|
==Name==
An 1872 map uses the name ''Worlds End'' for the area around the S-shaped serpentine bend in Loyalsock Creek.<ref name="wesphistory">{{cite web |url=http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/findapark/worldsend/index.htm |title=Worlds End State Park: History |access-date=December 10, 2012 |publisher=Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources}}</ref> Worlds End State Forest Park opened in 1932, and its name has caused some confusion and controversy over the years. William S. Swingler, Assistant District [[Forester]] of [[Wyoming State Forest]] (reorganized as Loyalsock State Forest in 2005), penned this note about the story of the name in 1935:
| url = http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/findapark/worldsend/index.htm
| title = Worlds End State Park: History
| access-date = December 10, 2012
| publisher = Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources }}</ref> Worlds End State Forest Park opened in 1932, and its name has caused some confusion and controversy over the years. William S. Swingler, Assistant District [[Forester]] of [[Wyoming State Forest]] (reorganized as Loyalsock State Forest in 2005), penned this note about the story of the name in 1935:
{{blockquote|There was even a dispute as to the proper name of the area. Some people called it Worlds End, others Whirl's Glen, and still others Whirls End. The first name arose from the topography of the place. Seven mountain ranges converge on the point and one does receive the sensation of being at the ultimate ends of the earth. The proponents of the second name base their claim upon the whirlpool in the Loyalsock Creek, and the third name was probably a contraction of the other two. Since the whirlpool had largely disappeared, it was decided that the name Worlds End would be most appropriate. Hence, the name Worlds End State Forest Park.<ref name="wesphistory"/> }}
This was not the end of the controversy. A letter campaign led to the name of the park being changed to ''Whirls End State Forest Park'' in 1936; opponents of the new name launched another letter-writing campaign to revert the name to ''Worlds End State Forest Park''. This matter was brought before the State Geographic Board, which supervised the official naming of places. The board ruled that the name be changed once again to ''Worlds End State Forest Park'' in 1943.<ref name="wesphistory"/> The word ''Forest'' was dropped on November 11, 1954, when the park was officially named ''Worlds End State Park'' by the Pennsylvania Geographic Board. This has been the official name ever since, but the names ''Whirls End'' and ''Whirls Glen'' are still used, and are synonymous with Worlds End.<ref name="wesphistory"/><ref name="forrey"/>
Two other etymologies have been suggested. The first is that an early road along the gorge had a sheer drop to the creek hundreds of feet below, which prompted thoughts of the world's end in early travelers.<ref name="sun gazette"/><ref name = "geology"/> The second is that the bend in Loyalsock Creek, and the surrounding area that became the park, was originally known as ''Huerle's Bend'', but then "years of mispronunciation turned it into World's End (State Park)".<ref>{{cite news |first= Leon J |last= Pollom |title= Community Profile: Is There a Better Place in God's Country than the Village of Barbours? |work = Williamsport Sun-Gazette |date= August 18, 1994 | page = 11 }}</ref> Whatever the source, as of 2012 the name ''Worlds End State Park'' is unique in the [[United States Geological Survey|USGS]] [[Geographic Names Information System]] and on its maps of the United States.<ref name="gnis"/> The possessive [[apostrophe]] is not part of the official name, although it does appear in older records and in informal usage today.<ref name="sun gazette"/>
==History==
===Native Americans===
[[File:Whitewater on Loyaslock Creek in Worlds End State Park.jpg|thumb|left|upright|Loyalsock Creek's name comes from the [[Lenape language|Lenape (Delaware)]] word ''Lawi-saquick'' or "middle creek".<ref name="donehoo">{{cite book |last=Donehoo |first=Dr. George P. |title=A History of the Indian Villages and Place Names in Pennsylvania |orig-year=1928 |url=http://www.srbc.net/pubinfo/docs/IndianNamesDataChart.PDF |access-date=December 10, 2012 |edition=Second Reprint |year=1999 |publisher=Wennawoods Publishing |location=[[Lewisburg, Pennsylvania]] |isbn=1-889037-11-7 |page=99 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090304191017/http://www.srbc.net/pubinfo/docs/IndianNamesDataChart.PDF |archive-date=March 4, 2009 }}''Note'': ISBN refers to a 1999 reprint edition, URL is for the Susquehanna River Basin Commission's web page of Native American Place names, quoting and citing the book.</ref>]]
Humans have lived in what is now Pennsylvania since at least 10,000 BC. The first settlers were [[Paleo-Indians|Paleo-Indian]] [[nomad]]ic hunters known from their [[stone tools]].<ref name = "prehistory">{{cite book |title=Foundations of Pennsylvania Prehistory |last1=Kent |first1=Barry C. |last2=Smith |first2=Ira F. |last3=McCann |first3=Catherine J. |year=1971 |publisher=Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, The Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission |location=Harrisburg, Pennsylvania |series=Anthropological Series of the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission |volume=1 |oclc=2696039}}</ref><ref name = "indians">{{cite book |last= Wallace |first= Paul A. W. |title= Indians in Pennsylvania | orig-year = 1961 |year= 2000 | publisher= Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, The Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission |location= Harrisburg, Pennsylvania |isbn= 978-0-89271-017-1 }}</ref><ref name = "history">For a general overview of Native American History in the West Branch Susquehanna watershed, see {{cite book |last=Meginness |first=John Franklin |title=History of Lycoming County, Pennsylvania: including its aboriginal history; the colonial and revolutionary periods; early settlement and subsequent growth; organization and civil administration; the legal and medical professions; internal improvement; past and present history of Williamsport; manufacturing and lumber interests; religious, educational, and social development; geology and agriculture; military record; sketches of boroughs, townships, and villages; portraits and biographies of pioneers and representative citizens, etc. etc. |year=1892 |url=http://www.usgennet.org/usa/pa/county/lycoming/history/lyco-history-01.html |access-date=December 7, 2012 |edition=1st |publisher=Brown, Runk & Co |location=Chicago, IL |isbn=0-7884-0428-8 |chapter=Chapter I. Aboriginal Occupation. |chapter-url=http://www.usgennet.org/usa/pa/county/lycoming/history/Chapter-01.html}} ''Note:'' ISBN refers to the Heritage Books July 1996 reprint. URL is to a scan of the 1892 version with some [[optical character recognition|OCR]] typos.</ref> The [[hunter-gatherer]]s of the [[Archaic period in the Americas|Archaic period]], which lasted locally from 7000 to 1000 BC, used a greater variety of more sophisticated stone artefacts. The [[Woodland period]] marked the gradual transition to semi-permanent villages and [[horticulture]], between 1000 BC and 1500 AD. Archeological evidence found in the state from this time includes a range of pottery types and styles, [[tumulus|burial mounds]], pipes, bows and arrow, and ornaments.<ref name = "prehistory"/>
| last = Meginness
| first = John Franklin
| title = History of Lycoming County, Pennsylvania: including its aboriginal history; the colonial and revolutionary periods; early settlement and subsequent growth; organization and civil administration; the legal and medical professions; internal improvement; past and present history of Williamsport; manufacturing and lumber interests; religious, educational, and social development; geology and agriculture; military record; sketches of boroughs, townships, and villages; portraits and biographies of pioneers and representative citizens, etc. etc.
| year = 1892
| url = http://www.usgennet.org/usa/pa/county/lycoming/history/lyco-history-01.html
| access-date = December 7, 2012
| edition = 1st
| publisher = Brown, Runk & Co
| location = Chicago, IL
| isbn = 0-7884-0428-8
| chapter = Chapter I. Aboriginal Occupation.
| chapter-url = http://www.usgennet.org/usa/pa/county/lycoming/history/Chapter-01.html
}} ''Note:'' ISBN refers to the Heritage Books July 1996 reprint. URL is to a scan of the 1892 version with some [[optical character recognition|OCR]] typos.</ref> The [[hunter-gatherer]]s of the [[Archaic period in the Americas|Archaic period]], which lasted locally from 7000 to 1000 BC, used a greater variety of more sophisticated stone artefacts. The [[Woodland period]] marked the gradual transition to semi-permanent villages and [[horticulture]], between 1000 BC and 1500 AD. Archeological evidence found in the state from this time includes a range of pottery types and styles, [[tumulus|burial mounds]], pipes, bows and arrow, and ornaments.<ref name = "prehistory"/>
Worlds End State Park is in the [[West Branch Susquehanna River]] [[drainage basin]], whose earliest recorded inhabitants were the [[Iroquoian languages|Iroquoian]]-speaking [[Susquehannock]]s. They were a [[matriarchy|matriarchial]] society that lived in [[stockade]]d villages of large [[longhouse]]s. Their numbers were greatly reduced by disease and warfare with the Five Nations of the [[Iroquois]], and by 1675 they had died out, moved away, or been [[cultural assimilation|assimilated]] into other tribes.<ref name = "indians"/><ref name="path">{{cite book |last=Wallace |first=Paul A. W. |title=Indian Paths of Pennsylvania |edition=Fourth Printing |year=1987 |publisher=Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission |location=[[Harrisburg, Pennsylvania]] |isbn=0-89271-090-X |pages=66–72}} ''Note:'' ISBN refers to 1998 impression</ref>
| last = Wallace
| first = Paul A. W.
