Erie to Bald Eagle is 348.1 miles and takes about 7h 6m via Keystone Shortway and General Potter Highway, with a fuel budget near $58 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This drive stays within Pennsylvania, beginning in the Northeast region and ending in the same area. Expect a route characterized by frequent turns and local road segments, making it a less direct, more engaging journey. With just two recommended stops and a longest stretch of 103.3 miles, it's a feasible one-day trip for those who enjoy navigating varied terrain.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is possible, but it will make for a full day on the road.
Break Rhythm
2 planned breaks
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
174 miles from Erie, PA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 3h 11m into the drive
.
Doable as a same-day drive at 7h 6m. Total distance: 348.1 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 2 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
7h 6m drive, plan rest stops for pacing.
Scenic Drive
Turn-heavy local drive route profile with national parks nearby.
Drive Character
This drive offers a "turn-heavy local drive" profile, with only 10% of the route on highways. You'll spend most of your time on roads like the Keystone Shortway and General Potter Highway, which are known for their more direct, less highway-centric nature. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 103.3 miles on the Keystone Shortway. Be prepared for a dynamic driving experience that shifts between faster sections and more winding local roads as you progress toward Bald Eagle.
This route has more turning and local-road decision points than a simple highway run.
There are about 38 navigation steps in the underlying route data, so the final approach matters more than the middle miles.
Keystone Shortway is the longest continuous segment at about 103.3 miles.
How Hard Is This Drive?
Expect a hands-on drive with frequent turns and local roads rather than long highway stretches. This route has several spots where lane changes, forks, or exits need your full attention. The trickiest moment comes around 0.4 miles in near PA 5; PA 290 / West 12th Street.
Driving Effort9/10
High effort - long or complex enough to need steady focus all day
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 21 significant decision points across 348.1 miles, you will need to stay alert - especially through interchange areas and urban stretches. Consider splitting it into segments if you are not comfortable with fast highway navigation.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 0.4 miles (PA 5; PA 290 / West 12th Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 2.4 miles (Greengarden Boulevard): Lane positioning matters here; at 205 miles (I 99; US 220; US 322): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 21 key points
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
6
0.4 mi into trip|~1m in|PA 5; PA 290 / West 12th Street
Turn right onto PA 5; PA 290 / West 12th Street
Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight lane.
6
2.4 mi into trip|~5m in|Greengarden Boulevard
Turn right onto Greengarden Boulevard
Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / right lanes.
6
205 mi into trip|~3h 50m in|I 99; US 220; US 322
Keep slight left at fork onto I 99; US 220; US 322
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight lane.
7
208.9 mi into trip|~3h 55m in|US 322 / Mount Nittany Expressway
Keep slight right at fork onto US 322 / Mount Nittany Expressway toward US 322 East: Penn State University, State College
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Exit 73
Toward US 322 East: Penn State University, Stat...
8
299.1 mi into trip|~5h 54m in|I 83
Keep slight right at fork onto I 83 toward I 83 South: York, Baltimore
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
Toward I 83 South: York, Baltimore
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
Between Erie, PA and Bald Eagle, PA, road signs point toward Shawville, State College and Baltimore.
Shawville
173.3 mi in|~3h 10m
State College
208.9 mi in|~3h 55m|via US 322
Baltimore
299.1 mi in|~5h 54m|via I 83
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Keystone Shortway
103.3 mi
1h 50m
General Potter Highway
79.4 mi
1h 42m
Raymond P Shafer Highway
66.8 mi
1h 11m
I 83
25.5 mi
31m
Delta Road
10.7 mi
17m
28th Division Highway
8.6 mi
9m
Philipsburg Bigler Highway
7.1 mi
8m
Mount Nittany Expressway
6.2 mi
8m
Longest stretch:
Keystone Shortway
— 103.3 mi, about 1h 50m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Erie, PA and Bald Eagle, PA.
1
Start on State Street
0.4 mi·1 min·State Street
2
Turn right onto PA 5; PA 290
2.0 mi·4 min·West 12th Street
Use the straight lane.
