Embarking on a 270.6-mile journey from Hemlock, PA, to Allentown, PA, will take approximately 5 hours and 57 minutes of driving time. This route, primarily traversing the Keystone Shortway and PA 948, is best suited for a single day of travel, with an estimated fuel cost of $45. The drive offers a turn-heavy local feel, suggesting a more engaging experience than a pure interstate cruise. Both your origin and destination are within Pennsylvania's Northeast region, keeping your travel contained within a familiar geographical area. Plan for a day trip, but be prepared for a more involved driving experience.
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
1 planned break
Plan on a short reset every 3 to 4 hours to stay fresh behind the wheel.
Midpoint
135.3 miles from Hemlock, PA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 3h 13m into the drive
.
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 5h 57m. Total distance: 270.6 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 1 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
5h 57m drive, comfortable solo distance.
Scenic Drive
Turn-heavy local drive route profile with national parks nearby.
Drive Character
This 270.6-mile drive is characterized as a 'turn-heavy local drive,' with only 14% of the route on highways. Expect a dynamic driving experience that frequently shifts from faster highway sections to more winding local roads. The longest uninterrupted stretch you'll encounter is 112.7 miles along the Keystone Shortway, offering a period of more consistent travel before transitioning back to local routes. This profile suggests a journey where you'll be actively navigating turns and varying speeds, rather than a monotonous highway cruise.
This route has more turning and local-road decision points than a simple highway run.
There are about 45 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 112.7 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 3.8 miles in near US 6 Business / Pennsylvania Avenue East.
Driving Effort7/10
Demanding - plan breaks and stay ahead of the key maneuvers
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This is a demanding drive. With 22 significant decision points across 270.6 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 3.8 miles (US 6 Business / Pennsylvania Avenue East): Lane positioning matters here; at 4 miles (US 6 / Main Street): Navigation decision point; at 185.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
Critical Maneuvers
5 of 22 key points
These are the spots where you need to pay the most attention. Preview them before you drive.
6
3.8 mi into trip|~15m in|US 6 Business / Pennsylvania Avenue East
Turn left onto US 6 Business / Pennsylvania Avenue East
Lane positioning matters here
Use the left lane.
5
4 mi into trip|~15m in|US 6 / Main Street
At end of road, turn left onto US 6 / Main Street
Navigation decision point
5
185.3 mi into trip|~4h 7m in
Take the exit toward PA 54: Danville, Washingtonville
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward PA 54: Danville, Washingtonville
9
264.5 mi into trip|~5h 48m in|US 22 / Lehigh Valley Thruway
Keep slight right at fork onto US 22 / Lehigh Valley Thruway toward US 22 East: Pennsylvania Turnpike, LVI Airport
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Use the slight right lane.
Exit 51
Toward US 22 East: Pennsylvania Turnpike, LVI A...
6
265.5 mi into trip|~5h 49m in
Take the exit toward Cetronia
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Toward Cetronia
Towns Mentioned on Route Signs
Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.
On the drive from Hemlock, PA to Allentown, PA, road signs begin pointing toward Washingtonville along the way.
Washingtonville
185.3 mi in|~4h 7m
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
Keystone Shortway
112.7 mi
2h 1m
PA 948
23.8 mi
35m
William Penn Highway
21.6 mi
26m
Boot Jack Road
11.2 mi
16m
State Route 54
11.1 mi
13m
Center Avenue
10.6 mi
12m
Elysburg Road
9.7 mi
11m
Sunbury Road
9.4 mi
11m
Longest stretch:
Keystone Shortway
— 112.7 mi, about 2h 1m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Hemlock, PA and Allentown, PA.
1
Start on this road
99 ft·9 sec·this road
2
Turn left onto Hemlock Road
3.5 mi·13 min·Hemlock Road
3
Continue on Hemlock Street
0.4 mi·1 min·Hemlock Street
4
Turn left onto US 6 Business
0.2 mi·33 sec·Pennsylvania Avenue East
Use the left lane.
5
At end of road, turn left onto US 6
0.2 mi·35 sec·Main Street
6
Continue on US 6
2.9 mi·4 min·Grand Army of the Republic Highway
Use the straight lane.
7
Continue on US 6
1.4 mi·2 min·North Main Street
8
Continue on US 6
4.5 mi·6 min·Grand Army of the Republic Highway
9
Continue on US 6
1.1 mi·2 min·West Main Street
10
Take the exit
265 ft·9 sec
Toward PA 666 West
11
Merge onto PA 666
2.3 mi·4 min·South Main Street
12
Continue on PA 948
8.5 mi·12 min·PA 948
13
At end of road, turn left onto PA 66
2.9 mi·4 min·PA 66
14
Turn right onto PA 948
15 mi·22 min·PA 948
15
Turn left onto PA 948
1.0 mi·2 min·West Main Street
16
Continue on US 219; PA 948
11 mi·16 min·Boot Jack Road
17
Turn left onto PA 153
3.7 mi·6 min·Penfield Road
18
Continue on PA 153
5.0 mi·8 min·Hoovertown Road
19
Continue on PA 153
8.1 mi·14 min·State Park Road
20
Turn left
0.3 mi·40 sec
21
Merge onto I 80
113 mi·2 hr 1 min·Keystone Shortway
22
Take the exit
0.2 mi·26 sec
Toward PA 54: Danville, Washingtonville
23
Turn slight left
79 ft·2 sec
24
Turn right onto PA 54
2.9 mi·3 min·Continental Boulevard
Use the straight / right lanes.
25
Continue on PA 54
0.1 mi·19 sec·Factory Street
26
Continue on PA 54
0.3 mi·49 sec·Danville-Riverside Bridge Road
27
Turn left onto PA 54
9.7 mi·11 min·Elysburg Road
Use the left lane.
