World's End State Park: Canyon Vista, Loyalsock Trail & Hidden Gorge Hikes

Quick Facts

• Location: Sullivan County (Forksville, PA)
• Size: 780 acres (surrounded by Loyalsock State Forest)
• Terrain: S-shaped gorge carved by Loyalsock Creek
• Top Trails: Canyon Vista (4 miles), Loyalsock Trail (59 miles total), Double Run (1.2 miles)
• Unique: Driveable overlook, CCC cabins, Rock Garden boulders

World’s End State Park is the kind of place that feels like a secret, even though it’s been a state park since 1932. Tucked into a narrow, S-shaped valley in the Endless Mountains, it is often skipped by hikers rushing to nearby Ricketts Glen.

That’s a mistake. While Ricketts has the waterfalls, World’s End has the drama. The Canyon Vista offers one of the best views in Pennsylvania, looking down into a gorge that feels incredibly remote. And best of all? You can drive partially to the top - or earn the view with a steep, rugged hike.

Why Hike World’s End?

The park is defined by the Loyalsock Creek, which carved a deep, serpentine channel through the mountains. Early settlers called it “World’s End” because the steep walls made them feel like they had reached the edge of the earth.

This is old-school Pennsylvania. The park was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in the 1930s, and their handiwork is everywhere - from the rustic cabins to the swimming dam. It feels like stepping back in time.

The Trails: Choose Your World’s End Adventure

If You Want the Signature View: Canyon Vista Trail

Canyon Vista Trail:

• Distance: 4 miles loop
• Elevation: 650 ft gain
• Time: 2-3 hours
• Difficulty: Strenuous (steep climb)
• Trailhead: Park office area (off PA Route 154)
• Best Time: Fall for foliage (September 25-October 15), spring for wildflowers (April-May)
• The Draw: Spectacular view of the Loyalsock Gorge from 1,750 ft elevation

This is the park’s premier hike. The trail climbs steeply from the creek valley, passing through the Rock Garden, a maze of massive, house-sized boulders that look like giants threw them there. At the top, the vista offers a commanding view of the S-shaped gorge.

Pro Tip: You can drive to the vista via a paved road, but hiking the loop gives you the full experience of the gorge’s depth.

If You Want Waterfalls: Double Run Nature Trail

Double Run Nature Trail:

• Distance: 1.2 miles loop
• Elevation: 150 ft gain
• Time: 45 minutes to 1 hour
• Difficulty: Easy to moderate
• Trailhead: Near park office
• Best Time: Spring for high water flow (April-May), summer for wildflowers (June-July)
• The Draw: Cottonwood Falls and wildflowers along Double Run

Perfect for families or a quick warm-up, this trail follows a tributary of the Loyalsock. It features several small waterfalls, including the photogenic Cottonwood Falls.

If You Want Wilderness: Loyalsock Trail

Loyalsock Trail (LT):

• Distance: 59 miles total (passes through park at Mile 46)
• Elevation: Varies (constant ups and downs)
• Time: 4-6 days (full trail)
• Difficulty: Strenuous (rocky, rugged, serious backpacking)
• Access: Multiple trailheads (Link Trail from park)
• Best Time: Fall (September-October) for foliage, spring (May) for cooler temps
• The Draw: One of PA’s most challenging trails. Remote ridges, minimal crowds

The Loyalsock Trail is legendary among PA backpackers. It passes right through the park, using the steep “Link Trail” to climb out of the gorge. It’s rugged, rocky, and beautiful - a true wilderness experience.

If You Want a Workout: High Rock Trail

High Rock Trail:

• Distance: 1 mile out-and-back
• Elevation: 400 ft gain
• Time: 45 minutes to 1 hour
• Difficulty: Very strenuous (steep climb)
• Best Time: Summer for cool shade (June-August)
• The Draw: High Rock Vista and waterfall on High Rock Run

Don’t let the short distance fool you. This trail goes straight up. It’s a lung-buster that rewards you with a quiet vista and a nice waterfall.

The Rock Garden: World’s End’s Hidden Feature

Just off the Canyon Vista Trail, you’ll find the Rock Garden. It’s a geological playground of massive sandstone boulders, likely broken off from the ridge during the last ice age. It’s a fun spot to scramble and explore, especially for kids.

The CCC Legacy: 1930s Time Capsule

World’s End is a monument to the Civilian Conservation Corps. In the 1930s, the young men of Camp S-95 built almost everything you see:

• 19 Rustic Cabins: Still in use today. Some have no electricity, keeping the experience authentic
• Swimming Dam: Creates a cold, refreshing swimming hole in Loyalsock Creek
• Canyon Vista Road: Hand-built to provide access to the overlook

Note: The cabins are incredibly popular. You typically need to book 11 months in advance for summer weekends.

