Worlds End Backpacking
CHALLENGE LEVEL: moderate
Join us for a spectacular few days on the Loyalsock and Link Loop Trail through the heart of Worlds End State Park and the Loyalsock State Forest, located about 45 miles northeast of Bucknell's campus. This 16-mile loop features countless babbling streams, beautiful forests, canyon vistas, lakeside backcountry camp areas, river beaches and an opportunity to make lasting memories.
How to Prepare
This is an excellent trip option for those who want their first backcountry backpacking experience and experienced folks alike. Trip participants can expect a group size of up to 12 people, which will be led by trip leaders who have experience and prior training in backpacking. To prepare for this trip, please plan to have comfort hiking anywhere from 4-8 miles per day over uneven trail surfaces on sometimes steep uphill/downhill terrain, while carrying a 25- to 40-pound pack. This trip will take place on what is approximately a 16-mile loop section of the Loyalsock Trail with about 2,900 ft. of vertical gain. The mileage and vertical gain/descent will be split over three full days (either three equal days or two longer hiking days with a rest day in the middle), making for an average of 5.5 miles and 1,000 feet of elevation gain each day.
Expedition Itinerary
The experience below is only an example. Trips are subject to change based on weather, local conditions and other circumstances.
Day 1
7–11 a.m. Move into your residence hall. Breakfast on your own. Once you have moved in, leave the items you packed specifically for Buckwild in a separate bag or basket in your room. You will have time to come back to get your things after your Pre-Orientation group initially meets. Any equipment that you will be borrowing from the program will be picked up later in the day once you are with your Pre-Orientation leaders.
11 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Lunch at Bostwick Marketplace for all Pre-Orientation participants, their families and friends as guests of the University (no charge).
12:30 p.m. Meet with the associate dean, the professional staff members of Outdoor Education & Leadership and BuckWild student trip leaders in the Weis Center for the Performing Arts.
1:30 p.m. Family goodbyes. BuckWild officially begins! Students meet their trip leaders and head off to play games, pack and prepare for their adventures. Families can stay at the Weis Center to meet with the president, provost and dean of students for a welcome and reception.
Students will spend the rest of the day with their trip groups. They will have the opportunity to retrieve their gear and items from their dorm. That night, they’ll camp out at Bucknell’s camp, just a few miles off campus!
1:45 p.m. Report to Malesardi Quad to meet with your BuckWild student trip leaders.
2 p.m. Families meet with the president, provost and dean of students in the Weis Center.
Day 2
Wake up, pack up equipment and depart for Worlds End State Park. Short hike to the first backcountry camp. Set up camp. Enjoy fun daily activities prepared by BuckWild student trip leaders.
Day 3
Wake up and enjoy breakfast. Break down camp and hike to the next backcountry camp near a lake. Enjoy fun activities prepared by BuckWild leaders, including hiking, games and sightseeing.
Day 4
Wake up and enjoy breakfast. Break down camp and hike to the next backcountry camp. Enjoy fun activities prepared by BuckWild leaders, including hiking, games and sightseeing.
Day 5
Wake up, break down camp and finish hiking to vehicles. Return to campus and unpack from the trip. Meet and engage with Bucknell faculty on campus and enjoy a celebratory dinner with all BuckWild participants. Go back to your residence hall to shower and sleep.
Unpack from your trip, and return to your dorm to shower and relax before meeting with your trip leaders and fellow participants to enjoy a celebratory dinner with the entire BuckWild group.
Day 6
Reunite with your group and the rest of the Buckwild trips for a celebratory breakfast on campus before New Student Orientation begins.