Worlds End State Park – the name describes it all! Located in the Endless Mountains Region of Pennsylvania, the park delivers its promise of being away from it all. Far from cities and major tourism routes, it sits there quietly, seemingly unaware of its quiet beauty. It pulls you in with its endless forest, stunning vistas, and the soothing sound of Loyalsock Creek. In conjunction with Loyalsock State Forest, it creates a nature retreat for those seeking undisturbed peacefulness of nature. Hiking, camping, and fishing are the main activities in the area. Visit for a day trip or week-long camping adventure. In this post, you will learn how to visit Worlds End State Park and Loyalsock State Forest to enjoy the region to the fullest.
VISITING WORLDS END STATE PARK – KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
Worlds State State Park brings many happy memories. Only an hour and a half drive from my house, it has served as my day trip destination for years. I especially enjoyed it during the fall season for the bright display of colors. Still, I did not realize its full potential until my camping escape there.
With more time to explore, I discovered some new areas, and I got a new appreciation for the area.
Visitor’s Center at Worlds End State Park will help you with maps and detailed information about the area.
Worlds End State Park – Location
Worlds End State Park is located in Sullivan County, Pennsylvania. It is nearly surrounded by Loyalsock State Forest, in the Loyalsock Creek valley on Pennsylvania Route 154, southeast of the borough of Forksville. The roads leading the park promise the “world’s end” experience.
For miles, what you see is just mountains and forest, with an occasional car passing by.
Getting There:
GPS Info. (Latitude, Longitude):
41.4718, -76.58145
41°28’18″N, 76°34’53″W
Contact Information:
Mailing Address:
Worlds End State Park
82 Cabin Bridge Road
Forksville, PA 18616
Information: (570)924-3287
The Forest
Worlds End State Park features hemlock valleys and hardwood tree-covered mountains. In spring, the area impresses with bright green foliage and wildflowers. The falls bring an impressive plethora of vivid colors. Animals such as white-tailed deer, black bear, wild turkey, red and gray squirrels are seen fairly regularly.
Bird watchers have observed over 200 species of birds in the park, including the great blue heron, northern harrier, and white-throated sparrow.
Facilities at World Ends State Park
The park offers all you need for a day trip or overnight camping. If you are visiting just for a day and not planning extensive hiking, situate yourself at the visitor’s center area. This is where you will find the most dramatic stretch of the creek and many picnic tables placed along the Loyalsack Creek.
A food concession, playground, and recycling station are located within the picnic grounds. Several pavilions are available for day use.
Staying connected
If I say, you can escape it all at Worlds End State Park, I mean it. There is no phone or internet service. To get the phone service, you need to drive to Eagles Mere or Dushore. Things are better with the internet, the Snack Shop will let you use its Wi-Fi with a password.
I got my mine for free (the shop was close, but one of the workers was there awaiting delivery), but you probably need to purchase something to get it.
Hiking at Worlds End State Park
Many visitors who come to the park with hiking in mind plan to conquer its steep and rocky trails, but do not worry, you will find plenty of easy trails too. A must-do is Canyon Vista Trail, a four-mile loop, rather difficult but definitely the most rewarding.
It impressed with a spectacular view of the Loyalsock Creek gorge from its vista at an elevation of 1750 feet. In the same area, you can explore a boulder field called the Rock Garden, just across the road from the overlook, and slightly off the main trail. (If you are not a hiker, this area has car access too.)
For more hiking choices, check these interesting hikes in the Worlds End State Park.
Attractions that can be reached by car
The main activity in the park is hiking, but many must-sees can also be reached by a short walk from the car or even straight from a parking lot.
Loyalsock Creek by the visitors Center and Snack Shop
This most beautiful section of the Loyalsock Creek can be seen without any effort. Just park the car, claim one of the picnic tables, and enjoy a day on the water. Take a walk along the creek and explore its dramatic beauty. Kids love this section of the park.
Loyacsock Canyon Vista (handicap accessible) and Rock Garden
Loyalsock Canyon Vista delivers a breathtaking view of the gorge below. It especially impressed during the fall with its display of vibrant colors. Just upslope from Loyalsock Canyon Vista, you will find a maze of lichen-encrusted boulders. Called the Rock Garden, the boulders create an enchanted scene.
Location of Loyalsock Canyon Vista and Rock Garden
The Forksville Covered Bridge
The Forksville covered bridge over Loyalsock Creek, fully functioning and well kept, was built in 1850. It is 152 feet 11 inches in length. The bridge was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980. Interesting place for photography and spending time along the creek.
