularity of both the trail and the destination means spaces fill up quickly.
Trail Conditions: The Little Miami Trail is beautifully maintained with a smooth paved surface. Perfect for road bikes, hybrids, or mountain bikes—really any bike will handle this trail easily.
Safety Essentials
- Helmet: Always required, especially with weekend trail traffic
- Trail etiquette: Call out “on your left” when passing, keep right
- Be visible: Bright clothing helps with all the trail traffic
- Watch for families: Lots of kids and casual riders, especially on weekends
What to Bring
- Water bottle (stay hydrated!)
- Basic bike repair kit (flat tire insurance)
- Sunscreen (limited shade on parts of the trail)
- Trail snacks for energy
- Cash or credit card for the restaurant
- Phone for photos and emergency
Pro Tip: If you’re planning to bring drinks or snacks for the trail, an insulated bike bag keeps everything perfectly cold for the ride and the restaurant stop. We used our Bevie Bag to transport cold water and post-meal drinks—worked perfectly attached to the bike and easy to carry into the restaurant.
The Verdict
- Distance: 16.8 miles round trip
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate (mostly flat with gentle rolling hills)
- Trail Surface: Paved, excellent condition
- Family-Friendly: Yes, though the distance might challenge younger riders
- Scenic Value: High—river views, countryside, charming small towns
- Food & Beer: Solid comfort food, cold beer, casual atmosphere
This ride perfectly captures what we love about bike and brewery adventures in Ohio. The Little Miami Trail offers some of the state’s best scenery, and Little River Bar & Grill provides the perfect reward at the end. While it might not be a craft beer destination, it’s exactly the kind of welcoming, authentic spot that makes for memorable post-ride experiences.
The mix of beautiful trail, friendly destination, and that satisfying feeling of earning your meal and drinks makes this a ride we’ll definitely repeat. Plus, with the trail extending much further in both directions, there are plenty of opportunities to extend the adventure or explore different sections.
Planning your own Little Miami Trail adventure? The trail system offers dozens of access points and destinations. This Morrow to Oregonia section is just one tasty slice of what’s available for Ohio cyclists.
Have you ridden the Little Miami Trail? What’s your favorite trail-to-restaurant combination in Ohio? Share your recommendations in the comments below!
Map:
Adventure Gear:
Shop Bevie Bags – Perfect for trail rides and restaurant stops
More Ohio Trail Adventures: