Hershey to New Albany Road Trip: Ultimate Guide

This route traces a historic corridor along US-22 and I-71, crossing the Appalachian Mountains into the Ohio River Valley. The drive covers approximately 580 miles and takes about 9 hours without stops, but you'll want to allocate at least 10–12 hours to explore.

US-22 through Pennsylvania follows an old Native American path, later a turnpike, and offers a mix of rolling farmland and forested hills. Just west of Harrisburg, the highway passes within sight of Three Mile Island, a landmark of a different kind.

To answer the common question, how long to drive Hershey, PA to New Albany, IN? The core driving time is 8.5–9 hours on I-71. However, factoring in rest stops, meals, and detours, a full day is advisable.

Is it worth driving Hershey, PA to New Albany, IN? Absolutely—this trip offers changing landscapes, historic towns, and culinary treasures. For deeper insights, see how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

Fuel stations are plentiful along I-71, but US-22 in Pennsylvania has gaps, especially between Lewistown and Altoona. Fill up before entering the Appalachian stretch. Expect gas prices to vary by state: Pennsylvania's higher taxes may add $5–10 per tank compared to Ohio.

Tolls apply on the Pennsylvania Turnpike (I-76) if you take that instead of US-22; US-22 is free but slower. I-71 in Ohio and Kentucky is toll-free. Rest areas are well maintained, with the Ohio Welcome Center at mile marker 1 offering clean facilities and travel info.

• Best gas station chain: Sheetz (PA) and Speedway (OH/KY).
• Recommended fuel stop: Cambridge, OH (exit 178 on I-71) has multiple stations and fast food.
• EV charging: Tesla Superchargers in Harrisburg, Pittsburgh, Columbus, and Louisville.

US-22 in Pennsylvania has sections with narrow lanes and sharp curves, especially near the Tuscarora Mountain. Drive cautiously in rain or fog. I-71 is well-paved but can be monotonous; take breaks every 2 hours. Speed limits: 65–70 mph.

For families, rest stops often have playgrounds (e.g., Ohio Rest Area mile 44). The Columbus Zoo is a major attraction just off I-71. In New Albany, the Riverfront Park has a playground and walking trails. Pet-friendly stops: pet relief areas at rest stops, and dog parks in Louisville near New Albany.

• Fatigue management: Point of Rocks Rest Area (PA) and Madison Rest Area (OH) have good facilities.
• Best off-route spot: Clifton Gorge Nature Preserve near Yellow Springs, OH (1 hour detour).
• Family activity: The Hershey Story Museum (at start) and the Frazier History Museum in Louisville (near end).

Pennsylvania's section features the Juniata River Valley and Tuscarora Mountain, with overlooks at the top of the Tuscarora Summit. The forests are mixed hardwoods; in autumn, the colors are vibrant. In Ohio, the landscape flattens to farmland and suburban sprawl near Columbus. Southern Ohio and Kentucky offer rolling hills and the Ohio River's bluffs.

Local commerce includes Amish markets in Pennsylvania Dutch Country near Hershey, but you'll pass through small towns like Lewistown, Huntingdon, and Mount Vernon. In Ohio, the town of Newark has a historic square with antique shops. Kentucky's side offers bourbon distilleries (though off-route, a detour worth considering).

• Natural attractions: Prince Gallitzin State Park (PA), Hocking Hills State Park (OH, 30-min detour), Bernheim Forest (KY).
• Unique local product: Ohio's maple syrup and Pennsylvania's birch beer.
• Cultural note: The section near New Albany has a strong equestrian and horse racing tradition.