Wheeling to Hershey: An In-Depth Road Trip Guide

The Wheeling Suspension Bridge, completed in 1849, was once the longest suspension bridge in the world, spanning the Ohio River. Today, you'll cross the Pennsylvania border just 20 miles east, entering a landscape that shifts from Appalachian hills to the fertile Susquehanna Valley.

This 220-mile route via I-70 and I-81 typically takes 3.5 to 4 hours of driving, but the journey deserves more time. The question is it worth driving Wheeling, WV to Hershey, PA? Absolutely, with diverse attractions like the Flight 93 National Memorial and Gettysburg Battlefield.

Use how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities to enrich your trip. Below is a quick reference for the route.

Road Quality and Highways

The primary routes are I-70 East from Wheeling to the Harrisburg area, then I-81 North to Hershey. Both are well-maintained interstates with ample lane space. Expect smooth pavement except during winter, when plowing is prompt in Pennsylvania.

Key exits and mile markers to note: Exit 10 on I-70 for US-30 (Lincoln Highway) toward Flight 93; Exit 45A for Gettysburg via US-15. The 11-mile stretch of I-81 around Hershey is often congested during peak seasons.

Fuel and Route Economics

Gas prices along the route average 10-15¢ lower than national average, with stations clustered near exits. Top up in Washington, PA (mile marker 15) or Breezewood (mile marker 161), where fuel is cheapest. Tolls? None on I-70 and I-81 in this corridor, but the Pennsylvania Turnpike tolls if you take an alternate route.

Budget tip: Use GasBuddy for real-time prices. The best stops Wheeling, WV to Hershey, PA often coincide with fuel stops like the Sheetz at exit 29 in New Stanton.

Climatic Conditions & Route Aesthetics

Spring (April-May) offers dogwood blossoms; fall (October) delivers stunning foliage across the Alleghenies. Summer can be humid with mid-80°F temps, while winter brings snow and occasional ice. The stretch through the Broad Top Mountain region (between Bedford and Breezewood) is particularly scenic, with rolling farmlands and forested ridges.

Rainfall is evenly distributed; check radar before departing. The Susquehanna Valley near Hershey often has foggy mornings.

Natural Landscapes & Attractions

The route crosses three distinct regions: the Ohio River floodplain, the Appalachian Plateau, and the fertile Susquehanna Valley. Key natural stop: the Flight 93 National Memorial (40.1058° N, 78.9014° W) sits within a peaceful forested clearing—a poignant landscape of remembrance.

Near Gettysburg, the battlefield is a vast outdoor museum of rolling hills and rock formations. For waterfalls, side-trip to Ohiopyle State Park (35 mi south of I-70) is worth the detour.

• Flight 93 Memorial: Free, open daily; allow 1-2 hours.
• Gettysburg National Military Park: Auto tour, 24 mi loop.
• Buchanan's Birthplace State Park (off US-30): Quiet picnic spot.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites

There are no UNESCO World Heritage Sites directly on this route. The nearest is Frank Lloyd Wright's Fallingwater (Mill Run, PA), a 40-mi detour south of I-70. Alternatively, the Moravian Church Settlements in Bethlehem (north of Hershey) are also UNESCO-listed.

If you have time, Fallingwater is a masterpiece of organic architecture set over a waterfall—highly recommended for architecture enthusiasts.

Local Commerce & Culture

Small towns along the way offer unique shopping. In Bedford, PA (exit 146), the Bedford Springs Resort and historic downtown sell artisan pottery. At the Shanksville area, stop at the Flight 93 Memorial's Learning Center gift shop.

Hershey is a mecca of commerce: Hershey's Chocolate World (free tour, tasting) and the Hershey Story Museum. Local produce stands along PA Route 230 sell fresh apples and maple syrup.

• Farmers markets: Greensburg (Saturdays), Hershey (Wednesdays).
• Antique shopping: Route 30 Antique Mall in York Springs.

Hidden Off-Route Spots

Three off-route gems: 1) Fort Necessity National Battlefield (Farmington, PA) – site of Washington's first command. 2) The Gravity Hill near Bedford – a optical illusion where cars roll uphill. 3) Indian Echo Caverns (Hummelstown) – a limestone cave system near Hershey.

These add uniqueness to your trip. The how long to drive Wheeling, WV to Hershey, PA time expands to a full day, but the memories are richer.

Infrastructure Safety & Road Quality

Both I-70 and I-81 have high safety ratings. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation maintains clear signage and median barriers. Beware of deer crossings between exits 120-150 (Breezewood area), especially at dawn/dusk.

Emergency services are readily available; call 911 or use roadside assistance apps. The route has regular cell service except brief dead zones near the Flight 93 area.

Family and Child Suitability

The drive is ideal for families with young children. The Flight 93 Memorial offers a Junior Ranger program, and Gettysburg has interactive exhibits. Hershey's Chocolate World is a guaranteed hit—free chocolate samples!

Rest stops every 30-50 miles have clean restrooms and play areas. The PA Welcome Center at mile 155 (Breezewood) has a large grassy picnic area.

• Hershey: ZooAmerica, Hersheypark (seasonal).
• Gettysburg: Cyclorama painting, children's audio tour.
• Flight 93: Wall of Names, visitor center with kid-friendly films.

Pet-Friendly Framework

Pets are welcome at many stops: Flight 93 Memorial allows leashed dogs on grounds ( not inside buildings). Gettysburg Battlefield allows pets on park roads and open fields. Hershey’s Chocolate World permits service animals only; outdoor areas of Hersheypark accept pets.

For breaks, you can use the large grass areas at rest stops. Nearby pet-friendly accommodations include La Quinta in Bedford and Motel 6 in Hershey.

Fatigue Management & Rest Zones

Plan to stop every 2 hours. Excellent rest areas: Welcome Center at mile 155 (Breezewood) and the Cumberland Valley rest area near exit 37 on I-81. Both have vending machines, picnic tables, and walking paths.

If you need a power nap, pull into a well-lit service plaza – the Pennsylvania Turnpike plazas (alternative route) are 24 hours, but here you can rest at Walmart parking lots in Chambersburg or Harrisburg.

• Best rest stop: Bedford Springs (exit 146) - not official but a resort with public cafe.
• Caffeine stops: Sheetz at exit 29, Wawa at exit 77.