Location of Forksville Covered Bridge
Ricketts Glen State Park
Just 15 miles away, Ricketts Glen State Park is a jewel of the Pennsylvania park system. Hike the Falls Trail System to explore the glens and its waterfalls. The park is very popular, so start your hike early to avoid the crowds.
High Knob Overlook in Loyalsock State Forest
At around 2000 feet high, the scenic overlook allows for expansive views of the hills and valleys to its west, with breathtaking views of 20 miles out on most days. While it’s off the beaten path, the overlook is quite easy to get to, as there are paved roads leading right up to the parking lot for the overlook.
Picnicking
You will find the main picnic area along Loyalsock Creek just off the main parking lot, upstream of the swimming area. Tables are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Kids will love this spot.
Swimming
A small dam on Loyalsock Creek forms a swimming area that is open from Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day, sunrise to sunset. The mountain stream water is always cold and exhilarating, or to put bluntly – freezing! You will swim at your own risk. A small stretch of sand serves as a beach, but it is very narrow, so do not count on sunbathing there.
Kayaking
Whitewater kayakers may use Loyalsock Creek at any time of the year. The best water is from March to May.
Fishing
Loyalsock Creek is stocked with trout by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission. The cold mountain water provides good fishing for most of the year.
Hunting
During established seasons, about half of Worlds End State Park is open to hunting.
Wildlife watching
White-tailed deer, black bear, and wild turkey are regularly sighted in the park.
Lodging in World End State Park
Worlds End State Park has a few options for visitors interested in staying overnight, offering a different level of comfort.
Rustic Cabins
Nineteen rustic cabins are situated in the woods and offer a lot of privacy. They sleep 4 to 8 people. The log construction and specious porches give them a feel of the pioneers’ cabins.
They come equipped with a refrigerator, stove, fireplace, table with chairs, and beds. Outside, you will find a picnic table and a fire ring. Shared bathrooms and showers are provided in the area. Because of their popularity, the cabins need to be reserved well in advance.
Rates – from $38.48 to $60.13.
Reservations
Make your reservation here.
Camping
You will find a 70-site tent and camper campground along Pennsylvania Route 154. Some of the campsites have electric hook-ups. There is a central shower facility with water and restrooms located nearby. The sites are spacious and well-groomed. The ground is leveled with an elevated area to set up a tent. Wood for fire and ice are available for purchase by the bathrooms.
Rates
Non-electric site -$19
Electric site – $26
Pet site – $28
Reservations
Make your reservations here.
Area A
Area A, closest to the entrance of the campground, is shaped like a loop. On the right-hand side, you will find the RV/electric sites marked with E. A sanitary dumping station is available in that area. These sites are smaller and offer less privacy than non-electric sites. Some of them do not have enough shade.
The remaining tent-only sites on the other side of the loop are more private and larger. They are backing the Route 154, but the road is not busy. On the plus side, those sites are closer to the creek. If you camp with kids, I would recommend that area because of the easy access to the creek and an interesting hiking trail winding along it.
Area B
Area B offers more privacy. Many sites are too woody for my taste and, therefore, rather dark. Another negative, the access to the creek, is obstructed by a steep hill. You don’t see the hill on the campground map, so it may look that those sites are at the same proximity to the water as in Area A.
In reality, access does not exist. Still, I am sure many campers prefer that area for the more “world’s end” experience.
Group Camping
Three group tenting areas, each capable of accommodating 30 people, can be reserved for organized groups.
Dogs
For a small additional fee, you can request a site that allows dogs.
Primitive Camping at Loyalsock State Forest – Free!
Worlds End State Park and Loyalsock State Forest create a large interconnecting area perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. If you want to experience a pure nature away from everything, try primitive camping at Loyalscock Stater Forest. Backpack campers do not need a camping permit if they stay no more than one night at a location.
All roadside campers, horse campers, and backpack campers staying in a designated campsite for more than one night at a location need to obtain a camping permit from the Resource Management Center or the Hillsgrove Maintenance Station. Camping in a group of 10 persons or more requires a letter of authorization from the district forester in addition to a camping permit.
Contact Loyalsock State Forest
Loyalsock District Office
6735 Route 220
Dushore, PA 18614
570-946-4049
Main office hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 A.M. – 4:00 P.M.
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Really great blog, the photos you take also really best.
Thank you! Trying my best!