North Conway to Hershey Road Trip Guide: Scenic Stops & Tips

The drive from North Conway, New Hampshire to Hershey, Pennsylvania spans roughly 450 miles, crossing five states and traversing the spine of the Appalachian range. Along the way, you'll experience the dramatic transition from the rugged White Mountains to the rolling farmlands of the Susquehanna Valley.

A little-known fact: the route passes within 20 miles of the site of the 1780 Battle of Springfield, a key Revolutionary War skirmish. The Kancamagus Highway (NH-112), often used as a scenic detour, was originally a Native American footpath.

The best stops North Conway, NH to Hershey, PA integrate both nature and culture. As you leave North Conway, the White Mountain National Forest provides a backdrop of spruce and granite. Farther south, Vermont's Green Mountains offer gentle slopes and covered bridges.

• Quechee Gorge, VT (mile marker 50 on I-89): A 165-foot-deep gorge with hiking trails and picnic areas.
• Albany Pine Bush Preserve, NY (off I-87): A rare inland pine barrens ecosystem with 20 miles of trails.

Hidden gems off the main route include the Sterling and Francine Clark Art Institute in Williamstown, MA (a detour of 15 minutes) and the Howe Caverns in Schoharie, NY (a 20-minute diversion). For a deeper dive into unexpected discoveries, check out how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

Local Commerce: Near North Conway, outlet shopping dominates. In Pennsylvania Dutch Country, roadside stands sell quilts and shoofly pie. Farm markets in Lancaster County are a must.

Road infrastructure is excellent—interstates are well-maintained, but note that I-91 through Vermont has limited services in the northern section. Speed limits vary: 65 mph on most rural interstates, dropping to 55 mph in urban areas.

Rest zones are spaced roughly every 30 miles. Key fatigue management stops include the Hooksett Welcome Center (NH, mile 59 on I-93) and the Guilderland Rest Area (NY, mile 24 on I-87).

Family and Child Suitability: Hersheypark is the obvious draw, but intermediate stops like the Ben & Jerry's Factory Tour in Waterbury, VT (1 hour off-route) and the Yankee Candle Village in South Deerfield, MA (30 minutes off-route) are kid-friendly.

• Pet-Friendly Framework: Most rest areas allow pets on leashes. Many hotels along the route are pet-friendly, such as La Quinta Inns near Albany and Harrisburg.
• Climatic Conditions: Expect snow in North Conway from November through April. Summer brings humidity in Pennsylvania. Check forecasts for the Kittatinny Ridge for fog.

The primary route is I-93 South from North Conway, connecting to I-89 South near Concord, NH, then I-91 South through Vermont and Massachusetts, and finally I-87 South (New York State Thruway) toward Albany. From Albany, I-88 West and I-81 South lead into Hershey.

Fuel and Route Economics: Gas stations are plentiful along interstates, but prices vary. Expect higher costs near North Conway and lower prices in the Albany area. Budget around $60–$80 for fuel for a standard sedan, depending on current prices.

• North Conway to Concord, NH: 75 miles, 1.25 hours
• Concord to Brattleboro, VT: 70 miles, 1.2 hours
• Brattleboro to Albany, NY: 130 miles, 2.2 hours
• Albany to Hershey, PA: 175 miles, 3 hours

For those wondering how long to drive North Conway, NH to Hershey, PA, the total time without breaks is about 7.5 hours. However, factoring in stops for food and rest, plan for a full day of driving.

Is it worth driving North Conway, NH to Hershey, PA? Absolutely—the journey offers a microcosm of New England and Mid-Atlantic landscapes, from mountain vistas to agricultural flats.