| title = Indian Paths of Pennsylvania
| edition = Fourth Printing
| year = 1987
| publisher = Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission
| location = [[Harrisburg, Pennsylvania]]
| isbn = 0-89271-090-X
| pages = 66–72
}} ''Note:'' ISBN refers to 1998 impression</ref>
After this, the lands of the West Branch Susquehanna River valley were under the nominal control of the Iroquois. The Iroquois also lived in longhouses, primarily in what is now [[New York (state)|New York]], and had a strong [[confederation|confederacy]] which gave them power beyond their numbers.<ref name = "indians"/> To fill the void left by the demise of the Susquehannocks, the Iroquois encouraged displaced tribes from the east to settle in the West Branch watershed, including the [[Shawnee]] and [[Lenape]] (or Delaware).<ref name="donehoo"/><ref name = "indians"/>
The [[French and Indian War]] (1754–1763) led to the migration of many Native Americans westward to the Ohio River basin.<ref name = "indians"/> On November 5, 1768, the [[Province of Pennsylvania]] acquired the [[New Purchase (1768)|New Purchase]] from the Iroquois in the [[Treaty of Fort Stanwix]], including what is now Worlds End State Park.<ref name="path"/> After the [[American Revolutionary War]], Native Americans almost entirely left Pennsylvania.<ref name="indians"/>
The land that became Sullivan County was originally part of [[Northumberland County, Pennsylvania|Northumberland County]], then became part of [[Lycoming County, Pennsylvania|Lycoming County]] when it was formed in 1795.<ref name="history"/> Settlers first arrived in the park's townships in 1794.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.phmc.state.pa.us/bah/dam/counties/pdfs/Sullivan.pdf |title = Sullivan County 7th class | access-date = June 15, 2012 |publisher = Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission}}</ref> Shrewsbury Township was formed from [[Muncy Township, Lycoming County, Pennsylvania|Muncy Township]] in 1803, and Forks Township was formed from Shrewsbury Township in 1833, both while still part of Lycoming County. Sullivan County was formed from the northeastern part of Lycoming County on March 15, 1847.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.phmc.state.pa.us/bah/dam/counties/pdfs/Lycoming.pdf |title = Lycoming County 5th class |access-date = June 15, 2012 | publisher = [[Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite book | url= http://www.rootsweb.com/~pasulliv/sullivancountyfolk/scf2/streby/Ingham.htm |title= History of Sullivan County, Pennsylvania: Compendium of Biography |author = Thomas J. Ingham |year = 1899 | publisher = Lewis Publishing Co. | location= Chicago, Illinois |access-date = June 15, 2012 | oclc = 35904783}}</ref>{{clear}}
===Horse trails and lumber era===
The earliest settlers in the Worlds End area rode on two horse trails to traverse the rugged mountains between [[Muncy Creek]] and the [[confluence (geography)|confluence]] of [[Little Loyalsock Creek]] with Loyalsock Creek at Forksville. These rugged and rocky trails were used steadily until 1895, when Pennsylvania Route 154 was constructed to take their place. Part of these old horse trails are still in use and known as Pioneer Road and Double Run Road, and form part of two of the seven hiking trails in the park. Worlds End trail and Pioneer Road meet at the Worlds End Vista, which is thought to be a possible inspiration for the park's name.<ref name="wesphistory"/><ref name="wesptrails"/>
Prior to the arrival of [[William Penn]] and his [[Religious Society of Friends|Quaker]] [[Province of Pennsylvania|colonists]] in 1682, it has been estimated that up to 90 percent of what is now Pennsylvania was covered with woods: over {{convert|31000|sqmi}} of [[eastern white pine|white pine]], [[Tsuga canadensis|eastern hemlock]], and a mix of [[hardwood]]s.<ref name="timber">{{cite web |url = http://www.lumbermuseum.org/history.html |title = The Pennsylvania Lumber Museum - History |access-date = December 7, 2012 |publisher = Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission}}</ref> The forests near the three original counties, [[Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania|Philadelphia]], [[Bucks County, Pennsylvania|Bucks]], and [[Chester County, Pennsylvania|Chester]], were the first to be harvested, as the early settlers used the readily available timber to build homes, barns, and ships, and cleared the land for agriculture. The demand for lumber slowly increased and by the time of the [[American Revolution]] the lumber industry had reached the interior and mountainous regions of Pennsylvania.<ref name="timber"/><ref name="taber">{{cite book |last=Taber III |first= Thomas T. |title= Williamsport Lumber Capital |year= 1995 |edition= 1st |publisher= Paulhamus Litho, Inc. |location= [[Montoursville, Pennsylvania]] |chapter= Chapter Two: The Boom—Making It All Possible | oclc = 35920715}}</ref>
Lumber thus became one of the leading industries in Pennsylvania.<ref name="timber"/> Trees were used to furnish fuel to heat homes, [[tannin]] for the many [[Tanning (leather)|tanneries]] that were spread throughout the state, and wood for construction, furniture, and [[barrel]] making. Large areas of forest were harvested by [[Charcoal maker|colliers]] to fire [[bloomery|iron furnaces]]. Rifle stocks and shingles were made from Pennsylvania timber, as were a wide variety of household utensils, and the first [[Conestoga wagon]]s.<ref name="timber"/><ref name="taber"/>
By the mid-19th century, the demand for lumber reached the area, where eastern white pine and eastern hemlock covered the surrounding mountainsides. Lumbermen came and harvested the trees and sent them down [[Loyalsock Creek]] to the West Branch Susquehanna River and to [[sawmill]]s there. The [[old-growth forest]]s of eastern white pine and eastern hemlock were soon clearcut and the hills were stripped bare. Nothing was left except the dried-out tree tops, which became a fire hazard, so much of the land burned and was left barren. In the 1920s a sawmill was built on land now in the park, and two more were located about {{convert|1|mi}} south.<ref name="wesphistory"/><ref name = "sun gazette"/><ref name="taber"/> After it was "thoroughly logged", the area became a tangle of briars and brush.<ref name = "sun gazette">{{cite news |first= R.A |last= Walker |title= Worlds End is Right Around Bend: Park Evolves from Remote Logging Camp to Tourist Site | work = [[Williamsport Sun-Gazette]] |date= September 19, 1999 |pages = B4, B5 }}</ref>
===Civilian Conservation Corps===
The history of Worlds End State Park goes back to 1929, when the Pennsylvania Department of Forests and Waters, a precursor to the modern [[Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources]], began purchasing land devastated by [[logging]] and [[forest fire|wild fire]] to create a state forest. The land that specifically became the park was purchased from the Central Pennsylvania Lumber Company in 1929 and Mrs. "Doc" Randall in 1931.<ref name = "sun gazette"/> Worlds End State Park was established by forest ranger John Annabelle in 1932, with a budget of $50 that purchased four picnic tables.<ref name = "sun gazette"/><ref name="ccc"/>
The [[Civilian Conservation Corps]] (CCC) was a work relief program for young men from unemployed families, established in 1933. As part of [[President of the United States|President]] [[Franklin D. Roosevelt]]'s [[New Deal]] legislation, it was designed to combat unemployment during the [[Great Depression in the United States|Great Depression]]. The CCC operated in every [[U.S. state]].<ref name="npsccc">{{cite book |last= Paige |first= John C. |title= The Civilian Conservation Corps and the National Park Service, 1933–1942: An Administrative History |url= http://www.nps.gov/history/history/online_books/ccc/ccc1.htm |access-date= December 7, 2012 |year= 1985 |publisher= U.S. National Park Service, Department of the Interior |location= Washington, C.C. |chapter= Chapter One: A Brief History of the Civilian Conservation Corps | oclc=12072830}}</ref> The recreational development of the park began in 1933, when four CCC camps were built in Sullivan County. One of these, CCC Camp S-95, built many of the park facilities, such as the dam for the swimming area, the cabins, hiking trails and roads.<ref name="ccc"/> The CCC workers blasted out bedrock in the creek for the swimming area and built the Canyon Vista road and lookout.<ref name = "elliot">{{cite news |first= Mollie |last= Elliot |title= CCC Contribution to Sullivan County was Very Important |work= Williamsport Sun-Gazette |date= November 5, 2000 |page = B4 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |first= John |last= Eastlake |title= Lasting Legacy of the 'CCC' Camps: Depression-Era Program Built Much of the Infrastructure in Public Forests and Parks that We Still Enjoy Today |work= Williamsport Sun-Gazette |date= February 16, 2003 |pages = F1, F2 }}</ref>
[[File:Worlds End State Park Cabin 14.jpg|thumb|right|Cabin 14 in the park was built by the CCC and is part of the NRHP-listed Historic District.]]