3
Turn right onto Greengarden Boulevard
0.1 mi·23 sec·Greengarden Boulevard
Use the straight / right lanes.
4
Turn left onto West Bayfront Parkway
0.2 mi·20 sec·West Bayfront Parkway
5
Continue on I 79
67 mi·1 hr 11 min·Raymond P Shafer Highway
Use the straight / right lanes.
6
Take the exit
0.4 mi·59 sec
Toward I 80 East: Clarion
7
Merge onto I 80
103 mi·1 hr 50 min·Keystone Shortway
8
Take the exit
0.3 mi·42 sec
Toward PA 970 to US 322: Woodland, Shawville
9
Merge onto PA 970
1.4 mi·1 min·Shawville Highway
Use the straight lane.
10
Turn left onto US 322
2.8 mi·3 min·Woodland Bigler Highway
11
Continue on US 322
7.1 mi·8 min·Philipsburg Bigler Highway
12
Continue on US 322
0.3 mi·23 sec·North Front Street
13
Continue on US 322; PA 53
0.1 mi·15 sec·North Centre Street
14
Turn left onto US 322
1.1 mi·2 min·Railroad Street
15
Continue on US 322
5.9 mi·8 min·Port Matilda Highway
16
Turn slight right onto US 322
2.2 mi·3 min·Upper Flat Rock Road
17
Continue on US 322
1.8 mi·2 min·Flat Rock Road
18
Continue on US 322
8.6 mi·9 min·28th Division Highway
Toward US 322 East: State College
19
Keep slight left at fork onto I 99; US 220; US 322
4.0 mi·4 min·I 99; US 220; US 322
Use the straight lane.
20
Keep slight right at fork onto US 322
6.2 mi·8 min·Mount Nittany Expressway
Exit 73Toward US 322 East: Penn State University, State College
21
Continue on US 322; PA 144 Truck
2.6 mi·4 min·Boal Avenue
Use the straight lane.
22
Continue on US 322; PA 144 Truck
79 mi·1 hr 42 min·General Potter Highway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
23
Turn left onto Paxton Street
0.2 mi·29 sec·Paxton Street
24
Turn right onto South 13th Street
269 ft·3 sec·South 13th Street
25
Take the exit
0.2 mi·28 sec
Toward I 83 South: York
26
Merge onto I 83
1.5 mi·2 min·I 83
Use the straight lane.
27
Keep slight right at fork onto I 83
24 mi·29 min·I 83
Toward I 83 South: York, BaltimoreUse the straight / slight right lanes.
28
Take the exit
0.3 mi·38 sec
Toward PA 124 East
29
Turn straight onto PA 124
1.0 mi·1 min·Mount Rose Avenue
30
Continue on PA 124
0.3 mi·43 sec·East Prospect Road
31
Turn right onto PA 24
0.7 mi·1 min·Cape Horn Road
Use the right lane.
32
Turn left onto Windsor Road
4.5 mi·7 min·Windsor Road
Use the left lane.
33
Continue on North Penn Street
0.4 mi·46 sec·North Penn Street
34
Continue on Windsor Road
1.0 mi·1 min·Windsor Road
35
At end of road, turn left onto PA 74
11 mi·17 min·Delta Road
36
Turn sharp right onto PA 425
4.7 mi·8 min·Woodbine Road
37
Continue on PA 425
1.2 mi·2 min·West Woodbine Road
38
Arrive at destination
PA 425
Trip Plan
Given the 7-hour duration, an early morning departure from Erie is recommended to maximize daylight and allow for flexibility. With only two planned stops, consider breaking them up to stretch your legs and manage fuel, especially since the longest continuous driving segment is over 100 miles. Keep an eye on your fuel gauge as you transition onto more local roads; not all areas may have frequent gas stations. This route is best suited for a single day, allowing you to enjoy the journey without feeling rushed.
Morning Departure
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
Evening Departure
This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 2 meaningful breaks for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 174 miles from Erie, PA, or about 3h 11m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 103.3 miles.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
Departure
Before you leave
Start with fuel, water, and navigation already sorted so the first hour feels easy.
