Big Pocono State Park

Perched atop Camelback Mountain in Monroe County, Big Pocono State Park delivers some of the most dramatic panoramic views in northeastern Pennsylvania. From the 2,133-foot summit, visitors can see across three states on a clear day — the Delaware Water Gap to the east, the Pocono Plateau stretching north, and the rolling farmland of the Lehigh Valley to the south. Established in 1954, this 1,306-acre park is compact but unforgettable.

The park’s real draw is its trio of overlook trails. The North, South, and Indian Trails loop around the mountaintop, each offering distinct vistas through mixed hardwood forests of oak, hickory, and maple. The trails are moderate in difficulty and total roughly five miles combined, making them accessible for families while still rewarding for experienced hikers. In autumn, the summit becomes one of the Poconos’ premier leaf-peeping destinations, with unobstructed views of the color change sweeping across the valleys below.

Big Pocono does not offer camping facilities, but nearby Tobyhanna and Gouldsboro State Parks provide full campground options within a short drive. The park is open year-round, with spring wildflowers and fall foliage being the standout seasons. Winter visitors should note that road access to the summit may be limited during icy conditions.

Picnic areas near the summit make this an ideal day-trip stop. Pack a lunch, bring binoculars, and give yourself time to take in every angle — the views here earn every bit of the drive up.

Explore Nearby

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• Kreidersville Covered Bridge — Covered Bridge in Pennsylvania
• Marble Mountain Rock Collecting Area (Trilobite) — Public Land
• New Jersey State Highway Routes — Scenic Byway in New Jersey
• US Highway 278 — Scenic Byway in South Carolina