Hike the Butternut and High Rock Loop-Worlds End State Park

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Hike the Butternut and High Rock Loop-Worlds End State Park

Waterfall on High Rock Run near the Flynn Trail

Length: About a five mile loop

Parking: 41.470381, -76.578854. More space is available at the park office.

Difficulty: Moderate but the climb to High Rock is steep and rocky, as is parts of the Butternut Trail.

Highlights: Views, large rocks, waterfalls. The waterfalls are on small creeks and can be a trickle in dry weather.

Trail conditions: Trails are well blazed and established.

Description: This loop has it all, views, waterfalls, and large rocks. It explores a section of the state park that is a little less used. Worlds End is an incredible park for dayhiking with a vast network of scenic trails and many route options.

This loop is described clockwise. From the parking area, follow the Loyalsock (LT) and High Rock Trails to the left. Climb gradually and descend to High Rock Run and a footbridge. High Rock Falls is below, but it is hard to get a view of it. Begin the steep, rocky climb to High Rock with large ledges and hemlocks. Reach the beautiful view at High Rock as it overlooks the park.

Continue on the LT as it climbs more gradually above the gorge of High Rock Run. Reach the yellow Flynn Trail and turn right on it. Cross a unique, thick log bridge. A series of scenic waterfalls are downstream. The Flynn Trail is easy as it gradually descends on an old forest road. Reach the orange Butternut Trail and turn left.

This trail gradually ascends. If hiking after a heavy rain, you might pass a seasonal run off waterfall on the left. Reach the rocky glen of Butternut Run. A falls is above the creek, in a cove of ledges. The trail narrows and is rocky. Climb and reach Butternut View, a nice vista that looks down the Loyalsock Creek. Now begin a series of switchbacks along ledges, it is steep and rocky. Cross Butternut Run and hike above a waterfall. The trail traverses a steep, rocky slope above the Loyalsock Creek with large boulders. Pick up a road and veer left on it. Descend to a camping area, and then descend back to your car.