Gettysburg to Hershey Road Trip Guide: History, Chocolate & Hidden Gems

This 35-mile road trip from Gettysburg to Hershey follows US-15 North and PA-39 East, a route steeped in Civil War history and Pennsylvania Dutch culture. The drive takes about 45 minutes without stops, but the best stops between Gettysburg and Hershey invite hours of exploration.

Gettysburg, site of the pivotal 1863 battle and Lincoln's Gettysburg Address, anchors the trip. Hershey, home to Hersheypark and the world's largest chocolate factory, provides a sweet conclusion. Along the way, you'll encounter covered bridges, farm markets, and quiet state parks.

Key Metrics

The route itself is a lesson in contrasts: solemn battlefields give way to rolling farmland, then to Hershey's manicured industrial landscape. For a deeper dive into uncovering hidden roadside attractions, check out how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities on Wayro.

Infrastructure Safety & Road Quality

Both US-15 and PA-39 rank above average for Pennsylvania state highways. Accident data (2023) shows lower-than-state-average incident rates. The main hazard: deer crossings, especially at dawn/dusk on PA-39.

• Deer warning signs are posted; reduce speed in wooded segments.
• PA-39 has no street lighting outside towns; night driving requires high beams.
• Winter conditions: US-15 is plowed quickly; PA-39 may be icy. Check PennDOT 511PA for alerts.

Family and Child Suitability

The trip is highly family-friendly, with frequent diaper-changing stops and kid-oriented attractions. Hershey is a top family destination; Gettysburg offers living history programs.

• Kid-friendly stops: The National Apple Museum (Biglerville, off US-15) with hands-on exhibits; the Children's Garden at Hershey Gardens.
• Restrooms: Available at all gas stations, fast-food outlets, and state park visitor centers.
• Stroller access: Gettysburg battlefield's auto tour is accessible; hiking trails may be rugged.

Pet-Friendly Framework

Pets are welcome at most outdoor attractions along the route. Gettysburg National Military Park allows leashed dogs on walking trails (not inside buildings). Hersheypark has no pet accommodations, but the Hershey Lodge offers boarding.

• Pet relief areas: Rest stops along US-15 (mile markers 28 and 36) have designated pet areas.
• Dog-friendly dining: The Gettysburg Battlefield Brew Works allows dogs on its patio.
• Veterinary services: Dillsburg Animal Hospital (717-432-1800) for emergencies.

Fatigue Management & Rest Zones

With a total drive of under an hour, fatigue is minimal. However, if you've toured Gettysburg extensively, consider a break before the final leg.

• Rest stop: US-15 northbound at mile marker 27 (Dillsburg rest area) – picnic tables, vending machines, restrooms. Open 24/7.
• Recommended detour: Sleepy Hollow Park (Dillsburg) has shaded benches and a playground.
• Caffeine: The Bean Stop coffeehouse in Dillsburg (4 S Baltimore St) offers espresso drinks and pastries.

Hidden Off-Route Spots

Just 3 miles off US-15, the town of Biglerville hosts the National Apple Museum and the annual Apple Festival (October). The Round Barn Farm (York Haven, off PA-39) is a historic octagonal barn turned farm stand.

• Gifford Pinchot State Park: 10 miles east of US-15 via PA-177; offers lake swimming, camping, and dog-friendly trails.
• Indian Echo Caverns: Near Hummelstown (just south of Hershey), guided tours of limestone caves. Adults $20, children $12.
• Lakeside at the Hershey Lodge: Free outdoor mini-golf for lodge guests; open to public for a small fee.

Culinary Infrastructure

To maximize the experience, how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities often involves asking locals for food recommendations. In Dillsburg, the Dobbin House Tavern offers colonial-era cuisine.

• Must-try dish: Chocolate-themed everything in Hershey – chocolate wine, chocolate pizza at The Cocoa Bistro.
• Rest stop cuisine: Miller's Fruit Farm (Loganville) sells hand-dipped ice cream and fresh apple fritters.
• Fine dining: The Circular at the Hotel Hershey (requires reservations for formal attire dining).

Highways and Navigation

From Gettysburg, take US-15 North for 20 miles, then exit onto PA-39 East for 15 miles into Hershey. The entire route is well-signed and maintained by PennDOT.

• US-15: Divided highway, four lanes, speed limit 55-65 mph. Expect moderate traffic near Gettysburg and light traffic north of Dillsburg.
• PA-39: Two-lane undivided road, speed limit 45-50 mph. Winding sections near the Conewago Creek valley.

Fuel and Route Economics

Gas stations are plentiful along US-15, especially in Dillsburg (exit 33) and at the US-15/PA-39 intersection. As of 2025, regular unleaded averages $3.20/gallon in Pennsylvania.

• Total fuel cost for a round trip: ~$10 for a 25-mpg vehicle.
• No tolls on this route.
• Parking in Hershey: Lots charge $10-20/day; free street parking is scarce.

Road Quality and Safety

US-15 is in excellent condition with wide shoulders and clear markings. PA-39 is narrower and has occasional potholes after winter. Both routes have reliable cellular coverage (AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile).

• Accident-prone spots: PA-39 eastbound near the Conewago Creek bridge (sharp curve).
• Emergency services: Dillsburg has a fire station; Hershey Medical Center is a Level 1 trauma center.
• Roadside assistance: AAA coverage is widespread; consider a road trip app for real-time alerts.

Natural Landscapes & Attractions

The route traverses the Gettysburg Plain, a fertile valley flanked by South Mountain to the west and the Conewago Hills to the east. Just north of Gettysburg, the landscape opens into dairy farms and cornfields.

• Pine Grove Furnace State Park (12 miles north of Gettysburg, off PA-233): Features Fuller Lake, hiking trails, and the Appalachian Trail midpoint. Entrance is free; parking $5 on weekends.
• Conewago Creek: Parallels PA-39 for several miles, offering scenic pull-offs for photography. Kayaking possible at moderate water levels.
• Hershey Gardens (2 miles off route): 23 acres of themed gardens, including a butterfly atrium. Admission $12.50 for adults.

Local Commerce & Culture

Dillsburg, a town of 2,500, retains a small-town agricultural character. Its farmers market (summer Saturdays) sells local produce, baked goods, and crafts. Nearby farms offer u-pick berries and pumpkins.

• Dillsburg Farmers Market: 4 N. Baltimore St, open 8am-12pm June-October.
• Brown's Orchards & Farm Market (Loganville, 5 miles off US-15): Year-round market with cider, pies, and local meats.
• Antique shopping: Found along PA-39 in the village of York Haven, specializing in Pennsylvania Dutch furniture.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites

The region is not home to any UNESCO World Heritage sites, but Gettysburg National Military Park is a U.S. National Historic Landmark and a candidate for the Tentative List. Its preservation standards mirror UNESCO criteria.

• Gettysburg National Military Park: 13-mile auto tour, 1,400 monuments, and the Gettysburg Museum of the Civil War. Entrance $10 per vehicle (valid 7 days).
• Eisenhower National Historic Site: Adjacent to the park; farm used by President Eisenhower. Free admission with park entrance.