CCC Camp S-95, which opened on May 29, 1933, on the site of an old lumber camp, was able to distinguish itself over the years it operated in Sullivan County. Two floods swept through the area in 1933 and 1936. The August flood of 1933 caused extensive damage and largely destroyed the newly built camp. During the course of the flooding two young men from Camp S-95 saved the lives of two drowning children at Worlds End State Park.<ref name="ccc">{{cite web |url=http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/thingstoknow/history/cccyears/index.htm |title=Pennsylvania State Parks: The CCC Years |access-date=November 5, 2011 |publisher=Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources}}</ref><ref name="worldsendccc">{{cite web |url=http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/ccc/docs/20.pdf |title=History: Company 383, S-95-Pa., LaPorte, PA. |access-date=December 10, 2012 |publisher=[[Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources]]}}</ref> The flood of 1936 covered a large area within the [[West Branch Susquehanna River Valley]]. The young men of the CCC camp were among the leaders in the cleaning up after the flood and rebuilding many destroyed bridges and roads.<ref name = "elliot"/><ref name="cccarchive"/> In 1936 the park was officially expanded beyond the original small picnic area.<ref name="forrey">{{cite book |title=History of Pennsylvania's State Parks |last=Forrey |first=William C. |year=1984 |publisher=Bureau of State Parks, Office of Resources Management, Department of Environmental Resources, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania |location=Harrisburg, Pennsylvania |oclc=17824084}}</ref> Camp S-95 closed in 1941.<ref name = "elliot"/><ref name="cccarchive">{{cite web |url=http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/ccc/camp.aspx?ID=121 |title=Pennsylvania CCC Archive Camp Information for S-95-Pa |access-date=December 10, 2012 |publisher=Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources}}</ref>
| url = http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/thingstoknow/history/cccyears/index.htm
| title = Pennsylvania State Parks: The CCC Years
| access-date = November 5, 2011
| publisher = Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources }}</ref><ref name="worldsendccc">{{cite web | url = http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/ccc/docs/20.pdf | title = History: Company 383, S-95-Pa., LaPorte, PA. | access-date = December 10, 2012 | publisher = [[Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources]]}}</ref> The flood of 1936 covered a large area within the [[West Branch Susquehanna River Valley]]. The young men of the CCC camp were among the leaders in the cleaning up after the flood and rebuilding many destroyed bridges and roads.<ref name = "elliot"/><ref name="cccarchive"/> In 1936 the park was officially expanded beyond the original small picnic area.<ref name="forrey">{{cite book| title = History of Pennsylvania's State Parks | last = Forrey |first = William C. | year = 1984 |publisher = Bureau of State Parks, Office of Resources Management, Department of Environmental Resources, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania |location = Harrisburg, Pennsylvania |oclc = 17824084}}</ref> Camp S-95 closed in 1941.<ref name = "elliot"/><ref name="cccarchive">{{cite web | url = http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/ccc/camp.aspx?ID=121 | title = Pennsylvania CCC Archive Camp Information for S-95-Pa | access-date = December 10, 2012 | publisher = Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources}}</ref>
====Historic district====
In 1987 the CCC architecture earned the Worlds End State Park Family Cabin District within the park a listing on the [[National Register of Historic Places]] (NRHP).<ref name="wesphistory"/><ref name="nrhp">{{cite web |url=http://nrhp.focus.nps.gov |title=NPS Focus |work=National Register of Historic Places |publisher=[[National Park Service]] |access-date=December 10, 2012 |archive-date=July 25, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080725123211/http://nrhp.focus.nps.gov/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> The {{convert|18.4|acre|adj=on}} [[Historic district (United States)|historic district]] includes nineteen cabins and three [[latrine]]s built by the CCC between 1933 and 1941.<ref name="familycabins"/> Seven of the cabins have one room, nine have two rooms, and three have three rooms.<ref name = "cabin map">{{cite web |url = http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/ucmprd2/groups/public/documents/document/dcnr_002956.pdf | title = Worlds End Cabin Map | access-date = November 6, 2011 |publisher = Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources }}</ref> There are also three modern latrines within the district which are designated as [[contributing property|non-contributing structures]].<ref name="familycabins"/> The historic structures are examples of CCC work that reflects the standards set forth by the [[Department of the Interior]]. The cabins and latrines are constructed with native stones and timber and are placed on the land in a way that minimizes interference with the natural surroundings of the park.<ref name="familycabins">{{cite web | url = https://www.dot7.state.pa.us/ce/SelectWelcome.asp | title = National Historic Landmarks & National Register of Historic Places in Pennsylvania | publisher = CRGIS: Cultural Resources Geographic Information System | format = Searchable database | access-date = December 9, 2012 | archive-date = July 21, 2007| |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070721014609/https://www.dot7.state.pa.us/ce/SelectWelcome.asp | url-status = dead}} ''Note:'' This includes {{cite web | url = {{NRHP-PA|H088894_01D.pdf}} | title = Pennsylvania Historic Resource Survey Form: Worlds End State Park: Family Cabin District | access-date = December 9, 2012 | author = John Milner Associates | format =PDF PDF| year= 1986}}</ref>
===Modern era===
[[File:Worlds End State Park HQ.jpg|thumb|left|The Worlds End State Park office and visitor center, built in 2002]]
Since the CCC finished their work at the park in 1941, Worlds End State Park has continued to develop and change. In 1951 the Loyalsock Trail, which passes through the park, was laid out by [[Explorer Scouts]]. This trail has been maintained and extended by the Alpine Club of [[Williamsport, Pennsylvania|Williamsport]] since 1953.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.lycoming.org/alpine/history.html | title = History of the Loyalsock Trail | publisher = The Alpine Club of Williamsport | access-date = November 30, 2012}}</ref> While the park was always popular in Pennsylvania,<ref name="cupper">{{cite book |last= Cupper |first= Dan |title= Our Priceless Heritage: Pennsylvania's State Parks 1893–1993 |year= 1993 |publisher= [[Pennsylvania|Commonwealth of Pennsylvania]], [[Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission]] for Pennsylvania Department of Natural Resources, Bureau of State Parks |location= [[Harrisburg, Pennsylvania]] |isbn= 0-89271-056-X}}</ref> by the 1960s it began to attract attention from outside the state. The park was home to the first annual [[whitewater slalom]] race on Loyalsock Creek in 1964, which attracted over 100 competitors in 1965.<ref>{{cite news |title= Notes from the Field of Travel: Boat Race |newspaper= The New York Times |date= April 25, 1965 |page= XX5 }}</ref> A 1964 ''[[The New York Times]]'' article featured Worlds End park and its "excellent trout stream",<ref>{{cite news |first= Oscar |last= Godbout |title= Wood, Field and Stream; Visitor to North Central Pennsylvania Finds Trout Streams as Advertised |newspaper= The New York Times |date= May 15, 1964 |page= 32}}</ref> and one in 1967 mentioned the park's "peerless wilderness views", "half-acre swimming pool carved into cool Loyalsock Creek" and "public campsites".<ref>{{cite news |first= Ed |last= Van Dyne |title= Deep in the Endless Mountains of Pennsylvania |newspaper= The New York Times |date= July 23, 1967 |page= 300 }}</ref>
