Tours and Trails

Whether you're curious about the region’s cultural heritage, natural wonders, or local libations, there are plenty of tours and trails to help satisfy your curiosity. 

BrewHaHa Trail

For beer lovers, Pennsylvania has been brewing up a storm since the 17th century. From IPAs and lagers to malts and porters, Berks County brewers are known to experiment with different styles and use local ingredients in their recipes. The BrewHaHa Trail is a self-guided brewery crawl that includes the region's top beer makers. Remember to grab a free "trail passport" and collect stamps as you visit the participating breweries in Reading, PA.

Covered Bridge Trail

The covered bridges in Berks County are some of the region's most beloved sites.

During the 19th century, Berks County became an industrial hub, and wooden bridges became the backbone of the local economy. These bridges connected many of the area's small communities to the greater network of roads and canals; some still stand today.

Across Berks County, five original wooden bridges have survived, and you can enjoy a self-guided tour of these regional landmarks via car or bicycle.

Located near Downtown Reading, the Wertz's Covered Bridge serves as the walkway entrance to the Berks County Heritage Center and is one of the longest-covered bridges in Pennsylvania.

Head east, and you'll find Griesemer's Mill Bridge, the oldest in Berks County. Nearby, you can also visit the Pleasantville Bridge, known for its unique engineering elements.

Further north, you can't miss the rehabilitated Dreibelbis Bridge near the rural Kurtz's Mill Bridge in proximity to Kutztown.

Barn Art Trail

A uniquely PA Dutch art tradition, "hex signs," adorn hundreds of barns across Berks County in bright patterns with rich cultural meaning.

Centuries ago, Pennsylvania Dutch farmers developed a unique art style to decorate their buildings, most likely inspired by German ancestors. Over time, the colorful stars became a symbol of identity for the Pennsylvania Dutch community. Today, Berks County is home to the state's most extensive collection of barn stars, including some of the earliest surviving examples that date back to colonial times.

You can marvel at these artworks via a self-guided tour of the area's most decorated barn stars. The 47-mile-loop begins and ends in Kutztown, at the German Cultural Heritage Center, and features over 40 stars of different sizes, patterns, and colors.