Worlds End State Park Camping Trip - Day 3

 Monday, June 19, 2023

Our goals for the day were to drive to Alpine Vista and then do the Ketchum Run Gorge Trail. We had to take the dirt and gravel Coal Mine Road off of Worlds End Road, and then hike into the forest a little to the overlook, but it was very nice with a huge area for a bonfire.

Alpine Vista

After returning to the truck we drove back out to Worlds End Road, and then up High Knob Road where we found the trailhead for Ketchum Run Gorge. The gorge is home to four waterfalls along the 4.6 mile out-and-back trail. The trail is rugged, especially where it joins the Loyalsock Trail. It seems nearly every trail in this area hooks up with the 59-mile-long Loyalsock Trail at some point or another. 

Fernrock Nature Trail

We took part of the Fernrock Nature Trail on our way down into the gorge because it brought us a little closer to Ketchum Run and we wanted to hear the sound of water running as we made our way through the forest.

There were several small falls on the way down, but we were easily able to follow the trail to the first of the larger falls. We had to bushwhack our way down to the base of a couple of these first falls so we could get better photos. We just took our time and watched our steps on the steep banks. We were never far off the main trail and had no problem getting back to it.

At just under 2 miles into the hike we came to a sign warning us that there was a ladder ahead and we could choose to stay on the Loyalsock Trail or take a bypass trail to bypass the ladder. We chose to follow the Loyalsock Trail down the trail toward the ladder, which really wasn’t all that bad, especially when compared to the steep bank we climbed down at the previous falls.

Waterfall in Ketchum Run Gorge

Waterfall in Ketchum Run Gorge

Waterfall in Ketchum Run Gorge

We carefully made our way down the ladder into what I can only describe as a grotto. It was very green with the high walls of the gorge around us and the picturesque Rode Falls pouring into a pool at their base. There was a large bonfire pit with large stones all around where we sat to eat our lunch and take in the view. There were dozens of butterflies flying around us with a swarm of them sunning themselves in a beam of light coming through the trees. It was so peaceful and beautiful there. We had the entire place to ourselves. We didn’t want to leave.

Rode Falls A swarm of butterflies

Butterfly

But of course, we had to, so we sadly made our way back up the ladder and out of the grotto, where we immediately noticed a temperature change. When had it gotten so hot and humid? It was a grueling climb back up out of the gorge, retracing our steps through the forest, but it was worth every minute! The entire 4.72 mile trek took us about 3-1/2 hours and we were hot, sweaty and exhausted by the time we finished, but the memory of that grotto will remain with us for a long time.

Climbing back out of the grotto

Kermit the frog along the trail

Before returning to our campsite, we stopped to take a look at the "beach" area located across the street from the park snack stand and office before settling in for the night.

Beach at Worlds End State Park

Swimming hole at Worlds End State Park

After returning to the campground we relaxed and enjoyed the free entertainment provided by some birds and chipmunks who were feasting on the berries in a bush right next to our trailer. I don't know what kind of bush it was, but they sure loved the berries!

Cedar Waxwing

Chipmunk

* All Photos and videos are the property of the authors except where otherwise noted. *