This Quiet, Gorgeously Green State Park Must Be One Of Pennsylvania's Most Underrated

Anyone who enjoys exploring underrated state parks on the East Coast should add Worlds End in Pennsylvania to their must-visit list. Surrounded by the massive Loyalsock State Forest, Worlds End State Park was officially established with the purchase of four picnic tables in 1932. This was just the beginning of what would become a 780-acre park made from reclaimed land once devastated by the local logging industry.

During the 1930s, many young men out of work during the Great Depression joined the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), which played a huge role in revitalizing the land of Worlds End and building park facilities, such as hiking trails, cabins, and the swimming area. During that time, there was some controversy over the name. A map from 1872 marked the area as "Worlds End," while other locals knew it by the name of "Whirl's Glen" and "Whirls End," potentially because of a whirlpool that used to exist in the creek. But the official name of "Worlds End" became permanent in 1943.

The name is fitting to describe the expansive green woods hiding trails that lead to stunning panoramic views high over the valley of Loyalsock Creek. Within the park, the landscape feels untouched and rugged, with the closest civilization being the tiny borough of Forksville, home to fewer than 150 residents. From hiking to camping, fishing, and swimming, the park offers year-round opportunities for visitors to connect with the outdoors in Pennsylvania's Endless Mountains region.

You don't come to Worlds End State Park for manicured lawns and paved strolls — you come to climb rocky trails, cross cold creeks, and earn those stellar views. There are over 20 miles of hiking trails that wind through the rugged landscape. First-time visitors should definitely check out the popular Canyon Vista Trail, a 3.9-mile loop that leads hikers through a forested path to the Loyalsock Canyon Vista, where panoramic views of the gorge await at the 1,750-foot-high overlook. There's also an adjacent rock garden with interesting boulder formations to explore.

For anyone interested in a more challenging hike, the High Rock Trail is a 1-mile out-and-back trek with a steep climb through more boulders up to the views at High Rock Vista. There are also picnic tables on this trail if you want a snack break. The namesake Worlds End Trail offers a 3.25-mile journey through steep terrain, and connects back with the longer Loyalsock Trail at mile marker 37.

For backpackers who have less time to hike, the Link Loop Trail offers a 17-mile circuit that combines the park's highlights with the surrounding Loyalsock State Forest. This trail weaves through diverse habitats, from streams to dense forests and waterfall sites, and it's ideal for an overnight hike, with scenic campsites at Sones Pond. ​Serious hikers with a week to spare can take the "long way" via Loyalsock Trail, a nearly 60-mile trek that winds through Loyalsock State Forest, arriving at Worlds End at mile 43 — along the way, hikers will encounter waterfalls, wild rapids, open forests, and plenty of wildlife.

Speaking of wildlife, the area is home to a wide variety, including white-tailed deer, black bears, and over 200 species of birds, making it a must-visit destination for nature lovers and birders. Birdwatchers should bring their birding journals to mark down sightings of species such as the northern goshawk and yellow-bellied flycatcher. There's always the chance of catching a glimpse of the more-elusive river otters, coyotes, and even bobcats during your visit. They're rare, but you should always be prepared to protect yourself from animals while hiking.

Loyalsock Creek, with its cold, rushing waters, is a favorite for fishing and whitewater rafting. The creek's challenging rapids, at some points rated up to Class IV, attract adventurous kayakers during the spring melt. Summer visitors will appreciate the designated swimming area where you can wade into refreshingly chilly water after a sweaty hike.​ And while there's only one waterfall officially marked on the state park map, most of the hiking trails uncover hidden waterfalls along the way.

Worlds End is also a prime spot for stargazing. With minimal light pollution, clear nights give you stunning views of the galaxy. In winter, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and snowshoeing take over the trails, giving the park a completely different — but equally beautiful — personality. No matter the season, the payoff at Worlds End is always excellent: wild beauty, quiet trails, and the feeling that you've truly escaped into nature.

Worlds End State Park is roughly a three-hour drive from Philadelphia and about three to four hours from New York City, making it a great Pennsylvania road trip idea for adventure seekers. Nearby Forksville doesn't have much in the way of shopping, so plan to stock up on supplies beforehand, especially for campers. However, there is a historic general store in town that dates back to the mid-1800s — it's now home to Big Mike's Steaks and Hoagies, a local must-visit for Philly cheesesteaks. (It has seasonal hours, so check ahead of time.)

The park is open year-round but the best times to visit are late spring through fall. Autumn is especially popular, with vibrant foliage framing the canyon in a fiery range of colors. Summer is popular for swimmers and families, while spring brings peak waterflow for kayakers and impressive waterfalls along hiking trails. Winters are beautiful but quiet, but some roads and trails may be impassable after snowstorms.

There are more than 70 tent and trailer campsites and rustic cabins available to rent via the Pennsylvania DCNR website. Cabins typically require a minimum two-night stay, with a week minimum during the peak summer season. Cell service in the park can be spotty, so download maps and trail info before arriving. Be sure to pack all the gear you need for a day at a national park, including sun protection, ample hydration, snacks, navigation, sturdy shoes, and bug spray. And if you're tackling one of the longer trails or scenic loops, let someone know your plans — this park feels remote because it is. That remoteness is part of the charm, but it also calls for a little extra preparation to stay safe.