Hershey to Davis Road Trip: Scenic Drive Through PA & WV

The drive from Hershey, Pennsylvania to Davis, West Virginia covers roughly 200 miles of US Route 322, Interstate 81, and US Route 50, climbing from the gentle Susquehanna Valley (elevation 400 ft) to the high Allegheny Front (over 3,000 ft). This is not a simple highway romp: the final 20 miles on WV Route 32 wind through dense hardwood forest, a stretch where black bears outnumber gas stations.

Hershey's famous 'Chocolate Avenue' streetlights shaped like Hershey's Kisses give way to the rolling farmland of Lebanon Valley, then the rugged ridges of Rothrock State Forest. By the time you cross into West Virginia near the Mount Storm Wind Farm (one of the East Coast's largest), the landscape shifts from pastoral to wild.

For those wondering how long to drive Hershey, PA to Davis, WV, expect 3.5 to 4.5 hours without stops, but is it worth driving Hershey, PA to Davis, WV? Absolutely—if you embrace the detours. This guide covers best stops Hershey, PA to Davis, WV and things to do between Hershey, PA and Davis, WV.

Learn how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

The most efficient route uses I-81 south to I-76 (Pennsylvania Turnpike) west to Breezewood, then US 30 west to I-68 in Maryland, finally US 50 and WV 32 north to Davis. However, the Turnpike's tolls (about $15) can be avoided by staying on US 322/US 22 west to Huntingdon, then US 522 south to I-68, adding 30 minutes but passing through charming towns like Lewistown and Mount Union.

• Total distance: 195 miles (Turnpike) / 220 miles (scenic alternative)
• Driving time without stops: 3.5 hours (Turnpike) / 4.5 hours (scenic)
• Tolls: $14.50 (passenger car) on PA Turnpike; no tolls on scenic route
• Fuel stops: Plentiful along I-81, sparse on WV 32—fill up in Keyser, WV (last reliable gas before Davis)

Fuel and Route Economics: Gas prices average $3.40/gal along I-81, but drop to $3.20 in Breezewood. Davis has one gas station (prices ~$3.60). Budget $50-$70 for fuel round trip. The scenic route saves tolls but consumes more fuel due to slower speeds and hills.

• Average fuel cost: $45 (Turnpike) / $55 (scenic)
• Toll cost: $14.50 (Turnpike only)
• Total route cost: $60 (Turnpike) / $55 (scenic, no toll)

Climatic Conditions & Route Aesthetics: Hershey sits in Humid Continental (Dfa) climate; Davis is Highland Continental (Dfb). Winters are brutal along the ridge: snow can linger on WV 32 into April. Spring (April-May) offers wildflowers; autumn (late September-October) provides peak foliage. Summer temperatures range from 75°F (Hershey) to 68°F (Davis) average highs. Fog is common on the high ridges—slow down near Mount Storm.

Natural Landscapes & Attractions: The route crosses three distinct physiographic provinces: the Piedmont (Hershey), the Ridge and Valley (central PA), and the Appalachian Plateau (WV). Key natural landmarks include:

• Rothrock State Forest (PA): 96,000 acres of mixed hardwoods, with vistas at Tussey Mountain
• Raystown Lake (PA): A 8,300-acre U.S. Army Corps of Engineers lake near Huntingdon; ideal for hiking the Terrace Mountain Trail
• Mount Storm Wind Farm (WV): 132 turbines on 12,000 acres; surreal sight on the ridge
• Blackwater River Valley: Just south of Davis, with the famous Blackwater Falls (62-foot drop)

UNESCO World Heritage Sites: None directly on route, but I-68 passes near the C&O Canal National Historical Park (a UNESCO World Heritage site inscribed in 2014 as part of the “Grand Canal” system). The canal's Cumberland terminus is 45 minutes south of Davis.

Local Commerce & Culture: Hershey is synonymous with chocolate—don't miss the Hershey Story Museum (1111 Chocolate Ave). Along the way, Breezewood is a classic highway town (gas, fast food). Cumberland, MD, offers the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad and downtown shops. Davis, WV, is a tiny mountain town (pop. ~660) with a growing craft beer scene: Stumptown Ales and the Purple Fiddle (live music). Local specialties include pepperoni rolls (Italian influence) and trout from the nearby rivers.

• Hershey: Hersheypark (seasonal), Chocolate World, Troegs Brewing
• Cumberland: Canal Place, antique shops, Washington Street Eatery
• Davis: Blackwater Falls State Park, Timberline Mountain (skiing), Paseo's Mexican Grill

Infrastructure Safety & Road Quality: I-81 is a well-maintained four-lane highway, but notorious for truck traffic (15% of vehicles). Breezewood's intersection of I-70 and I-76 is a notorious bottleneck. US 30 west of Breezewood is two-lane, winding, and can be icy. WV 32 is narrow, with no guardrails in places—drive at or below the posted 45 mph limit. Emergency services are sparse on WV 32; cell service drops near Mount Storm.

• Road quality: Excellent (I-81, I-68) to Fair (WV 32)
• Emergency services: Hospitals in Hershey (Penn State Health), Carlisle, Cumberland, and Elkins, WV (35 min from Davis)
• Cell coverage: 4G/LTE along interstates; spotty on WV 32

Family and Child Suitability: The route is very family-friendly. Hershey is a top destination for kids (Hersheypark, ZooAmerica). Along the way, the Flight 93 National Memorial (near Stoystown, PA) offers a sobering but educational stop. In Davis, Blackwater Falls has easy boardwalks suitable for strollers. The Purple Fiddle hosts family-friendly concerts (check schedule). Restrooms are available at most gas stations and rest areas.

• Recommended stops for families: Hershey's Chocolate World, Flight 93 Memorial (free), Sideling Hill Rest Area (interpretive center), Blackwater Falls
• Kid-friendly dining: Hershey's Kitchen (Hershey), Cracker Barrel (Breezewood), D&I Pizza (Davis)

Pet-Friendly Framework: Pets are allowed at Hersheypark (designated days) and in most state parks (on leash). Rest areas along I-81 have pet exercise areas. WV 32 has few formal stops, but the Monongahela National Forest permits pets on trails. Davis's lodging: many cabins and motels accept pets (e.g., Raven's Crest).

• Pet relief stops: Rest area at mile 29 on I-81 southbound (Carlisle), Raystown Lake (designated pet trail)
• Pet policies: Most breweries in Davis allow dogs on patios

Fatigue Management & Rest Zones: Long stretches of monotonous highway (I-81) can cause drowsiness. Plan breaks every 90 minutes. Official rest areas: I-81 southbound at mile 29 (Carlisle) and mile 116 (near Marion); I-68 has a rest area near Hancock. For a scenic break, pull off at the Sideling Hill roadcut (US 30, near Fort Littleton) – a geological spectacle with a rest stop. In Davis, the Blackwater Falls Lodge offers a quiet place to rest.

• Scheduled rest stops: Start (Hershey, 0 mi), Carlisle (30 mi), Breezewood (90 mi), Cumberland (140 mi), Keyser (170 mi), Davis (200 mi)
• Fatigue signs: Drowsiness, lane drifting, frequent yawning – pull over immediately

Hidden Off-Route Spots: To make the drive memorable, consider these deviations:

• Trough Creek State Park (PA): 14 miles off US 30 near James Creek; features Balanced Rock and a suspension bridge over Great Trough Creek
• Rocky Gap State Park (MD): 6 miles off I-68 near Flintstone; a 243-acre lake with a casino and lodge
• Dolly Sods Wilderness (WV): 13 miles south of Davis; a 17,371-acre plateau with arctic-like terrain, blueberries in August, and stunning views