Enjoy Hiking, Trailside Picnics and Expansive Views Across the Pocono Mountains

Soak in the mountain top views at this 1,036-acre park in Tannersville. Big Pocono State Park sits at the summit of Camelback Mountain in central Monroe County. Visitors enjoy stunning views of rolling mountain tops and vibrant green valleys. And on a clear day, a single eastern view can include Pennsylvania, New Jersey and New York.

The popular Poconos destination remains one of NEPA’s most visited parks for golden sunsets and fall foliage. It features 8.5 miles of recreational trails spread out over the summit and ski slopes of Camelback Mountain Resort. While the rugged terrain makes for more difficult hiking, a paved, 1.4-mile scenic drive provides easy access to summit views. The park also features 4 separate, paved parking lots, each with easy access to trails.

Big Pocono State Park is open from the first week of April to Early December. Get outside. Grab a park map. And discover everything this NEPA favorite has to offer. Here’s a quick look at some of the highlights.

 

Hiking, Mountain Biking & Horseback Riding

 

 

Big Pocono State Park’s location at 2,100 feet above sea level provides a unique advantage for avid hikers and mountain bikers. You’ll find seven trails of varying difficulty and length. Many of the trails cover steep grades and rugged terrain and require much caution and experience.

The Indian Trail, at 1.3 miles, is the easiest path to panoramic views from the eastern cliffs. Four of the park’s trails come in under 1 mile, though they present rather difficult, rocky surfaces. At 3 miles, the South Trail is probably the most popular trail in the park. It offers two separate scenic views.

Two of Big Pocono State Park’s trails are open to both mountain biking and horseback riding. The South Trail and the North Trail Lower Loop provide ample room for hikers, mountain bikes and horses. All other trails and connector trails from the parking lots prohibit bikes and horses, though they are allowed on all of the hard surface roads within the park.

 

Picnicking, Wildlife Viewing & Hunting

 

 

Pack a lunch for a picnic with a view at one of the park’s three designated picnic areas. Each of the picnic areas offer plenty of tables, charcoal grills, restrooms and waste receptacles. Picnic areas at parking lots #2 and #4 feature ADA accessible tables, restrooms and parking spaces.

Big Pocono State Park is largely a scrub oak forest with relatively shorter trees, blueberry bushes and mountain laurel. Aside from colorful blooming plant life, the park is also home to an abundance of hearty wildlife. Occasional animal visitors include black bear, white-tailed deer, fox, rabbit, wild turkey, timber rattlesnake, various bird species and more.

Roughly 800 acres within the park are open to hunting, trapping and dog training. Popular game species include black bear, deer, coyote, fox, raccoon, ruffed grouse, turkey, squirrel and rabbit. All hunters and trappers in the park are subject to PA DCNR and PA Game Commission rules and regulations. Dog training is only allowed in the park from the day after Labor Day through March 31.

 

Downhill Skiing

 

 

Camelback Mountain Resort surrounding Big Pocono State Park offers some of the region’s best slopes for skiing, snowboarding and snowtubing. The resort includes 37 ski trails, 16 ski lifts with 2 high-speed lifts, halfpipes, terrain parks and state-of-the-art snowmaking technology. Camelback also features several restaurants and bars and a hotel with an indoor waterpark. The resort also offers daily lessons and equipment rentals. Lift tickets are required for all mountain amenities.

 

Plan a Trip

 

 

Big Pocono State Park is easily accessible from Interstates 80, 380 and the PA Turnpike. It is located within close proximity to Tannersville, Stroudsburg, East Stroudsburg and Mt. Pocono. The park is only a short drive from hundreds of popular Pocono restaurants, amenities, hotels and entertainment venues.