Just over 100 miles north of Harrisburg and Hershey you’ll find the wonderful Worlds End State Park.
Spread across 780-acres, this stunning public recreational space is surrounded by the Loyalsock State Forest, which makes it the perfect destination for those who want to escape into nature.
Featuring a rugged and pristine landscape, the park is one of the most photogenic in the whole of the Pennsylvania state park system.
Best explored through one of its many hiking trails, it is also a popular spot for fishing and hunting. While BirdLife International, has labelled it as an ‘Important Bird and Biodiversity Area’ too.
A pet-friendly park, Worlds End also has a decent sized and modern campground for those who want to take their time to really explore it.
Activities
Visitors to the park can partake in a wide range of outdoor recreational pursuits during their time here.
Below are just a handful of the many activities you can see and do whilst you are there.
Swimming at Worlds End State Park
Be sure to bring your swimming costume to the park as there is an excellent swimming hole available there.
Situated within Loyalsock creek, this sectioned off area is quite deep, so you will have to exercise caution if you do go for a dip there.
However, during the heat of the summer, you’ll love the feel of its cooling waters.
Fishing at Worlds End State Park
Angling is a popular activity at the park, taking place at both the Loyalsock Creek and the Double Run, which is its tributary.
Well stocked with trout, and in particular brown trout, by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, the bracing mountain water provides terrific fishing opportunities for most of the year.
Hiking at Worlds End State Park
With more than 20 miles of trails meandering through it, World’s End is a haven for those who enjoy hiking.
Most of these trails range from moderate to challenging levels of difficulty. Incorporating steep and rocky sections that undulate. So you will need to have a good level of fitness to attempt them and wear proper hiking boots.
However, as they showcase the park’s incredible natural scenery, they are well worth the effort involved.
Here are some of the best trails at Worlds End State Park:
- trail 1 – Butternut Trail. Length: 0.83 mile Degree of Difficulty: moderate
- trail 2 – Worlds End Trail. Length: 3.2 miles Degree of Difficulty: moderate
- trail 3 – Canyon Vista Trail. Length: 4 miles Degree of Difficulty: challenging
Birding at Worlds End State Park
Encompassing over 214,000 acres of woodland, Worlds End State Park forms one part of a very large Important Bird Area.
Designated by the Audubon Society as a globally important habitat for bird conservation, the park is home at various times to over 200 different species of birds. Some of whom live there permanently, while others migrate there.
At any given time, common breeds you might see include herons, grouse, vireos and flycatchers. Several types of warbler and owls, as well as Northern goshawks can be seen there too.
Picnicking at Worlds End State Park
For those who enjoy picnicking, the main area for this can be found along Loyalsock Creek. Not far from the swimming area. Several tables are available here on a first-come, first-served basis.
You’ll also find a food concession stand, as well as a playground and recycling station within this area.
For those holding an event or in a larger group, there are also five large picnic pavilions available, which can be reserved up to 11 months in advance. One of which is ADA accessible.
Visiting the Rock Garden at Worlds End State Park
Located behind the canyon vista is a spectacular area known as the rock garden.
Formed over millions of years by frost wedging, which in turn created massive caves and crevices within the rocks, a great thing to do is climb on and in them to explore them first hand.
Some of the rocks here are as high as houses, so you will need to exercise caution and wear proper shoes if this is something you plan to do.
Falling from them could be very dangerous, and potentially, even fatal.
Hunting at Worlds End State Park
During the established season, roughly half of the park is open to hunting, trapping and the training of dogs.
Some of the common game species you can snare include bear, deer, grouse, turkey and squirrel.
Like with all other state parks in Pennsylvania the hunting of groundhogs is not permitted. The laws and regulations of the DCNR and the Pennsylvania Game Commission also apply.
Pets at Worlds End State Park
Pets are permitted in the park but only at specially designated sites.
At all times they are required to be kept on a leash of a maximum of six feet in length.
While there is a pet walk area for you to walk your dog, they are not allowed in many other areas of the park. Namely the camp office, most trails and the swimming area.
Camping at Worlds End State Park
For those who are looking for overnight accommodation the park offers a total of 70 sites for RVs, trailers and tents. All of which are located about a mile east of the main park office.
About half of these sites come with electricity, and while none of them have water hookups, they are situated near shower houses and drinking water facilities.
Nestled within a shaded area that offers quite a bit of privacy, each campsite has a fire grill, fire and picnic table. Sizes of these sites vary markedly with some being able to accommodate rigs of up to 80-feet long.
Park Location
Worlds End State Park
82 Cabin Bridge Rd
Forksville, PA 18616
Phone: 888.727.2757
Map
Video
Here is a short YouTube video showcasing several attractions at Worlds End State Park:
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