In 1980, a {{convert|900|sqft|0|adj=on}} trailer was added as a temporary park office.<ref name = "visitor center">{{cite web | title = DCNR Dedicates Visitor Center at Worlds End State Park |url = http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/polycomm/pressrel/worldsendsp1102.htm |publisher = Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources | date = November 12, 2002 |format = Press release |access-date = December 10, 2012}}</ref> The accomplishments of the CCC at Worlds End State Park were recognized in 1987 by the inclusion of the Family Cabin District on the NRHP.<ref name="nrhp"/> In 1997 the park's [[Important Bird Area]] (IBA) was one of the first 73 IBAs established in Pennsylvania.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/news/resource/res1997/97-0107-res.aspx#Aud |title=Audubon names 73 important bird areas in state |publisher=Resource: [[Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources]] |date=January 7, 1997 |volume=1 |issue=3 |access-date=January 5, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121114044717/http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/news/resource/res1997/97-0107-res.aspx |archive-date=November 14, 2012 }}</ref> On November 12, 2002, a new {{convert|4300|sqft|0|adj=on}} visitor center and park office was dedicated, which included {{convert|1680|sqft|0}} of public space for environmental education and public programs. The building, constructed with an "energy-efficient design and recycled materials", was part of a $1.1 million project that included the park's first flush toilets and [[sewage treatment]] plant.<ref name = "visitor center"/> In 2003 a $2.7 million project added flush toilets and running water to all the park's wash-houses, renovated the cabins, and made major improvements in the day use area.<ref>{{cite web | title = DCNR Announces State Park, Forest Improvements Totaling $11 Million |url = http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/polycomm/pressrel/parkforestimprovements0603.htm |publisher = Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources | date = June 24, 2003 |format = Press release |access-date = December 10, 2012}}</ref>
[[File:Worlds End State Park landslide.jpg|thumb|Landslides and erosion along Loyalsock Creek in the park after [[Hurricane Irene]] and [[Tropical Storm Lee (2011)|Tropical Storm Lee]] flooding]]
In 2004, the Loyalsock Creek Watershed Association installed a fence on the creek's banks near the cabins to limit pedestrian access and erosion. The association planted shrubs and trees in the same area to stabilize the creek's banks in 2008, and in September 2010 replaced more than {{convert|1500|ft}} of fence with a less visible version.<ref>{{cite news | url = http://www.sungazette.com/page/content.detail/id/553907/Volunteers-install-fence-to-help-stop-erosion-at-area-state-park.html | title = Volunteers install fence to help stop erosion at area state park | date = September 20, 2010 | author = Carol J. Kafer | work = Williamsport Sun-Gazette | access-date = December 20, 2012 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url = http://www.sungazette.com/page/content.detail/id/507653/Watershed-groups-plan-for-busy-season-of-stream-improvements.html | title = Watershed groups plan for busy season of stream improvements | date = March 24, 2008 | author = Eric Long | work = Williamsport Sun-Gazette | access-date = December 20, 2012 }}</ref> On January 25, 2010, flooding caused by heavy rain and melt from {{convert|20|in|mm}} of snow "washed out a bridge" leading to the cabin area and destroyed {{convert|86|ft}} of road there,<ref name = "lee">{{cite web | url = http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/news/resource/res2011/11-0914-spdamagelee.aspx | title = Tropical Storm Lee leaves state parks awash in central, eastern Pa. | work = The Resource | date = September 14, 2011 | publisher = Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources | access-date = December 20, 2012}}</ref> leaving the park looking like "the set of disaster movie".<ref name = "snow melt">{{cite news | url = http://www.sungazette.com/page/content.detail/id/541089/Heavy-rains--snow-melt-damage-state-forest-roads--area-state-park.html | title = Heavy rains, snow melt damage state forest roads, area state park | date = March 23, 2010 | author = Jessica Welshans | work = Williamsport Sun-Gazette | access-date = December 20, 2012 }}</ref> The cabin area road needed $72,120 in repairs, the park was not fully restored until [[Memorial Day]].<ref name = "snow melt"/><ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/news/resource/res2010/10-0331-bids.aspx | title = Bids awarded for major bridge work, other state forest, park projects | work = The Resource | date = March 31, 2010 | publisher = Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources | access-date = December 20, 2012}}</ref> Two floods hit the park in 2011, the first from [[Hurricane Irene]] on August 29, and the second from [[Tropical Storm Lee (2011)|Tropical Storm Lee]] on September 8. Lee washed away about {{convert|20|to|22|ST}} of gravel used to make emergency repairs to roads in the park from Irene damage. Loyalsock Creek reached {{convert|20.4|ft}} south of the park, and campers in the park had to be evacuated.<ref name = lee/> Worlds End and [[Promised Land State Park]] had "significant damage to roads and bridges", damage to Loylasock State Forest roads was also heavy, and the DCNR estimated the two storms caused $3 to $4 million of damage to its forests and parks.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.woodallscm.com/tag/tropical-storm-lee/ | title = Storm Damage at Pa. State Parks at Least $3M-$4M | date = October 4, 2011 | publisher = Woodall's Campground Management | access-date = December 20, 2012 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160304080236/http://www.woodallscm.com/tag/tropical-storm-lee/ | archive-date = March 4, 2016 | url-status = dead }}</ref> Worlds End was closed for two weeks after the Lee flood.<ref>{{cite news | url = http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2011/09/two_weeks_after_flooding_from.html | title = Two weeks after flooding from Tropical Storm Lee, a number of Pennsylvania state parks remain closed | date = September 24, 2011 | author = Ivey DeJesus | work = The Patriot-News | access-date = December 20, 2012}}</ref>
As of 2012, post-war facilities include the park office, five wash-houses and other modern restroom facilities, beach house with concession stand, chapel, amphitheater, and modern camping areas.<ref name = "dcnr map">{{cite web | url = http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/ucmprd2/groups/public/documents/document/dcnr_002958.pdf | title = Worlds End State Park | publisher = Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources |date = May 26, 2010 | access-date = November 6, 2011 }}</ref> Worlds End State Park is one of twenty-one chosen by the Pennsylvania Bureau of Parks for its "Twenty Must-See Pennsylvania State Parks" list. The DCNR describes it as "[v]irtually in a class by itself, this wild, rugged and rustic area seems almost untamed".<ref name = "must see"/> It goes on to praise the opportunities for camping and hiking at the park, and its scenery and vistas.<ref name = "must see">{{cite web | url = http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/findapark/index.htm | title = Find a Park: Twenty Must-see Parks | access-date = November 26, 2011 | publisher = Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources}} ''Note'': Despite the title, there are twenty-one parks in the list, with [[Colton Point State Park|Colton Point]] and [[Leonard Harrison State Park]]s treated as one.</ref>
==Geology, paleontology, and Marcellus shale==
[[File:Worlds End State Park Rock Garden 6.jpg|thumb|300px|right|The Rock Garden near Canyon Vista, formed by [[Weathering#Frost weathering|frost wedging]] making crevices in the rock.<ref name = "geology"/>]]
The land on which Worlds End State Park sits has undergone tremendous change over the last 350 million years. It was once part of the coastline of a shallow sea that covered a great portion of what is now North America. The high mountains to the east of the sea gradually eroded, causing a buildup of [[sediment]] made up primarily of [[clay]], [[sand]] and [[gravel]]. Tremendous pressure on the sediment caused the formation of the rocks that are found today in the Loyalsock Creek drainage basin: [[sandstone]], [[shale]], [[conglomerate (geology)|conglomerates]], [[coal]], and [[limestone]].<ref name = "geology"/><ref name="Streams II">{{cite book | last = Shaw | first = Lewis C. | others = Prepared in Cooperation with the United States Department of the Interior Geological Survey | title = Pennsylvania Gazetteer of Streams Part II (Water Resources Bulletin No. 16) |date=June 1984 | edition = 1st | publisher = Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Department of Environmental Resources | location = Harrisburg, PA | oclc = 17150333 }}</ref>
