The High Rock at Trail World’s End State Park is a short but invigorating hike that offers majestic cliff and creek views below and a commanding gorge lookout above.
The High Rock Trail begins at the scenic and popular World’s End State Park Day Use Area. The sheer cliffs above the polished-rock Loyalsock Creek is the crowning jewel of the day use area, so head there first to take in what you will be ascending on the hike.
What a view. I can’t get over the Loyalsock because of its beauty winding through the gorge and because of its unusual bed and bank of smooth water-polished boulders and rock slab. One friendly local remarked that the Loyalsock Creek looks like a river from the west that was picked up and moved to the east. After sizing up the gorge we will climb, head to the trailhead proper, crossing the Loyalsock creek via the Rt. 154 bridge near the swimming area.
As indicated by the cliffs and the sign at the High Rock trailhead, the way is steep, but rewarding. If you are in good health, just take your time and you should be fine. As always, remember appropriate footwear for steep, rocky hiking.
At about 0.43 miles from the trailhead, the High Rock Trail meets up with the Loyalsock Trail. By this time, you’re sure to have spilled some sweat and your reward (as if the trail wasn’t enough) is this view of the gorge. The clearing near the top of the mountain directly ahead is the Loyalsock Canyon Vista and Rock Garden.
From the lookout, the trail becomes steeper and large boulders appear in a hemlock and pine stand. You’re almost at the pinnacle!
The most unique part of the trail is at the very top. For a few hundred feet (or less) it is flat! Take a moment to enjoy the reprieve before descending the boulder steps to the east side of the trail. In terms of terrain this is the toughest part of the trail.
A bridge crosses a stream flowing into the Loyalsock below. This stream forms a waterfall that is marginally visible. You have to wade across the Loyalsock from the bottom if you want a good view.
After the foot bridge the nature of the trail changes significantly from a boulder scramble to a mostly gentle packed earth downhill grade. When you encounter the parking area, cross the road bridge and take in the sylvan gorge and rocky creek views before proceeding back to the day use area. Be sure to watch the video at the end of the post to see the surprise we found in the parking lot.
Overall the trail is a 1.4 mile loop.
Spacious parking is located at the World’s End Day Use area: 41.47055, -76.58374.
There is no cell service in the area, so we recommend downloading any necessary maps in advance of your trip.
The High Rock Trail is a short loop, but strenuous in parts and rewarding. The cliffs, the Loyalsock Creek, the overlook, the rocks, the landscape – all worth the trip. As indicated in the video and on the map, the section descending from the high point of the trail (east of the High Rock Vista) to the bridge crossing High Rock Run is steep and rocky. If you handle steep and rocky better descending, take the trail clockwise. If you handle steep and rocky better ascending, take the trail counterclockwise. After the hike treat yourself to a refreshing dip in the Loyalsock Creek.
Looking to stay in the area? We highly recommend World’s End State Park. Check out our Complete World’s End State Park Camping Review.
Want more? Check out these other nearby adventures:
- Don’t Miss the Loyalsock Canyon Vista and Rock Garden
- Explore the Giant Boulder Formations of Cold Run
- A Perfect Picnic Spot on Top of a Waterfall at Dry Run Falls
- A Hot Spot to Tons of Easy Access Waterfalls on the Double Run Trail
- A Waterfall and a Swim at the Most Unusual Haystacks Formation
Also, be sure to check out our other adventures.
