Hershey to Elkins Road Trip: Scenic PA & WV Guide

At milepost 0 on US-322, the sweet scent of chocolate from Hershey's factories fades as you head southwest. This 250-mile drive to Elkins, WV, crosses the Susquehanna River, climbs the Allegheny Front, and descends into the Tygart Valley—a route once used by Native American trails and later the B&O Railroad. The road follows the historic path of the Civil War's Jones-Imboden Raid, where Confederate forces swept through these valleys in 1863.

Driving time is roughly 4.5 to 5.5 hours, depending on stops and traffic. The journey combines four-lane highways (US-322, I-81, US-33) with two-lane mountain roads (US-219, WV-92). GPS coordinates near the halfway point: 40.1503° N, 78.5200° W (Bedford, PA). This guide covers best stops Hershey, PA to Elkins, WV, how long to drive Hershey, PA to Elkins, WV, and is it worth driving Hershey, PA to Elkins, WV.

Before diving in, learn how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities to enrich your journey.

The route traverses three physiographic provinces: Piedmont (rolling farms), Ridge-and-Valley (parallel mountains), and Appalachian Plateau (forested ridges). Key natural landmarks: Susquehanna River at Harrisburg, Tuscarora Mountain (US-30), Sideling Hill cut (US-40), and the Potomac River at Cumberland. Near Elkins, the Tygart Valley River begins its journey to the Monongahela.

• UNESCO Sites: None directly on route, but Frank Lloyd Wright's Fallingwater (off US-381, 45 min detour) is a World Heritage site. Also, Historic Moravian Bethlehem (1.5 hr north) is a tentative site.
• State Parks: Caledonia State Park (PA), Swatara State Park (PA), Greenbrier State Park (MD), Blackwater Falls State Park (WV, near Elkins).
• Local Commerce: Amish markets in Lancaster County (off-route, 30 min east); handcrafted pottery in Bedford; WV-made glass and timber crafts in Elkins.

Natural attractions include Gettysburg National Military Park (US-15 detour), Pine Grove Furnace State Park (AT midpoint), and Seneca Rocks (WV, 30 min off WV-92). Climatic conditions: summer highs 85°F, low humidity; fall foliage peaks mid-October; winter snow accumulation 20-40 inches in higher elevations.

Fuel stations cluster near towns: Hershey, Harrisburg, Carlisle, Chambersburg, Bedford, Cumberland (MD), and Elkins. Gas prices in WV are often 10-15 cents cheaper than in PA. Fill up in Bedford (PA) before crossing into Maryland to save. The route includes toll-free roads except for a $1.50 toll on the Pennsylvania Turnpike if using I-76 shortcut (not recommended for scenic driving).

• Roads: US-322 (4-lane divided), I-81 (interstate), US-30 (scenic alternate), US-220 (2-lane mountains), WV-92 (curvy).
• Rest Areas: PA Welcome Center on I-81 (mile 5), rest stop on US-30 near Gettysburg, WV Welcome Center on US-33 (mile 100).
• Parking: Free lots at state parks; metered parking in Elkins.

How long to drive Hershey, PA to Elkins, WV directly is ~4.5 hours. With stops for meals and scenic overlooks, budget 6-8 hours. The best driving windows are morning (8 AM start) to avoid I-81 truck traffic, or after 6 PM when school buses are off the road. In winter, snow tires or chains may be required on WV-92—check 511PA and WV 511.

Road quality varies: US-322 and I-81 are excellent (4-lane divided, well-lit); US-220 and WV-92 are narrow, winding, with occasional potholes. Speed limits: 55 mph on US-322 (Hershey to Harrisburg), 65 mph on I-81, 55 mph on US-220, 45 mph on WV-92. Deer crossings are common—especially dusk to dawn near state forests.

• Child Suitability: Hershey’s Chocolate World (start), Lincoln Caverns (Willow Hill), and the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad (Cumberland) are kid-approved. Elkins has the Augusta Heritage Center with music and craft workshops.
• Pet-Friendly: Most state parks allow leashed dogs; several motels in Bedford and Elkins accept pets (e.g., Budget Inn Bedford, Super 8 Elkins). Rest stops have pet-walk areas.
• Fatigue Management: Plan stops every 2 hours: Breezewood, PA (mile 80)—restaurants, fuel; Cumberland, MD (mile 140)—history district; Oakland, MD (mile 180)—Deep Creek Lake scenic overlook.

Hidden off-route spots: Fort Necessity National Battlefield (PA, off US-40) and Dolly Sods Wilderness (WV, off WV-28). For things to do between Hershey, PA and Elkins, WV, consider wine tasting at Falling Branch Winery (Arendtsville) or hiking the Blackwater River Trail (Thomas, WV). Culinary infrastructure: PA Dutch restaurants (smorgasbords) near Harrisburg; farm-to-table in Bedford; WV-style pepperoni rolls and ramps (wild leeks) in Elkins.