Allentown, PA to Birchwood Lakes, PA is 69.6 miles and takes about 1h 51m via PA-33 and US 209, with a fuel budget near $12 and enough daylight to finish in a day. This trip stays within Pennsylvania, traversing the Northeast region for its entirety. The drive offers a mixed experience, suitable for a single-day excursion. Expect a straightforward journey with a moderate fuel cost, making it an accessible option for a quick getaway.
Trip Pace
Same-day drive is realistic
A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.
Midpoint
34.8 miles from Allentown, PA
A natural place for your longest stop of the day
, about 47m into the drive
.
Main Roads
Road
Distance
Duration
PA-33
21.2 mi
26m
Federal Road
11.8 mi
21m
US 209
11.5 mi
18m
Lehigh Valley Thruway
7.9 mi
10m
Milford Road
7.1 mi
13m
Silver Lake Road
2.2 mi
4m
Tilghman Street
1.9 mi
3m
Airport Road
1.3 mi
2m
Longest stretch:
PA-33
— 21.2 mi, about 26m
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Allentown, PA and Birchwood Lakes, PA.
1
Start on Tilghman Street
1.9 mi·3 min·Tilghman Street
2
Continue on Union Boulevard
0.9 mi·1 min·Union Boulevard
3
Turn left onto Airport Road
1.3 mi·2 min·Airport Road
Use the left / straight / right lanes.
4
Take the ramp
0.5 mi·1 min
Toward US 22 East: BethlehemUse the slight right lane.
5
Merge onto US 22
7.9 mi·10 min·Lehigh Valley Thruway
6
Take the exit
0.5 mi·1 min
Toward PA 33 North: StroudsburgUse the slight right lane.
7
Merge onto PA 33
21 mi·26 min·PA-33
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
Keep slight right at fork onto US 209
7.9 mi·11 min·US 209
Toward US 209 North: StroudsburgUse the straight / right lanes.
9
Take the exit onto US 209
3.6 mi·7 min·US 209
Toward US 209 north , PA 447 north: Marshalls Creek
10
Enter roundabout onto US 209
98 ft·3 sec·Marshalls Creek Bypass
11
Continue on US 209
0.8 mi·1 min·Marshalls Creek Bypass
12
Continue on US 209
7.1 mi·13 min·Milford Road
13
Continue on US 209
12 mi·21 min·Federal Road
14
Turn left onto PA 739
1.2 mi·2 min·PA-739
15
Turn left onto Silver Lake Road
2.2 mi·4 min·Silver Lake Road
16
Turn right onto Doolan Road
0.8 mi·1 min·Doolan Road
17
Arrive at destination
Doolan Road
Trip Plan
Given the relatively short duration of 1 hour and 51 minutes, this is an ideal same-day trip. You can comfortably depart anytime in the morning or early afternoon and still reach Birchwood Lakes with plenty of daylight. There are no specified stops, so you can decide on the fly if you need a break, though the longest stretch without a major road change is 21.2 miles. Keep an eye on your fuel levels, as the estimated cost is around $12, and it's always wise to top up before heading into potentially less populated areas near Birchwood Lakes.
Morning Departure
Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch.
Evening Departure
Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.
You can normally do this drive in one day.
You may only need one short stretch break if traffic stays light.
The halfway point lands around 34.8 miles from Allentown, PA, or about 47m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 21.2 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 15 miles or 22m in
Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.
Halfway reset
Around 34.8 miles or 47m in
This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.
Final approach
Final hour starts around 1h 30m
Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Birchwood Lakes, PA than in the middle of the route.
Before You Leave
+
Open the route before leaving Allentown, PA so your first major turns are already loaded.
Day 1
Settle into the route from Allentown, PA
This is one driving day of about 69.6 miles and 1h 51m.
Your first comfortable stop window is around 15 miles from Allentown, PA.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on PA-33 for about 21.2 miles.
Where to Stop
Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.
The midpoint is around 34.8 miles from Allentown, PA, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.
These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.
Heads-up: tricky spots
5 of 11
5 decision points cluster between mile 4.1 and 42.1 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.
5
4.1 mi into trip|~6m in
Take the ramp toward US 22 East: Bethlehem
Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Toward US 22 East: Bethlehem
6
12.5 mi into trip|~18m in
Take the exit toward PA 33 North: Stroudsburg
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here
Use the slight right lane.
Toward PA 33 North: Stroudsburg
5
13 mi into trip|~19m in|PA 33 / PA-33
Merge onto PA 33 / PA-33
Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
7
34.2 mi into trip|~46m in|US 209
Keep slight right at fork onto US 209 toward US 209 North: Stroudsburg
Highway fork - watch signs carefully. Lane positioning matters here
Use the straight / right lanes.