Four major rock formations are present in Worlds End State Park, all at least partly from the [[Carboniferous]] period. The youngest of these, which forms the highest points in the park, is the early [[Pennsylvanian (geology)|Pennsylvanian]] [[Pottsville Formation]], a gray conglomerate that may contain sandstone, [[siltstone]], and shale, as well as [[anthracite]] coal. The Loyalsock gorge rim and the upper part of its walls are the late [[Mississippian age|Mississippian]] [[Mauch Chunk Formation]], which is formed with grayish-red shale, siltstone, sandstone, and conglomerate. Below this is the Mississippian [[Pocono Formation|Burgoon Formation]], which comprises buff-colored sandstone and conglomerate. The creek bed and base of the gorge walls are the late [[Devonian]] and early Mississippian [[Huntley Mountain Formation]], which is made of relatively soft grayish-red shale and olive-gray sandstone.<ref name = "geology"/><ref name = "roadside">{{cite book |title= Roadside Geology of Pennsylvania |last= Van Diver |first= Bradford B. |year= 1990 |publisher= Mountain Press Publishing Company |location= Missoula, Montana |isbn= 0-87842-227-7 |page= 83}}</ref><ref name="map 61">{{cite web | url = http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/topogeo/map61/eaglesmere.pdf | title = Atlas of Preliminary Geologic Quadrangle Maps of Pennsylvania: Eagles Mere | access-date = December 10, 2012 | author = Berg, T. M. |publisher = Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Bureau of Topographic and Geologic Survey | year = 1981 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/topogeo/pub/map/pdfs/map067_tabloid_exp.pdf |title = Map 67: Tabloid Edition Explanation |publisher = Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Bureau of Topographic and Geologic Survey |access-date = December 10, 2012}}</ref>
[[File:Worlds End State Park Rock Garden 5.jpg|thumb|left|A boulder of [[Pottsville Formation]] conglomerate in the Rock Garden]]
The park is at an elevation of {{convert|1175|ft}} on the [[Allegheny Plateau]],<ref name="gnis">{{cite web | url={{Gnis3|1200134}} | title = Worlds End State Park | date = August 2, 1979 | work=[[Geographic Names Information System]] | publisher=[[United States Geological Survey]] | access-date=December 5, 2012}}</ref> which formed in the [[Alleghenian orogeny]] some 300 million years ago, when [[Gondwana]] (specifically what became Africa) and what became North America collided, forming [[Pangaea]].<ref name = "roadside"/><ref name = "geology book">{{cite book |title= The Geology of Pennsylvania |editor-last= Shultz |editor-first= Charles H. |year= 1999 |publisher= Pennsylvania Geological Society and Pittsburgh Geological Society |location= Harrisburg and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania |isbn= 0-8182-0227-0}}</ref> The local region is known as the [[Endless Mountains]], but despite the name these are not true mountains: instead millions of years of [[erosion]] have made this a [[dissected plateau]], causing the "mountainous" terrain seen today. The hardest of the ancient rocks are on top of the ridges, while the softer rocks eroded away forming the valleys: the Loyalsock gorge is approximately {{convert|800|ft|0}} deep in the park. Loyalsock Creek and its tributaries have been a primary force in the creation of the valleys, as the creek makes its way across the landscape to its [[mouth (river)|mouth]] at the [[West Branch Susquehanna River]] in [[Montoursville, Pennsylvania|Montoursville]].<ref name = "geology"/>
[[Fossil]]s have been found in Worlds End State Park, as the area was once a [[river delta]] on an ancient coastline. This coast was home to an ancient ancestor of the [[lungfish]], which would burrow in the mud to survive dry spells. Fossils of these [[burrow]]s have been discovered in the red siltstone formations in and near the park.<ref name="geology">{{cite web | url = http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/topogeo/parkguides/Pg12.PDF | title = Pennsylvania Trail of Geology, Worlds End State Park, Sullivan County, Geologic Features of Interest (Park Guide 12) |last = Royer |first = Denise W | access-date = December 10, 2012 | publisher = Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources }}</ref>
The [[Marcellus Formation]], a shale rich in [[natural gas]], lies thousands of feet below Worlds End State Park and much of Pennsylvania. As of June 30, 2012, there were 127 active gas wells in Sullivan County, with 14 of those in Forks or Shrewsbury Townships.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://stateimpact.npr.org/pennsylvania/drilling/counties/sullivan-county/ | title = Shale Play: Natural Gas Drilling in Pennsylvania: Sullivan County | publisher = StateImpact Pennsylvania (a collaboration between [[WITF-FM|WITF]], [[WHYY-FM|WHYY]] and [[NPR]]) | access-date = December 20, 2012}}</ref> The state did not purchase the [[mineral rights]] to much of the land it owns. [[Anadarko Petroleum]] (now [[Occidental Petroleum]]) owns the mineral rights under the [Loyalsock] state forest<ref>{{cite news | url=https://stateimpact.npr.org/pennsylvania/2014/07/24/drilling-plans-for-loyalsock-state-forest-quietly-move-forward/ | title=Drilling plans for Loyalsock State Forest quietly move forward | first=Marie | last=Cusick | work=[[NPR]] | date=July 24, 2014}}</ref> and plans to drill in it.<ref name=sludge/> About 80% of the mineral rights to its state parks are not owned by Pennsylvania, and the owner of Worlds End State Park's mineral rights is unknown. According to William Kocher, Worlds End's manager, "if the owner decided to drill [in the park] ... the state would have no right to say no."<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.pennlive.com/midstate/2010/08/pennsylvania_might_be_unable_t.html | title=Pennsylvania might be unable to prevent natural gas drilling on park lands | work=[[The Patriot-News]] | date=August 15, 2010}}</ref> Natural gas [[pipeline transport|pipeline]] construction upstream of the park spilled a "significant amount" of sediment and mud into Loyalsock Creek in September 2012.<ref name=sludge>{{cite news | url=http://www.sungazette.com/page/content.detail/id/582839/Sludge-discharged-into-creek-during-pipeline-construction.html | title=Sludge discharged into creek during pipeline construction | date=September 2, 2012 | author=Matt Hutchinson | work=Williamsport Sun-Gazette |access-date=December 20, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url =http://stateimpact.npr.org/pennsylvania/2012/09/05/pipeline-construction-spill-caught-on-camera/ | title=Pipeline Construction Spill Caught On Camera |author=Scott Detrow |date=September 5, 2012 | publisher=StateImpact Pennsylvania (a collaboration between WITF, WHYY and NPR) | access-date=December 20, 2012}}</ref>
===Climate===
The Allegheny Plateau has a [[continental climate]], with occasional severe low temperatures in winter and average daily [[Diurnal temperature variation|temperature range]]s of 20 °F (11 °C) in winter and 80 °F (14 °C) <!-- Note these are delta temperature values, so can't use convert. Example - the difference between 50 F (10 C) and 70 F (21 C) is 20 F (11 C).-->in summer.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://climate.met.psu.edu/data/ncdc_pa.pdf |title=Climate of Pennsylvania |publisher=Pennsylvania State University, Pennsylvania State Climatologist |access-date=December 10, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090225124128/http://climate.met.psu.edu/data/ncdc_pa.pdf |archive-date=February 25, 2009 }}</ref> For the region the park is in, the average minimum temperature in January is {{convert|10|F}}, while the average maximum temperature in July is {{convert|75|F}}.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://files.dep.state.pa.us/Water/Watershed%20Management/lib/watershedmgmt/state_water_plan/regional_committees/ums/may08/umsregion-1-15.pdf |title=Upper / Middle Susquehanna Region: Pennsylvania Water Atlas (Draft) |publisher=Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection |access-date=November 7, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110816045628/http://files.dep.state.pa.us/Water/Watershed%20Management/lib/watershedmgmt/state_water_plan/regional_committees/ums/may08/umsregion-1-15.pdf |archive-date = August 16, 2011 }}</ref> The mean annual [[Precipitation (meteorology)|precipitation]] for Loyalsock Creek is 42 to 48 inches (1067 to 1219 mm).<ref name="Streams II"/> Pennsylvania receives the most [[acid rain]] of any state in the United States. Because Loyalsock Creek is in a sandstone, shale, conglomerates, coal, and limestone mountain region, it has a relatively low capacity to [[Neutralization (chemistry)|neutralize]] added acid. This makes it especially vulnerable to increased acidification from acid rain, which poses a threat to the long-term health of the plants and animals in the creek.<ref name="acid">{{cite web | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20050121211926/http://www.fish.state.pa.us/Fish/acidrain.htm | title = Acid Precipitation | publisher = Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission | access-date = December 7, 2012 |url=http://www.fish.state.pa.us/Fish/acidrain.htm |archive-date=January 21, 2005 }}</ref> The highest recorded temperature at the park was {{convert|104|F}} in 1936, and the record low was {{convert|-27|F}} in 1994. On average, July is the hottest month at Worlds End, January is the coldest, and June the wettest.<ref name="WeatherChannel"/>