Photography Tips

Best Canyon Photography: Canyon Vista overlook. Arrive at sunrise (6:30-7:00 AM in summer) for golden hour light on the S-shaped gorge. Wide-angle lens (16-35mm) captures the full valley view.

Best Waterfall Photography: Cottonwood Falls on Double Run. Shoot in spring (April-May) for high water flow. Slow shutter speed (1-2 seconds) creates silky water effect.

Best Fall Foliage Photography: Canyon Vista (September 25-October 15). Shoot in early morning or late afternoon for warm light. Telephoto lens (70-200mm) isolates color patches.

Best Rock Garden Photography: Late afternoon (4-6 PM) for dramatic shadows between boulders. Wide-angle lens emphasizes scale.

Swimming at World’s End

Since the 1930s, hikers have cooled off in the dammed section of Loyalsock Creek.

• The Water: It is mountain water. It is COLD. Even in August
• The Scene: There are no lifeguards, but it’s a popular spot for families
• Warning: The rocks can be slippery. Water shoes are a good idea

Camping at World’s End

Cabins (The Main Draw)

The 19 rustic cabins are the heart of the park. They range from one-room to three-room structures.

• Pricing: $60-$120/night (varies by cabin size and season)
• Booking: Reserve 11 months in advance via PA State Parks reservations
• Amenities: Some have electricity, some don’t. Bring lanterns for authentic CCC experience
• Best for: Families, groups, anyone wanting a historic experience

Campground

The park also has a 70-site campground for tents and trailers.

• Sites: 35 with electric hookups, 35 without
• Pricing: $19-$28/night
• Season: Closed in winter (typically November-April)
• Location: Along Route 154, just down the road from the main park area

What You Need to Know Before You Go

Nearby Hubs

• Forksville: Tiny historic town 5 minutes from park. Famous for Forksville General Store (Mike’s Hoagies). Covered bridge next door.
• Eagles Mere: Victorian resort town 20 minutes away. “The town time forgot.” Boutique shops and restaurants.
• Laporte: Sullivan County seat, 15 minutes from park. Basic services and gas.

No Cell Service

This is not an exaggeration. There is zero cell service in the park or the immediate area.

• Download Maps: Save Google Maps and trail maps offline before you leave home
• Plan Ahead: Tell someone where you’re going and when you’ll be back
• Emergency: Park office has a landline during business hours

Forksville General Store

Just 5 minutes from the park entrance is the Forksville General Store. It’s a historic landmark with a covered bridge right next to it.

• Tradition: Stopping for a “Mike’s Hoagie” after a hike is a local rite of passage
• What to get: The Italian hoagie is legendary
• Hours: Check before you go (small-town hours)

Combine with Ricketts Glen

World’s End is only 30 minutes from Ricketts Glen State Park.

• Strategy: Hike the Falls Trail at Ricketts in the morning (to beat crowds), then head to World’s End for a sunset picnic at Canyon Vista
• Both parks in one day: Ambitious but doable if you start early

Best Time to Visit

• Spring (April-May): Waterfalls are flowing high. Trails can be muddy. Best dates: April 15-May 15 for wildflowers and high water.
• Summer (June-August): Swimming season. The cabins will be full, but the creek feels great. Best dates: June-July before peak heat.
• Fall (September-October): Peak foliage. This is arguably the best time - the view from Canyon Vista is a sea of red and orange. Best dates: September 25-October 15 for peak color.
• Winter (December-March): The campground closes, but cabins stay open. It’s quiet, icy, and beautiful.

FAQ

Can you drive to Canyon Vista?
Yes. There is a paved road that winds up the mountain to the overlook. But hiking the trail earns you the view.

Are the cabins worth it?
Absolutely. Staying in a CCC cabin is a unique experience. They are rustic (bring lanterns), but they have immense character.

Is World’s End crowded?
Compared to Ricketts Glen? No. It’s much quieter. But Canyon Vista can get busy on fall weekends.

What’s the best hike for first-timers?
Start with Double Run Nature Trail for an easy, scenic walk. Then drive (or hike) to Canyon Vista.

Explore More

Ready to explore PA’s hidden gorge? Start with the Canyon Vista Trail for the signature view, cool off in the swimming area, and stay in a historic CCC cabin.

• Compare this to Ricketts Glen for magnificent waterfalls just 30 minutes away
• Check out the PA Grand Canyon for massive gorges and rim hiking
• See the full PA State Parks list for more hiking ideas across the state