CAMPING AND TRAILS REVIEW:
LOVED IT. I don't even know where to start. I guess the beginning.
We planned a 5 night, 6 day trip to Worlds End State Park, where we would be tent camping (like REAL campers do). The reservation was easy to make, and they had an area for pets so we were able to bring puppy girl! A city girl, she growled at every chipmunk and falling leaf, but got used to it by the end. When we arrived, there was no one around. We were able to set up in peace. It started to get busy on Thursday, and by the time we left on Saturday, almost every site was occupied.
Each site has a mulched area, intended for your tent. When we arrived, our mulch was soggy, and also someone had moved the picnic table on top of it, so we didn't use it. But since we were glamping (carpeting in the tent, futon mattress, etc.), the mulch wasn't missed. Out site had an electric hook up which we used to hang lanterns in the tent, as well as charge our cameras and phones.
SPEAKING OF PHONES- service is almost non-existent at the camp sites. This is coming from both a Verizon user and a Sprint user. We were only able to get service at the Canyon Vista. This is actually a perk if you want to actually enjoy the wilderness without the bother of technology.
The bathrooms were very clean, with hot water in the showers and a hot water basin for washing dishes.
PRO TIP: If you are using the woman showers AT NIGHT, use either the second stall or the third. The sensors that are used to turn the lights on don't seem to notice any movement in the first stall, even if you are waving your arms wildly and jumping up and down in the freezing cold air. If you want a risk, take the first stall and take your shower in the dark and pray for someone else to walk in.
Another slight glitch was the water pumps. They worked well and the water tasted great, but there were no water pumps in the dog permitted camping area. But you're also not supposed to leave your dog alone at the campsite. So if you're with someone it's fine, but if you are alone, I guess you would need to put the dog in the car and drive to the water pumps to bring water back to the camp site. I thought that was a little strange, maybe they didn't realize that could be a problem.
Campsites that line the river on the map ALSO LINE ROUTE 154. If you don't want cars flying past your campsite , I would recommend reserving a site that is not on the Loyalsock Creek side. It wasn't a big deal mostly, but in the middle of the night on most nights, there were caravans of large trucks that made a lot of noise right above out heads.
We went at the end of September, so it was relatively cold, but honestly if it wasn't cold, we don't think we would have been able to handle some of the harder trails. Even with it being chilly, we were breaking a sweat.
The trails were so beautiful. Canyon Vista trail leads you deep into the woods while heading up the mountain to an incredible view. The entirety of the trail is 4 miles, but don't go thinking you'll be able to do another trail in the same day. It's a very tolling trail with some extremely steep sections.
Double Run trail was my favorite- not as taxing, but 10 times as beautiful. The trail weaves between two creeks with lots of small waterfalls. The whole trail takes about an hour, and it loops back to the parking lot in front of the camp chapel. This can be done with another trail in the same day.
Butternut trail head and High Rocks trail head can be fount at the park office, which is a very short drive from the campsites. Butternut is long, with lots of steep and beautiful climbs. It offers a narrow vista view. High Rocks is EXTREMELY tough, so make sure to bring water and snacks for lots of breaks. It's not a long trail, but it's basically straight up and straight back down a very rocky part of the mountain. Extremely fun climb.
If you are willing to take a 5 mile drive, head to High Knob, which was an INCREDIBLE vista view up to 20 miles away. The park closes at sunset, and the sunset is breathtaking. If you are willing to risk it and wait a little longer, you can also see an incredible starry sky here.
We wouldn't be back because we are adventures and try to do a different park every year, but this is not a forgettable trip.
I highly recommend Worlds End State Park. read more