First stop
Around 77 miles or 1h 26m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 174 miles or 3h 11m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 5h 39m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Bald Eagle, PA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Erie, PA so your first major turns are already loaded.
+
Leave with enough water and a charging cable within reach, not packed away.
+
Check your fuel range against the first long segment, especially if you are starting outside city service areas.
+
Pick one backup stop option before the midpoint in case traffic changes your pacing.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Erie, PA
This is one driving day of about 348.1 miles and 7h 6m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 77 miles from Erie, PA.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
Plan about 2 real breaks rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on Keystone Shortway for about 103.3 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 174 mi from Erie, PA
· 3h 11m into the drive
Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.
National Parks Near This Route
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
Carlisle Federal Indian Boarding School National Monument
National Monument
More than 7,800 children from 140 Tribes went to the Carlisle School from 1879 to 1918. The National Park Service will collaborate with families, affiliated Tribal Nations, the US Army, historians, an...
15 mi from route
~38 min detour
Free
near mile 300
The Appalachian Trail is a 2,190+ mile long public footpath that traverses the scenic, wooded, pastoral, wild, and culturally resonant lands of the Appalachian Mountains. Conceived in 1921, built by p...
27 mi from route
~67 min detour
Free
near mile 288
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$57.71 one way
$115.42 round trip
$4.21/gal25.4 MPG avg122 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.61
$63.21
$126.41
premium
$4.93
$67.51
$135.02
diesel
$5.61
$76.86
$153.71
No toll roads detected on this route.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$58
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$83–$108
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 121.8 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $37 in charging
· 1 stop
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
104.4
1
$36.55
$16.71
Efficient EV
87
0
$30.46
$13.92
EV Truck/SUV
139.2
1
$48.73
$22.28
Gas CO2
122 kg
EV CO2
41 kg (66% less)
Plan for 1 charging stop. A 30-minute DC fast charge mid-route should be enough to complete the trip comfortably.
DC fast charging avg $0.35/kWh. Home charging avg $0.16/kWh. US grid CO2: 0.39 kg/kWh.
Travel Intel
Current conditions at both ends of the drive.
Forecast as of Apr 15, 2026
Origin
Erie, PA
Morning
in Erie on Saturday
Local time
8:10 AM
EDT
Current temp
60°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Bald Eagle, PA
Morning
in Bald Eagle on Saturday
Local time
8:10 AM
EDT
Current temp
48°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
57°F
Wellsville, NY
174 mi in
Seasonal Notes
Summer travel usually means heavier construction, hotter rest stops, and busier weekend traffic around major cities.
Winter travel shortens daylight, so a route that looks manageable on paper can feel much longer after dark.
Holiday weekends tend to make both departure and arrival windows slower than the raw route time suggests.
Time zone
Same local time
Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.
Temperature spread
12 degrees cooler at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
7h 6m on the road
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from Erie, PA to Bald Eagle, PA covers 348.1 miles and takes about 7h 6m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Keystone Shortway, General Potter Highway, Raymond P Shafer Highway. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 174 miles from Erie, PA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $57.71 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
Start early — leave by 6-7 AM to arrive at a reasonable hour. This is a long drive — plan for a morning departure or consider splitting it into two days.
Plan about 2 meaningful breaks for fuel, food, or rest. Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
This is a demanding drive. With 21 significant decision points across 348.1 miles, you will need to stay alert - especially through interchange areas and urban stretches. Consider splitting it into segments if you are not comfortable with fast highway navigation.
The main spots that need attention: at 0.4 miles (PA 5; PA 290 / West 12th Street): Lane positioning matters here; at 2.4 miles (Greengarden Boulevard): Lane positioning matters here; at 205 miles (I 99; US 220; US 322): Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here.
Between Erie, PA and Bald Eagle, PA, road signs point toward Shawville, State College and Baltimore.
Yes. Nearby national parks include Carlisle Federal Indian Boarding School National Monument and Appalachian National Scenic Trail.
How this page is built
Compiled by the Trip.ovh planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, EIA for fuel prices, and NPS for national parks. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.