28
Continue on PA 54
11 mi·13 min·State Route 54
29
Continue on PA 901
0.4 mi·41 sec·Locust Gap Highway
30
Continue on PA 901
2.2 mi·2 min·Fairgrounds Road
31
Continue on PA 901
9.4 mi·11 min·Sunbury Road
32
Continue on PA 901
0.8 mi·1 min·Sunbury Street
33
Turn right onto PA 901
1.8 mi·2 min·Pottsville Minersville Highway
34
Turn right onto PA 901
4.0 mi·6 min·Gordon Nagle Trail
35
Continue on PA 901
0.2 mi·33 sec·North Sillyman Street
36
Turn left onto PA 183
0.7 mi·2 min·Pottsville Street
37
Turn right onto PA 61
493 ft·6 sec·Route 61 South
38
Continue on PA 61
11 mi·12 min·Center Avenue
Use the straight / right lanes.
39
Continue on PA 61
2.7 mi·3 min·Centre Street
40
Take the exit
0.3 mi·41 sec
Toward I 78 East, US 22 East: Allentown
41
Merge onto I 78; US 22
22 mi·26 min·William Penn Highway
Use the straight lane.
42
Keep slight right at fork onto US 22
1.0 mi·1 min·Lehigh Valley Thruway
Exit 51Toward US 22 East: Pennsylvania Turnpike, LVI AirportUse the slight right lane.
43
Take the exit
0.2 mi·26 sec
Toward CetroniaUse the slight right lane.
44
Turn straight onto Tilghman Street
4.9 mi·8 min·Tilghman Street
Use the straight lane.
45
Arrive at destination
Tilghman Street
Trip Plan
With a total duration of nearly 6 hours, starting your trip from Hemlock, PA, early in the morning is advisable to maximize daylight and minimize potential traffic. While the drive can be completed in one day, factor in at least one stop for fuel and a break, especially given the turn-heavy nature of the route. The estimated fuel cost is $45, so ensure your tank is full before departing. Keep an eye on your GPS for the numerous turns indicated by the route's 'turn-heavy local drive' profile, as this will be key to a smooth progression along the Keystone Shortway and PA 948.
Morning Departure
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
Evening Departure
A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
Plan roughly 1 meaningful break for fuel, food, and rest.
The halfway point lands around 135.3 miles from Hemlock, PA, or about 3h 13m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 112.7 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 60 miles or 1h 43m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 135.3 miles or 3h 13m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 4h 51m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Allentown, PA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Hemlock, 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.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Hemlock, PA
This is one driving day of about 270.6 miles and 5h 57m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 60 miles from Hemlock, PA.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
Plan about 1 real break rather than only quick fuel stops.
The longest stretch is on Keystone Shortway for about 112.7 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
Halfway Point
Midpoint
About 135.3 mi from Hemlock, PA
· 3h 13m 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.
Appalachian National Scenic Trail
National Scenic Trail
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...
21 mi from route
~52 min detour
Free
near mile 224
Park Closure: List of trail closures post-Hurricane Helene
Caution: Black Bears Frequenting the McAfee Knob Area in Virginia
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$44.86 one way
$89.72 round trip
$4.21/gal25.4 MPG avg95 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.61
$49.13
$98.27
premium
$4.93
$52.48
$104.96
diesel
$5.61
$59.75
$119.49
Estimated Tolls: $0.07
Lehigh Valley Thruway
(1 mi)$0.07
Toll estimates based on average 2024-2025 rates. EZ-Pass/SunPass discounts may lower the actual cost.
Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)
Fuel
$45
Tolls
$0
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$70–$95
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 94.7 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
EV Charging Along Route
1 DC fast chargers
· Coverage: sparse
Tesla Supercharger
Clearfield, Pennsylvania
Tesla
1 DCFC
Tesla: 1
Station data from NREL Alternative Fuel Stations database.
Driving Electric?
About $28 in charging
· 1 stop
· 66% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
81.2
1
$28.41
$12.99
Efficient EV
67.7
0
$23.68
$10.82
EV Truck/SUV
108.2
1
$37.88
$17.32
Gas CO2
95 kg
EV CO2
32 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
Hemlock, PA
Night
in Hemlock on Thursday
Local time
10:08 PM
EDT
Current temp
42°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
Destination
Allentown, PA
Night
in Allentown on Thursday
Local time
10:08 PM
EDT
Current temp
44°F
Unavailable
Live forecast
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
2 degrees warmer at arrival
A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.
Road read
5h 57m on the road
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
Frequently Asked Questions
The drive from Hemlock, PA to Allentown, PA covers 270.6 miles and takes about 5h 57m without stops. Add 15-30 minutes for a fuel or rest stop on longer drives.
The main roads are Keystone Shortway, PA 948, William Penn Highway. Expect a mix of highway and local road driving.
This is a comfortable same-day trip.
The midpoint is about 135.3 miles from Hemlock, PA. Look for rest areas, gas stations, or food options near the halfway mark.
At current regular gas prices, expect to spend about $44.86 one way. This estimate uses 25.4 MPG — your actual cost will vary with your vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
An early start around 7-8 AM gets you there with plenty of daylight left. A late afternoon start means arriving after dark. Morning is better.
Plan about 1 meaningful break 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 22 significant decision points across 270.6 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 3.8 miles (US 6 Business / Pennsylvania Avenue East): Lane positioning matters here; at 4 miles (US 6 / Main Street): Navigation decision point; at 185.3 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one.
On the drive from Hemlock, PA to Allentown, PA, road signs begin pointing toward Washingtonville along the way.
Yes. Nearby national parks include Appalachian National Scenic Trail.
