A three-state view from the summit of Camelback Mountain, reachable by a 1.4-mile paved drive, plus 6.8 miles of trails, history and what to know before you go.
Big Pocono State Park sits on the summit of Camelback Mountain in Monroe County, and it is built around one thing: the view. A 1.4-mile paved drive circles the top, so you can see parts of eastern Pennsylvania, New Jersey and New York without hiking at all. The park covers 1,306 acres, opened to the public in 1954, and its facilities are maintained in cooperation with Camelback Mountain Resort (PA DCNR's Big Pocono State Park recreational guide, 2023).
When is Big Pocono State Park open?
The park closes for the winter. PA DCNR's park page says the park closes in early December and reopens the first week of April, open sunrise to sunset (retrieved October 5, 2026). Dates can shift with conditions, so call the park office at (570) 894-8336 before you go. The page lists no admission fee.
What can you see from the summit?
From the summit, the paved scenic drive and the trails give views of parts of eastern Pennsylvania and portions of New Jersey and New York, with vistas to the northeast and south from the trails. Picnic areas with tables and charcoal grills sit about 2,100 feet above sea level, which DCNR calls "a picnic with a view." The drive has steep grades, and DCNR advises against attempting it with a trailer. Seasonal closures of the access road can occur.
What is the history of Big Pocono State Park?
Henry S. Cattell owned the summit around the turn of the 20th century and built a stone cabin there in 1908, leaving it unlocked for anyone to use as a shelter. The Pennsylvania Bureau of Forestry has kept a fire tower on the mountain since 1921, staffed only in spring and fall, with no public access. The Pennsylvania Game Commission bought the land in 1928, and in 1950 part of the north slope was leased for ski development, which grew into Camelback's ski resort. In 1953 a 1,306-acre portion was acquired for a state park, and after restrooms, parking, picnic sites and the summit drive were built, it opened to the public in 1954 (PA DCNR's Big Pocono State Park recreational guide).
What is unusual about the mountaintop?
The top of Camelback Mountain is a scrub oak shrubland. Wind-dwarfed gray birch, quaking aspen, pitch pine and scrub oak cover it, with no trees over twenty feet tall, and lowbush blueberry, sweet fern and mountain laurel grow underneath. Further down the slope the forest turns to mixed hardwoods, and on the north side the North Trail Lower Loop passes a hemlock and rhododendron glen where rhododendron blooms in late July. Timber rattlesnakes live on the mountain and may bask on trails, roads or open rock, so watch your footing and keep a safe distance from all wildlife.
What is there to do at Big Pocono?
Beyond the summit drive and picnicking, the park has 6.8 miles of hiking trails. Horses are permitted on hard-surface roads, South Trail and North Trail Lower Loop. Bicycles are permitted on paved roads, and mountain biking is allowed on South Trail and North Trail Lower Loop (e-bikes are permitted under DCNR's e-bike rules). About 800 acres of the park are open to hunting during established seasons, so check seasons and dress accordingly before hiking in fall.
At the top, Summit House at Camelback serves comfort food such as grilled cheese with tomato soup, crispy tenders, empanadas and jumbo pretzels, plus cocktails and beer, with mountain views. It runs seasonally: in winter it is reachable only by ski-in and ski-out with a valid lift ticket, and Camelback's own dining page (Camelback Resort, retrieved October 5, 2026) lists it as temporarily closed. Call (570) 369-1505 before planning a meal around it.
What are the trails at Big Pocono State Park?
Big Pocono is a mountaintop, and DCNR warns that some trails are extremely steep with rough grades. Inexperienced hikers should contact the Tobyhanna State Park office before hiking. All trail lengths below are from DCNR.
Indian Trail is a 1.1-mile loop rated more difficult and the most popular at Big Pocono. It starts and ends at Lot 4, has a northeast vista at its midpoint, and winds through scrub oak and rock outcrops with a section of natural boulder "steps." North Trail is a 1.1-mile steep, rocky connector rated most difficult, with about 600 feet of elevation change. North Trail Lower Loop is 1.7 miles, mostly level old railbed through rocky gorges, also rated most difficult because reaching it takes steep sections of the North and South trails. South Trail is 2.7 miles along the southern slopes, rated more difficult, with a southern vista. Scout Trail and Vista Trail are 0.1-mile connectors; Vista Trail is a short, steep descent to a southern overlook.
For a longer outing, the Camelback Mountain loop below is a difficult 7.2-mile hike with about 954 feet of elevation gain, taking 3 to 3.5 hours. The difficulty ratings for the park's own trails are DCNR's, and the loop is rated by AllTrails.
What are the rules at Big Pocono State Park?
Alcoholic beverages are prohibited. Pets must be on a leash, caged or crated and attended at all times, and electronic fences and leashes are not allowed. Do not feed or approach wildlife, and take your trash with you or use the receptacles. Bring the proper equipment, since DCNR notes that natural areas may have hazards.
How do you get to Big Pocono State Park?
The entrance is from PA 715 and exit 299 of I-80 at Tannersville, and the address is 980 Camelback Road, Tannersville. The park office is run from Tobyhanna State Park (114 Campground Road, Tobyhanna) at (570) 894-8336.
What is near Big Pocono State Park?
The summit sits above Camelback Resort, so several attractions are minutes away, all in our Lake Naomi destination. Camelback Mountain Adventures has aerial ropes courses, zip lines and the Downhill Mountain Coaster (seasonal, spring through fall). Camelbeach Mountain Waterpark has more than 30 slides on 26 acres (seasonal, Memorial Day to Labor Day). Camelback Mountain Resort is the ski area on the same mountain, for a winter trip after the park closes. Pocono TreeVentures in East Stroudsburg is an independent ropes and zip line park if you want a less crowded alternative.
For more state parks, see our guides to Tobyhanna State Park, Gouldsboro State Park and Hickory Run State Park, or browse the best hikes in the Pocono Mountains and the best waterfall hikes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you drive to the top of Big Pocono State Park?
Yes. A 1.4-mile paved scenic drive circles the summit. DCNR warns of steep grades and advises against trailers.
When does Big Pocono State Park close for the season?
DCNR's park page says it closes in early December and reopens the first week of April. Call (570) 894-8336 to confirm.
How many miles of trails does Big Pocono have?
6.8 miles of hiking trails, from the 1.1-mile Indian Trail loop to the 2.7-mile South Trail.
Is it safe to hike during hunting season?
About 800 acres of the park are open to hunting during established seasons, and DCNR notes other visitors use the park at those times. Check the season dates, stay on marked trails and wear bright colors.
Can you see three states from Camelback Mountain?
DCNR says you can see parts of eastern Pennsylvania and portions of New Jersey and New York from the summit drive and trails.
Photo: Famartin, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.