{{Weather box
|location = Worlds End State Park
|Nov precipitation inch = 3.38
|Dec precipitation inch = 2.89
|source 1 = The Weather Channel<ref name="WeatherChannel">{{cite web |title= Monthly Averages for Worlds End State Park |url= http://www.weather.com/outlook/recreation/outdoors/wxclimatology/monthly/PASPWE:13 |access-date= December 10, 2012 |publisher= The Weather Channel Interactive, Inc |url-status= dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120406103735/http://www.weather.com/outlook/recreation/outdoors/wxclimatology/monthly/PASPWE%3A13 |archive-date= April 6, 2012 }}</ref>
|date=December 2012
}}
==Ecology==
Worlds End State Park is near [[Forksville, Pennsylvania| Forksville]] publisheron Pennsylvania Route 154 in the narrow, [[serpentine shape|serpentine]] valley of [[Loyalsock Creek]].<ref name= "wesp">{{cite web |url=http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/findapark/worldsend/index.htm |title=Worlds End State Park |access-date=November 5, 2011 |publisher=Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources }}</ref><ref>{{cite map | scale=1:65,000 | publisher=Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, Bureau of Planning and Research, Geographic Information Division | url=ftp://ftp.dot.state.pa.us/public/pdf/BPR_pdf_files/Maps/GHS/Roadnames/sullivan_GHSN.pdf | archive-url=https://wayback.archive-it.org/all/20140602141526/ftp://ftp.dot.state.pa.us/public/pdf/BPR_pdf_files/Maps/GHS/Roadnames/sullivan_GHSN.pdf | url-status=dead | archive-date=June 2, 2014 | format=PDF | title=2012 General Highway Map Sullivan County Pennsylvania | access-date=December 7, 2012 }} ''Note: shows Worlds End State Park State Park''</ref> It is nearly surrounded by [[Loyalsock State Forest]], which was known here as [[Wyoming State Forest]] until July 1, 2005.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/FORESTRY/sfrmp/documents/Overview_Realignment.pdf | title = Realigning Forest Districts | access-date = November 7, 2010 |date=June 2005 | publisher = Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources}}</ref> Common trees found in the state park and forest include [[Prunus serotina|black cherry]], [[Tsuga canadensis|eastern hemlock]], [[Acer rubrum|red maple]], [[Liriodendron tulipifera|tulip poplar]], [[yellow birch]], and [[Fraxinus americana|white ash]]. The northern hardwood and hemlock forests are threatened in general by deer [[overgrazing]], while the [[Hemlock woolly adelgid|woolly adelgid]], an invasive [[hemiptera]], threatens the hemlock populations.<ref name = "birds"/><ref name = "IBA42">{{cite web | url = http://pa.audubon.org/IBA_Consplans/IBA42.pdf | title = Pennsylvania Important Bird Area #42 | author= Kibbe, Doug |date=May 2004 | |access-date = December 10, 2012 | publisher = Pennsylvania Audubon Society |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110725023515/http://pa.audubon.org/IBA_Consplans/IBA42.pdf |archive-date=July 25, 2011}}</ref> In 2010 Worlds End was part of over {{convert|2600|acre}} of state forests and parks combating the woolly adelgid with a $110,000 federal grant to the DCNR's "Forest Pest Management Division for insecticide treatment of high-value Eastern hemlocks".<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/news/resource/res2010/10-0818-forestpestgrants.aspx | title = Grants aid DCNR efforts to combat forest insect pests, invasive plants | work = The Resource | date = August 18, 2010 | publisher = Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources | access-date = December 20, 2012}}</ref> Several different interpretive and educational programs on environmental and ecological topics are offered at the park each summer.<ref name = "wesp"/> ▼
Worlds End State Park is near [[Forksville, Pennsylvania|Forksville]] on Pennsylvania Route 154 in the narrow, [[serpentine shape|serpentine]] valley of [[Loyalsock Creek]].<ref name="wesp">{{cite web | url = http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/findapark/worldsend/index.htm
| title = Worlds End State Park
| access-date = November 5, 2011
▲| publisher = Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources }}</ref><ref>{{cite map | scale=1:65,000 | publisher=Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, Bureau of Planning and Research, Geographic Information Division | url=ftp://ftp.dot.state.pa.us/public/pdf/BPR_pdf_files/Maps/GHS/Roadnames/sullivan_GHSN.pdf | archive-url=https://wayback.archive-it.org/all/20140602141526/ftp://ftp.dot.state.pa.us/public/pdf/BPR_pdf_files/Maps/GHS/Roadnames/sullivan_GHSN.pdf | url-status=dead | archive-date=June 2, 2014 | format=PDF | title=2012 General Highway Map Sullivan County Pennsylvania | access-date=December 7, 2012 }} ''Note: shows Worlds End State Park State Park''</ref> It is nearly surrounded by [[Loyalsock State Forest]], which was known here as [[Wyoming State Forest]] until July 1, 2005.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/FORESTRY/sfrmp/documents/Overview_Realignment.pdf | title = Realigning Forest Districts | access-date = November 7, 2010 |date=June 2005 | publisher = Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources}}</ref> Common trees found in the state park and forest include [[Prunus serotina|black cherry]], [[Tsuga canadensis|eastern hemlock]], [[Acer rubrum|red maple]], [[Liriodendron tulipifera|tulip poplar]], [[yellow birch]], and [[Fraxinus americana|white ash]]. The northern hardwood and hemlock forests are threatened in general by deer [[overgrazing]], while the [[Hemlock woolly adelgid|woolly adelgid]], an invasive [[hemiptera]], threatens the hemlock populations.<ref name = "birds"/><ref name = "IBA42">{{cite web | url = http://pa.audubon.org/IBA_Consplans/IBA42.pdf | title = Pennsylvania Important Bird Area #42 | author= Kibbe, Doug |date=May 2004| access-date = December 10, 2012 | publisher = Pennsylvania Audubon Society|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110725023515/http://pa.audubon.org/IBA_Consplans/IBA42.pdf|archive-date=July 25, 2011}}</ref> In 2010 Worlds End was part of over {{convert|2600|acre}} of state forests and parks combating the woolly adelgid with a $110,000 federal grant to the DCNR's "Forest Pest Management Division for insecticide treatment of high-value Eastern hemlocks".<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/news/resource/res2010/10-0818-forestpestgrants.aspx | title = Grants aid DCNR efforts to combat forest insect pests, invasive plants | work = The Resource | date = August 18, 2010 | publisher = Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources | access-date = December 20, 2012}}</ref> Several different interpretive and educational programs on environmental and ecological topics are offered at the park each summer.<ref name = "wesp"/>
===Wildlife and Important Bird Area===
[[File:Worlds End State Park Cliff.jpg|thumb|left|The creek and its valley and the surrounding plateau support many different plant and animal species]]
