Bethlehem to Hershey: Pennsylvania's Sweet Road Trip Guide

Route 22 and 78 carry you west from Bethlehem through Allentown, then south on I-81 toward Hershey. The drive covers 90 miles, typically taking 1 hour 40 minutes without traffic. But the real journey lies in the detours.

Did you know this route roughly follows the old Reading Railroad line? In the 19th century, it transported anthracite coal from the mountains to Philadelphia. Today, it moves tourists from steel history to chocolate dreams.

I-78 is known for aggressive truck traffic and sudden fog patches near the Lehigh River. Keep your headlights on and maintain a safe following distance. In winter, black ice forms frequently on overpasses.

Family-friendly stops include the Crayola Experience in Easton (a 15-minute detour from Bethlehem). Kids can create art and burn off energy. Rest areas are located every 30 miles along I-78; the ‘Shartlesville Rest Area’ at mile marker 35 has clean restrooms and picnic tables.

For pet owners, the ‘Memorial Lake State Park’ just off I-81 at Exit 80 has a dog-friendly trail. Pack water and poop bags. Many fast-food restaurants along the route allow dogs in outdoor seating.

To avoid fatigue, stop every two hours. The ‘Lebanon Valley Rest Stop’ (mile marker 55 on I-81) includes a coffee kiosk and vending machines. Cycle through micro-breaks: walk around the parking lot, do stretches, or nap for 15 minutes.

The drive transitions from the slate-gray of Bethlehem’s abandoned steel mills to the rolling farmlands of Lebanon County. In spring, the fields are a patchwork of green and yellow. Autumn transforms the route into a fiery tunnel of red and orange.

Local commerce thrives along the way. The Allentown Farmers Market (1651 S 4th St) offers homemade shoofly pie and local cheese. In the town of Lebanon, Taylor’s Bison Ranch sells grass-fed bison meat and hides.

• Natural highlight: Hawk Mountain Sanctuary is a 20-minute detour north of I-78. In fall, thousands of raptors migrate overhead.
• Cultural stop: The Reading Pagoda sits atop Mount Penn, offering panoramic views of the valley.

Fuel prices along this corridor average $3.40 per gallon. A compact car will use about 4 gallons for the round trip, costing roughly $14. Expect tolls only if you take the Pennsylvania Turnpike (I-76) as an alternative; the direct route via I-78 and I-81 is free.

• Best fuel stops: Allentown (Exit 55A on I-78) has multiple stations with decent prices. Near Harrisburg, the truck stops on I-81 at Exit 77 offer competitive rates.
• Avoid fueling in Hershey itself; prices spike near the attractions.

Peak traffic occurs weekdays 7-9 AM and 4-6 PM, especially around Allentown and Harrisburg. Weekend mornings are clear. If you must travel on a Friday afternoon, consider the back roads via PA-309 through the valley to bypass congestion.