Toward US 209 North: Stroudsburg
5
42.1 mi into trip|~57m in|US 209
Take the exit onto US 209 toward US 209 north , PA 447 north: Marshalls Creek
Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one
Toward US 209 north , PA 447 north: Marshalls C...
Fuel & Cost
Regular Gas
$11.54 one way
$23.08 round trip
$4.21/gal25.4 MPG avg24 kg CO2
Fuel Type
$/gal
One Way
Round Trip
midgrade
$4.61
$12.64
$25.28
premium
$4.93
$13.50
$27.00
diesel
$5.61
$15.37
$30.73
Estimated Tolls: $0.55
Lehigh Valley Thruway
(7.9 mi)$0.55
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
$12
Tolls
$1
Meals
$25–$50
Total
$37–$62
Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.
Estimated CO2 emission: 24.4 kg one way.
Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.
Driving Electric?
About $7 in charging
· 0 stops
· 67% less CO2
Vehicle Type
kWh
Stops
DC Fast
Home Charge
Average EV
20.9
0
$7.31
$3.34
Efficient EV
17.4
0
$6.09
$2.78
EV Truck/SUV
27.8
0
$9.74
$4.45
Gas CO2
24 kg
EV CO2
8 kg (67% less)
This trip is well within single-charge range for most EVs. No charging stops needed if you start fully charged.
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 16, 2026
Origin
Allentown, PA
Morning
in Allentown on Sunday
Local time
8:11 AM
EDT
Current temp
88°F
Mostly Sunny
SW 5 to 15 mph1% chanceLive forecast
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued April 16 at 4:45AM EDT by NWS Mount Holly NJ
Special Weather Statement
Special Weather Statement issued April 16 at 4:42AM EDT by NWS State College PA
Destination
Birchwood Lakes, PA
Morning
in Birchwood Lakes on Sunday
Local time
8:11 AM
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
44 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
1h 51m on the road
The weather snapshot is not static. If you are leaving later, give both cities one more quick forecast check before departure.
Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.
National Parks Near This Route
Worth a detour if your schedule allows.
Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
National Recreation Area
Situated within the most densely populated region of the United States, Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area provides a unique opportunity to experience tranquil landscapes, rich human history,...
Park data from the National Park Service API. Alerts update every 2 hours.
More Details
What kind of drive is this?
This route presents a mixed drive, with 49% of it on highways. You'll encounter stretches on major roads like PA-33 and US 209, interspersed with local roads. The longest uninterrupted stretch covers 21.2 miles on PA-33, offering a chance for consistent speed. As you progress, the drive transitions between faster-paced highway segments and more winding, local road experiences. This variety keeps the journey engaging, moving from more open driving to potentially more intricate navigation as you near your destination.
49% highway, the rest on surface roads — varied driving throughout.
17 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 21.2 mi on PA-33.
How Hard Is This Drive?
6/10
This route mixes highway mileage with some local-road sections near the start or finish. You will hit about 11 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 4.1 miles in.
Driving Effort6/10
Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing
Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.
This drive requires moderate attention. Across 69.6 miles you will encounter 11 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.
Where does it get tricky?
The main spots that need attention: at 4.1 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 12.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 13 miles (PA 33 / PA-33): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.
Who Is This Route For?
Weekend Trip
Doable as a same-day drive at 1h 51m. Total distance: 69.6 miles.
Family Friendly
Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.
Solo Traveler
1h 51m drive, comfortable solo distance.
First-Time Driver
Mostly highway driving (49%). Some complex stretches to watch for.
Scenic Drive
Mixed highway & surface route profile with national parks nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
The longest stretch is about 21.2 miles on PA-33. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.
Expect about $0.55 in tolls one way, starting with Lehigh Valley Thruway. Most Northeast and Midwest toll agencies accept E-ZPass; in the West and Texas, transponders like TxTag or FasTrak apply. If you do not have a transponder, cashless tolling plates will mail a bill to the vehicle's registered address — usually with a surcharge, so a rental-car toll pass is often cheaper than paying by mail.
It helps. This route has a higher-than-average number of complex decision points, which get harder in the dark. If the last hour of the trip is on surface roads or mountain grades, aim to arrive at Birchwood Lakes, PA before sunset when you can. Check the Trip Plan for departure windows that land you in daylight.
Yes. At under 2 hours behind the wheel, this works well for families — plan one quick stop if you have younger kids.
The main spots that need attention: at 4.1 miles: Lane positioning matters here; at 12.5 miles: Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here; at 13 miles (PA 33 / PA-33): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.
Yes — Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. See the National Parks section for detour distances and tips on detours.
Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Birchwood Lakes, PA before heading back.
