Pets allowed
Allowed with Restrictions
Elevation Gain
800.00 ft (243.84 m)
Trail type
Loop
Distance
5.60 mi (9.01 km)
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

Big Pocono State Park's 1,300 acres encompass a 7-mile trail network and Camelback Mountain, a 2,133-foot prominence also known as Big Pocono, an adaptation of its native name. The North/South Loop traverses its summit and offers some of the area's best views over the Pocono Mountains and Pocono Plateau. Steep in places, it is a vigorous 5-mile hike that rewards hikers with forest foliage and views to the horizon.

To complete this loop hike requires travel along the park road to the parking area. To access the South Trail, park just outside the park entrance near the gate. (Note that the gate is locked in winter and after sunset). Walk into the park along the road for less than 0.25 mile. The trailhead is on the right. The trail heads west for a short distance until a junction with state land trails. Turn left, taking the unmarked trail on the far left. The trail follows a ridge for about 1.5 miles until it turns right and begins to descend. The trail ends at a trail junction with the North Trail and the North Loop Trail. Follow the North Trail until you reach the border of Camelback Ski Resort. The trail turns left here and climbs until Big Pocono Loop Road. Exit onto the road and follow it back to your vehicle at the entrance gate.

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Spring
Summer
Fall

Congestion

Low

Parking Pass

None

Open Year-round

Yes

Pros

Good views.

Cons

No vehicle access in winter.

Trailhead Elevation

2,021.00 ft (616.00 m)

Highest point

2,103.00 ft (640.99 m)

Features

Family friendly
Big vistas
Old-growth forest

Typically multi-day

No

Permit required

No

Location

Nearby Adventures

Tank Creek Nature Preserve, Pennsylvania
Paradise Price Preserve, Pennsylvania
Tobyhanna State Park, Pennsylvania

Nearby Lodging + Camping

Comments

04/05/2019
There appears to be a typo for the trailhead elevation- it certainly isn't over 20,000 ft.!
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