Worlds End State Park has an extensive forest cover of hemlock-filled valleys and hardwood tree-covered mountains, which makes it a [[habitat (ecology)|habitat]] for "big woods" wildlife. Animals such as [[white-tailed deer]], [[American black bear|black bear]], [[wild turkey]], [[American red squirrel|red]] and [[eastern gray squirrel|gray squirrels]] are seen fairly regularly. Less commonly seen but present in the park are creatures such as [[bobcat]]s, [[coyote]], [[fisher (animal)|fishers]], [[northern river otter|river otters]], and [[timber rattlesnake]]s. Loyalsock Creek is home to native [[brook trout]] and [[black bass]] which feed on a variety of insects including [[mosquito]]s, [[dragonfly|dragonflies]], and [[gnat]]s.<ref name="IBA42"/><ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.fish.state.pa.us/pafish/bass_black/00bass_waters_ranked.htm | title = Black Bass | publisher = Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission | access-date = December 10, 2012 | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120304151541/http://www.fish.state.pa.us/pafish/bass_black/00bass_waters_ranked.htm | archive-date = March 4, 2012 }}</ref><ref name="wespwildlife"/><ref name="inventory">{{cite web | url = http://www.naturalheritage.state.pa.us/cnai_pdfs/sullivan%20county%20nai%201995_2001.pdf | title = A Natural Areas Inventory of Sullivan County | access-date = November 30, 2012 |author1=Davis, Anthony F. |author2=Lundgren, Julie A. | publisher = Pennsylvania Science Office of The Nature Conservancy | year = 1995 |display-authors=etal}}</ref>
Bird watchers have observed over 200 [[species]] of birds in the park, including the [[great blue heron]], [[northern harrier]], [[white-throated sparrow]] and highly sensitive species which are rare as breeding birds in Pennsylvania such as [[northern goshawk]] and [[yellow-bellied flycatcher]].<ref name="wespwildlife">{{cite web | url = http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/findapark/worldsend/index.htm |title=Worlds End State Park Natural History |access-date=November 5, 2011 |publisher=Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources}}</ref><ref name = "inventory"/><ref>{{cite web |url=http://bird.atlasing.org/Atlas/PA/ |title=Pennsylvania Breeding Bird Atlas |publisher=Bird.atlasing.org |access-date=December 21, 2012}}</ref> The state park and forest are part of the larger Pennsylvania [[Important Bird Area]] (IBA) #42, which encompasses {{convert|214839|acre}}. The Pennsylvania [[Audubon Society]] has designated the IBA as a globally important [[habitat (ecology)|habitats]] for the conservation of bird populations.<ref name = "IBA42"/> The IBA is home to [[Swainson's thrush]] and [[ruffed grouse]], the state bird of Pennsylvania. Other notable passerine species found in the park and IBA include [[Blue-headed vireo|blue-headed]] and [[red-eyed vireo]]s, [[Acadian flycatcher|Acadian]] and [[least flycatcher]]s. Breeding [[New World warbler|warblers]] in the park include both [[northern waterthrush|northern]] and [[Louisiana waterthrush]]es, as well as [[Blackburnian warbler|Blackburnian]], [[black-throated blue warbler|black-throated blue]], [[black-throated green warbler|black-throated green]], [[Canada warbler|Canada]], [[magnolia warbler|magnolia]], [[mourning warbler|mourning]], [[Nashville warbler|Nashville]], and [[yellow-rumped warbler|yellow-rumped]].<ref name = "IBA42"/>
| title = Worlds End State Park Natural History
| access-date = November 5, 2011
| publisher = Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources }}</ref><ref name = "inventory"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://bird.atlasing.org/Atlas/PA/ |title=Pennsylvania Breeding Bird Atlas |publisher=Bird.atlasing.org |access-date=December 21, 2012}}</ref> The state park and forest are part of the larger Pennsylvania [[Important Bird Area]] (IBA) #42, which encompasses {{convert|214839|acre}}. The Pennsylvania [[Audubon Society]] has designated the IBA as a globally important [[habitat (ecology)|habitats]] for the conservation of bird populations.<ref name = "IBA42"/> The IBA is home to [[Swainson's thrush]] and [[ruffed grouse]], the state bird of Pennsylvania. Other notable passerine species found in the park and IBA include [[Blue-headed vireo|blue-headed]] and [[red-eyed vireo]]s, [[Acadian flycatcher|Acadian]] and [[least flycatcher]]s. Breeding [[New World warbler|warblers]] in the park include both [[northern waterthrush|northern]] and [[Louisiana waterthrush]]es, as well as [[Blackburnian warbler|Blackburnian]], [[black-throated blue warbler|black-throated blue]], [[black-throated green warbler|black-throated green]], [[Canada warbler|Canada]], [[magnolia warbler|magnolia]], [[mourning warbler|mourning]], [[Nashville warbler|Nashville]], and [[yellow-rumped warbler|yellow-rumped]].<ref name = "IBA42"/>
Worlds End State Park is featured in the Audubon Society's ''Susquehanna River Birding and Wildlife Trail Guide''. Birds of interest in the park include [[common merganser]]s along the creek and other riparian species such as [[belted kingfisher]], as well as [[barred owl|barred]], [[great horned owl|great horned]], and the scarce, elusive [[northern saw-whet owl]]s. Other avian species seen in the park and believed to nest there include [[tufted titmouse]], [[brown creeper]], [[red-breasted nuthatch]], [[common raven]], [[scarlet tanager]], [[yellow-bellied sapsucker]], and [[winter wren]]. These bird populations are typical of "mature northern hardwood-hemlock forests and high elevation swamps and conifer swamps".<ref name="birds">{{cite book |last= Audubon Pennsylvania |author-link= National Audubon Society |author2= Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania |title= Susquehanna River Birding and Wildlife Trail |year= 2004 |url= http://web1.audubon.org/pabirdingtrails.org/trail-guide/site.asp?id=51 |format= Searchable database |access-date= November 6, 2011 |location= Harrisburg, Pennsylvania |page= 26 |url-status= dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120425143816/http://web1.audubon.org/pabirdingtrails.org/trail-guide/site.asp?id=51 |archive-date= April 25, 2012 }} ''Note'': This guide is available both as a book (page number given) and website (URL given). It also refers to [[Wyoming State Forest]], which has been reorganized as [[Loyalsock State Forest]].</ref><ref name = "IBA42"/>
==Recreation==
=== Trails ===
[[File:Worlds End State Park Trail 2 crop.jpg|thumb|upright|Sign at the junction of the Link, High Rock, and Loyalsock Trails, showing their [[Trail blazing|blazes]]]]
There are over {{convert|20|mi|0}} of [[hiking]] trails at Worlds End State Park. Most of the trails are rocky and steep, so hikers are encouraged to wear proper footgear and to be prepared for icy conditions during the cold winter months.<ref name="wesptrails">{{cite web | url = http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/findapark/worldsend/trails/index.htm | title = Hiking Trails of Worlds End State Park | access-date = December 19, 2012 | publisher = Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources }}</ref> As John Young writes in ''Hike Pennsylvania'', "If you want to do some hiking in the Worlds End region, you should know that hiking here means climbing".<ref name="hike pa">{{cite book | title = Hike Pennsylvania: An Atlas of Pennsylvania's Greatest Hiking Adventures |last = Young |first= John |year = 2001 |publisher = The Globe Pequot Press |location = Guilford, Connecticut |isbn = 0-7627-0924-3 |pages = 72, 76}}</ref> Worlds End State Park is open during the winter months for [[snowmobile|snowmobiling]] and [[cross-country skiing]]. Most of the trails are too steep or rugged for either activity, but the park roads are open, as are trails on surrounding state forest lands.<ref name="wesp"/><ref name="wesptrails"/>
* '''[[Loyalsock Trail]]''', often abbreviated LT, is a rugged {{convert|59.28|mi|adj=on}} hiking trail that stretches from near [[Loyalsockville, Pennsylvania|Loyalsockville]], in Lycoming County on [[Pennsylvania Route 87]] to north of [[Laporte, Pennsylvania|Laporte]] in Sullivan County, just off [[U.S. Route 220]]. This trail follows the ridges and streams of the Loyalsock Creek [[drainage basin|watershed]]. The trail is primarily within the boundaries of [[Loyalsock State Forest]] and uses some old logging roads and abandoned [[Rail transport|railroad]] grades. The Loyalsock Trail was originally blazed in a yellow rectangle with a red stripe, and red can lids with a yellow "LT".<ref name="alpineclub">{{cite web | url = http://www.lycoming.org/alpine/ | title = The Alpine Club of Williamsport and the Loyalsock Trail | access-date = December 5, 2012 | publisher = The Alpine Club of Williamsport }}</ref><ref name="loyalsock trail">{{cite web | url = http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/ucmprd2/groups/public/documents/document/dcnr_002939.pdf | title = Loyalsock Trail | access-date = November 5, 2011 | publisher = Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources }}</ref> Recently, the trail markers have been changed to a yellow disc with a red "LT".
