Vanlife in the Endless Mountains
The Endless Mountain region is a must-visit for any outdoor lover in search of adventure! Located in northeastern Pennsylvania, the Endless Mountains encompass the four counties of Bradford, Susquehanna, Sullivan, and Wyoming. The area has an abundance of natural waterfalls, peaceful lakes, scenic vistas, and beautiful mountains. Four state parks and the Loyalsock State Forest provide unlimited recreational opportunities for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts.
In an effort to explore a new region of Pennsylvania, I went on a camper van road trip up to Ricketts Glen and Worlds End State Parks in the Endless Mountain Region. It was such a fun weekend exploring the parks and experiencing a few days of #vanlife. Absolutely worth the trip!
Read on to learn more about our weekend in the Endless Mountains!
Vanture Customs
Vanture Customs is a camper conversion company based in the Philadelphia region. The company specializes in premium, custom-built camper vans that are fully equipped for any epic road trip! Each van is built with sustainable, stylish features with a focus on comfort and functionality. Not only does Vanture Customs offer camper van builds, but they also offer camper van rentals through Outdoorsy!
As an adventurous traveler, I was thrilled to find a camper van rental company based in my home city of Philadelphia. With my passion for hiking and the outdoors, I find that a camper van is the best way to enjoy the outdoors without having to compromise on comfort. In collaboration with Vanture Customs, I was invited to test out The Wanderer model for our upcoming road trip to The Endless Mountain Region in northeastern Pennsylvania.
What’s Included in The Wanderer Rental:
Queen-size memory foam bed
Kitchenette with sink, refrigerator, and induction cooktop
Dry toilet
Swivel seats and lagun table
Heater, LED lighting, 110v outlet and USB ports
Window covers and 2 roof fans
Overhead storage cabinets and a large storage space under the bed
100 miles/day + $0.35 for every mile over
Linens and flatware sets are available for an additional fee
Dog-friendly
3-night Itinerary
Ricketts Glen State Park: 2 nights
After picking up your camper van from Vanture Customs and getting settled in, drive to Ricketts Glen State Park for 2 nights. The drive from Vanture Customs in Philadelphia to Ricketts Glen State Park is approximately 2.5 hours.
Ricketts Glen State Park is well known as one of the most scenic areas in the entire state of Pennsylvania. This large park encompasses over 13,000 acres and is home to the Glens Natural Area, which is a National Natural Landmark! The area has 22 natural, free-flowing waterfalls, including the spectacular 94-foot Ganoga Falls. 21 of the waterfalls can be viewed from The Falls Trail System while the 22nd waterfall (Adams) is located near the Evergreen Parking Lot off PA 118.
Ganoga Falls
Things to do
↠Hiking: Hiking in Ricketts Glen State Park is a must-do! Within the park there are 26-miles of trails varying in difficulty and length. The Falls Trail System within the Glens Natural Area passes 21 waterfalls and is the most popular trail in the park.
To see the 21 waterfalls along the Falls Trail, start at the Lake Rose Trailhead and complete the 4.4-mile Falls Trail Loop. I recommend following the trail counterclockwise by descending through the Ganoga Glen, ascending through the Glen Lehigh, and returning to the trailhead via the Highland Trail. Be sure to continue past Waters Meet to view Harrison Wright, Sheldon Reyonds, and Murray Reynolds waterfalls.
If you are staying at the state park campground, I recommend walking to the Lake Rose Trailhead from the campground to avoid any parking issues. The Lake Rose parking lot fills up quickly, especially on the weekends. Walking from the campground adds approximately 0.8-miles each way.
Please note: The Falls Trail System is closed during the winter months due to ice.
Falls Trail System
↠Swimming: Within the park, a 600-foot beach along Lake Jean is open from late-May to mid-September. Picnic facilities, food and refreshment concessions, and restroom facilities are available. Swimming is permitted inside the designated area only.
↠Boating and Fishing: The 245-acre Lake Jean also provides an excellent opportunity for fishing and boating! Lake Jean is home to warm water panfish and gamefish. Two boat launches are available as well as a boat rental concession that operates during the summer season. The concession offers non-motorized boats, including rowboats, paddle boats, kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards.
Where to Camp
There is a large, developed campground in Ricketts Glen State Park. The majority of the campground is open April through December, with a limited number of sites in the small loop remaining open year round. Amenities at the campground include restrooms with hot showers and flush toilets, gravel parking spurs, and dog-friendly sites (small loop only, sites 76-137). The van is self-sufficient, therefore a more costly electric or full-hookup site is not needed! Rates for a non-electric campsite start at $20 per night. Reservations for the campground at Ricketts Glen State Park can be made through DCNR’s ReserveAmerican site.
Ricketts Glen State Park Campsite
Worlds End State Park: 1 night
After 2 nights at Ricketts Glen State Park, head 30-minutes north to Worlds End State Park.
Worlds End State Park is a 780-acre park protecting a narrow S-shaped valley of the Loyalsock Creek. With the rugged, mountainous landscape, Worlds End State Park is well known for the beautiful scenic vistas and overlooks. Although the state park is small, it is surrounded by the Loyalsock State Forest; which together provide an abundance of recreational opportunities!
Things To Do
↠Hiking: Hiking is one of the most popular activities in Worlds End State Park! Within the park there are approximately 20-miles of trails, many of which ascend the surrounding mountains and provide dramatic views. Most trails are steep and rocky, so proper footwear should be worn. Popular trails include:
Worlds End Trail
Double Run Nature Trail
High Rock Trail
Butternut Trail
Canyon Vista Trail
High Rock Trail
↠Scenic Vistas: Worlds End State Park is known for its numerous scenic vistas with beautiful views of the surrounding mountains. Loyalsock Canyon Vista is one of the most impressive in the park. It can be accessed via Canyon Vista Trail or reached by car via Mineral Spring and Cold Run roads.
Loyalsock Canyon Vista
↠Fishing: Loyalsock Creek is the heart of the park and is a great spot for fishing. The creek is stocked with trout and the cold water provides optimal fishing conditions year-round. Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission regulations and laws apply.
Where to Camp
There is a modern campground in Worlds End State Park, which is open mid-April through early-December. Amenities at the campground include restrooms with hot showers and flush toilets, gravel parking spurs, and dog-friendly sites (sites 14-19 and 37-40). The van is self-sufficient, therefore a more costly electric or full-hookup site is not needed! Rates for a non-electric campsite start at $20 per night. Reservations for the campground at Worlds End State Park can be made through DCNR’s ReserveAmerica Site.
Worlds End State Park Campsite
Our 3-night trip to the Endless Mountains was an amazing getaway! Both Ricketts Glen and Worlds End State Parks have beautiful landscapes and fun hiking trails. Due to the limited lodging options near the parks, a camper van rental through Vanture Customs was the perfect alternative. The Wanderer van was super comfortable and made our road trip a breeze. I highly recommend Vanture Customs for any adventurous traveler looking for a camper van rental or build. I hope this guide on our weekend in the Endless Mountains inspires you to visit!
