Explore the trails of Lake Needwood before the leaves fall and finish your hike with a locally brewed lager or ale.

Pumpkin spice lattes made an early appearance this month, and now, Montgomery County is doing the same with Oktoberfest. Montgomery Parks is holding an "Ale Trail" Oktoberfest celebration on Saturday, September 24, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The free event will take place at Lake Needwood in the Rock Creek Regional Park.

Visitors can drink local beer, eat Oktoberfest-themed food, listen to live music, and hike around Lake Needwood. A similar event was planned by Montgomery Parks last March but was canceled due to bad weather.

The hiking trails around the lake are some of the most scenic in Maryland, making it the perfect opportunity to enjoy an early fall day. If you have kids that like to climb trees, you’ll want to bring them along. The park’s tree climbing crew will be hand to spot climbs in the trees around the trails at Lake Needwood.

A Biergarten will be set up in the parking lot with food, drink, and live entertainment. Get an early jump on October beer tasting while sipping lagers and ales from Rockville’s own True Respite Brewing Co. The brewery will also have a stand set up at the halfway mark of the hiking trail. Dog Haus will be there with gourmet hot dogs and sausages. Grab a corned beef sandwich from Corned Beef King or share something savory from Rita’s Crepes. While you are enjoying your beer, listen to live music by Maryland-based country artist Shane Gamble.

Parks Ale Trail is free and open to the public. Children under age 15 must be accompanied by an adult and dogs are allowed long as dog park rules are followed. Parking is free and available at the lots around Lake Needwood.