* '''Link Trail''' is a moderate {{convert|8.5|mi|adj=on}} trail marked with a red X on a yellow circle blaze. The trail starts at the Cabin Bridge in the park and follows Loyalsock Creek before it branches off and follows Double Run. The trail then ascends to Canyon Vista and heads out into Loyalsock State Forest where it links up with the Loyalsock Trail at the {{convert|55.33|mi|adj=on}} post.<ref name="wesptrails"/> The Loyalsock Trail can be followed back for a {{convert|17.62|mi}} long loop.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/ucmprd2/groups/public/documents/document/dcnr_002957.pdf |work = PDF | title = A Recreational Guide for Worlds End State Park | publisher = Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources | date = July 2006 | access-date = November 6, 2011}}</ref>
* '''Canyon Vista Trail''' is a {{convert|3.5|mi|adj=on}} loop trail with blue blazes that passes through the eastern portion of the park and a stand of [[ash tree|ash]], [[Acer saccharum|sugar maple]], and [[Prunus serotina|black cherry]] trees. This trail passes a maze-like jumble of blocky [[Pottsville Formation]] rocks known as the Rock Garden, adjacent to Canyon Vista.<ref name="geology"/> The vista is at an elevation of {{convert|1750|ft}} and "rewards the hiker with a spectacular view of the Loyalsock Creek gorge".<ref name="wesptrails"/>
[[File:Double Run Nature Trail (3).jpg|thumb|Double Run waterfall from the nature trail]]
* '''Butternut Trail''' is a {{convert|2.5|mi|adj=on}} trail marked with orange blazes that loops through a hardwood forest and crosses over Butternut Run. Two side trails connect Butternut Trail with the Loyalsock Trail.<ref name="wesptrails"/>
* '''Double Run Nature Trail''' is an easy {{convert|1.2|mi|adj=on}} trail, marked with a green stripe on a white rectangle blaze, that loops through woodlands along the west branch of Double Run. Wildflowers like [[Arisaema triphyllum|Jack-in-the-pulpit]], [[Polygonatum|Solomon's seal]] and [[Asarum|wild ginger]] can be seen on this trail, which passes by an intermittent [[waterfall]].<ref name="wesptrails"/>
* '''High Rock Trail''' is {{convert|1.0|mi}} and passes a waterfall on High Rock Run. This steep trail is marked with red blazes and climbs a hollow filled with [[lichen]]-covered rocks to a vista.<ref name="wesptrails"/> A part of this trail used to pass so close to cliffs that two hikers fell to their deaths; this part of the trail has been relocated for safety.<ref name="hikes">{{cite book |last= Thwaites |first= Tom |title= Fifty Hikes in Central Pennsylvania |year= 1992 |edition= Fourth updated printing |publisher= Backcountry Publications |location= [[Woodstock, Vermont]] |isbn= 0-942440-24-2 |pages= [https://archive.org/details/fiftyhikesincent0000thwa/page/170 170–175] |url= https://archive.org/details/fiftyhikesincent0000thwa/page/170 }}</ref>
===Fishing, hunting, and whitewater ===
[[File:Worlds End State Park Angler.jpg|thumb|left|An angler fishing for trout on Loyalsock Creek, upstream of the dam in the park]]
According to John Young, "As soon as you enter Worlds End State Park, you hear it: the never-ending rush of the waters of Loyalsock Creek".<ref name = "hike pa"/> The creek and its tributary Double Run have been designated as approved [[trout]] waters within the park by the [[Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission]]. This means the waters will be [[fish stocking|stocked]] with trout and may be fished during trout season.<ref name="fish">{{cite web |author= [[Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission]] |url= http://www.fish.state.pa.us/county.htm |title= PFBC County Guide |access-date= November 6, 2011 |url-status= dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20111101163712/http://www.fish.state.pa.us/county.htm |archive-date= November 1, 2011 }} Note: Searchable map</ref> Hunting is permitted on about half of the lands of Worlds End State Park. Hunters are expected to follow the rules and regulations of the [[Pennsylvania Game Commission]]. The common game species are ruffed grouse, eastern gray squirrels, turkey, white-tailed deer and bears; however, the hunting of [[groundhog]]s is prohibited.<ref name="wesp"/>
Edward Gertler, author of ''Keystone Canoeing'', writes that Loyalsock Creek's "exciting whitewater, above Forksville, has long been a favorite of paddlers who are quick and tolerant enough to endure its fickle water levels and weather".<ref name="gertler"/> This is the stretch of the creek in and near the park, whose "long, steepening, and complex boulder patch and ledgy rapids demand your attention ... A boater's chute through the middle of the swimming area dam at Worlds End State Park climaxes this run".<ref name="gertler">{{cite book |last= Gertler |first= Edward |title= Keystone Canoeing: A Guide to Canoeable Waters of Eastern Pennsylvania |year= 1985 |edition= 1st |publisher= Seneca Press |location= [[Silver Spring, Maryland]] |isbn= 0-9605908-2-X |pages= 295–297}}</ref>
The best time for [[whitewater]] boating on Loyalsock Creek at Worlds End State Park is from March to May,<ref name="wesp"/> and the park hosts a slalom race on Loyalsock Creek each spring. The whitewater [[grade (slope)|gradient]] is 41 for the section of the creek in and near the park, and its rating on the [[International Scale of River Difficulty]] is II to III+, with sections reaching IV.<ref name="gertler"/> The water is too swift for open [[canoe]]s, so visitors are asked to use [[kayak]]s. The swimming area is closed to whitewater boating during the summer months.<ref name="wesp"/>
===Cabins, camping, swimming, and picnics===
[[File:Worlds End State Park Pavilion.jpg|thumb|right|One of the park's many picnic pavilions in winter]]
When appointed as manager of the park in 2002, William C. Kocher said "Camping really is king here at Worlds End, and the rustic cabins are especially popular ... We also have plenty of picnics and reunions, many of them drawing generation after generation, year after year".<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/polycomm/pressrel/kocher0502.htm |title = DCNR Appoints New Manager at Worlds End State Park |publisher = Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources | access-date = December 10, 2012}}</ref> Worlds End State Park has three options for visitors interested in staying overnight. There are 19 rustic [[Log cabin|cabin]]s, each with a [[refrigerator]], stove, [[fireplace]], table with chairs, and beds. There is a 70-site [[tent]] and [[Recreational vehicle|camper]] campground along Pennsylvania Route 154. Some of the campsites have an electric hook-up, and there is a central shower facility with water and restrooms located nearby. Three organized group tenting areas, each capable of accommodating 30 people, are also available north of the cabins. They may also be used for one large group of up to 90 campers.<ref name="wesp"/> [[Non-denominational Christianity|Non-denominational Christian]] worship services, sponsored by the Pennsylvania Council of Churches, are held in a wooded chapel at the park on Sunday mornings during the summer.<ref name="church">{{cite web | url = http://www.pachurches.org/html/worlds_end_state_park.htm | title = Chapel Services at Worlds End & Ricketts Glen State Parks | access-date = December 10, 2012 | publisher = Pennsylvania Council of Churches | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120307175810/http://www.pachurches.org/html/worlds_end_state_park.htm | archive-date = March 7, 2012 }}</ref>
The picnic and swimming areas are adjacent to each other, with the building housing the bath house and concession stand between them. There are many picnic tables and several pavilions available for day use by visitors to the park. During the Great Depression the Civilian Conservation Corps built a {{convert|7|ft|adj=on}} tall [[dam]] on Loyalsock Creek, which provides a {{convert|1|acre}} swimming area at Worlds End State Park.<ref name="wesp"/><ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.fish.state.pa.us/rrdam.htm |title = Run of the River Dams |publisher = Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission |access-date = December 10, 2012 |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20121114082717/http://www.fish.state.pa.us/rrdam.htm |archive-date = November 14, 2012 }}</ref> Since 2008, lifeguards are no longer on duty at the park.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://dailyitem.com/archive/x691282790/print | title = Pa. state parks going without life guards at beaches in 2008 | date=February 11, 2008 | access-date = November 30, 2012 | work = [[The Daily Item (Sunbury)|The Daily Item]]}}</ref>
==Nearby state parks==
The following state parks are within {{convert|30|mi|0}} of Worlds End State Park:<ref name="distance">{{cite web |last=Michels |first=Chris |year=1997 |url=http://www2.nau.edu/~cvm/latlongdist.html |title=Latitude/Longitude Distance Calculation |publisher=[[Northern Arizona University]] |access-date=April 20, 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/findapark/where/index.htm |title=Find a Park by Region (interactive map) |access-date=November 12, 2011 |publisher=[[Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources]]}}</ref>
The following state parks are within {{convert|30|mi|0}} of Worlds End State Park:<ref name="distance">{{cite web
| last = Michels
| first = Chris
| year = 1997
| url = http://www2.nau.edu/~cvm/latlongdist.html
| title = Latitude/Longitude Distance Calculation
| publisher = [[Northern Arizona University]]
| access-date = April 20, 2008
}}</ref><ref>{{cite web
| url = http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/findapark/where/index.htm
| title = Find a Park by Region (interactive map)
| access-date = November 12, 2011
| publisher = [[Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources]] }}</ref>
* [[Mount Pisgah State Park]] ([[Bradford County, Pennsylvania|Bradford County]])
* [[Ricketts Glen State Park]] ([[Columbia County, Pennsylvania|Columbia]], [[Luzerne County, Pennsylvania|Luzerne]], and Sullivan Counties)
==External links==
{{Commons category|Worlds End State Park}}
* {{cite web |url= http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/ucmprd2/groups/public/documents/document/dcnr_002958.pdf |title=Worlds End State Park official map }} {{small|(1.23 MB)}}
* {{cite web |url= http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/ucmprd2/groups/public/documents/document/dcnr_002960.pdf |title=Worlds End campground map }} {{small|(527.5 KB)}}
* {{cite web |url= http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/ucmprd2/groups/public/documents/document/dcnr_002956.pdf |title=Worlds End State Park cabin map }} {{small|(200.5 KB)}}
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20160404151701/https://picasaweb.google.com/visitPAparks Pennsylvania State Parks' Picasa Photo Galleries] (includes photos of the 2010 and 2011 floods)
{{Protected areas of Pennsylvania}}
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