Big Pocono State Park covers 1,306 acres on the summit and slopes of Camelback Mountain, right above Camelback Resort. A paved 1.4-mile scenic drive loops the top, and from the overlooks you can see across eastern Pennsylvania into New Jersey and New York. It's free, and one of the best sunset and fall-color spots in the Poconos.
It's an easy trip from our Long Pond, Pocono Summit, Pocono Pines and Penn Estates homes: off I-80 Exit 299 in Tannersville and up Camelback Road.
The summit drive and views
- The paved, one-way 1.4-mile scenic drive circles the summit, with overlooks and picnic areas at about 2,100 feet and views over eastern Pennsylvania, New Jersey and New York.
- The fire tower dates from 1921 and is still staffed in spring and fall; visitors can't climb it.
- The Cattell Cabin, built in 1908, still stands on the summit lawn.
- No trailers on the drive. The road closes for winter, around early December, and reopens around the first week of April, as conditions allow.
Trails
- Indian Trail (about 1.1 miles), North Trail (about 1.1 miles), North Trail Lower Loop (about 1.7 miles) and South Trail (about 2.7 miles), plus the short Scout and Vista trails, 6.8 miles in all. The park's 2024 map lists slightly different lengths, so check the map before you go.
- Bikes and horses are allowed only on the South Trail, the North Trail Lower Loop and the paved roads.
- About 800 acres are open to hunting in season, so wear orange on the trails in fall.
Good to know
- Address: Camelback Road, Tannersville, PA 18372, reached from PA 715 at I-80 Exit 299.
- Entry is free. The park is open sunrise to sunset.
- No alcohol; pets must be leashed. The ski area on the mountain is Camelback Resort, which has leased part of the land since 1950.
