Big Pocono State Park – Camelback Mountain

In my life I’ve spent more of my recreational time on Camelback mountain than anywhere else.

From just about anywhere in Monroe County is a view of Big Pocono Mountain which is nearly always referred to as ‘Camelback’. From Route 715 onto Sullivan trail a few miles then left at the fork follow Camelback Road all the way to the top. On your left you’ll pass Camelback resort with its snow tubing, Aquatopia indoor water park, Camelback Ski Area, Camelback Adventure park, and Camelbeach waterpark. Yes a lot of developed acres but soon when the road ends you’ll be in the heart of Big Pocono State Park which encompasses the top of this highest peak.

Ok let’s backtrack a little. Big Pocono State Park is adjacent to Pennsylvania state gameland #38 which is also adjacent to the Long Pond Conservation Easement. When you venture a hike or bike ride onto one of the trails you’re entering a combined undeveloped mostly wooded tract of 18,883 acres. Pay attention! Yes hikers have lost their way and had to spend the night before finding their way out or being rescued but as yet no one has gotten permanently lost. Also keep in mind there are no motorized vehicles allowed on any of these three properties.

I started my relationship with Camelback in 1996 when I took up and fell in love with the sport of cross country mountain biking. I got more than I expected as I learned about the beauty of this mountain and its scenic plateau with over a hundred miles of trails and lakes. I gravitated to longer rides and dabbed a little into endurance 24 hour solo racing. I can’t imagine a better place to train than Camelback. In 2001 I learned about the Swedish Vallhund (cattle dog) a small breed of 27 pounds and short legs but seemingly endless energy and spirit for trails. I found a breeder in Boston. Within a few weeks we had Anton, born for the trails of Camelback. I never learned Anton’s limitations. He had no problem keeping up on 20 mile rides but our usual was about 12. On group rides he herded me and my friends by running out front then to the rear as if he were checking on each of us. On the occasional rest stop he’d give us about two minutes then start barking to go. Anton learned the trails. At intersections he waited to see which way I was headed. He learned the water locations – the little creeks and lakeside spots for him to stop for a drink. He mostly trotted alongside my bike and yes call me stupid but I would talk to him most the way. But on a hot day when I could sense his thirst all I had to say was ‘go ahead’ and he’d take off to the next water stop where I’d find him chest deep in a pool.

I’ve done a few crazy things on Camelback. One Sunday morning Anton and I started a ride from an access point I wasn’t familiar with. I said ‘Anton let’s get lost’ and we immediately did because these were trails we hadn’t been on. We never got scared but after an hour there were no water spots so I had to squirt water into Anton’s mouth from my water bottle. A few minutes later we swung around a bend and immediately gained visual coordinates of familiar trails. One winter I wanted to extend my mountain biking season and learned how to setup my wheels with studs made from sheet metal screws. When snow conditions were packed just right you could practically fly. One full moon night I went out to Camelback around 11 and started riding. When the clock struck midnight I jumped off my bike and howled at the sky from a very remote trail. I don’t know how to explain the feeling other than pure exhilaration. As I went to bed that night I wondered if there was something wrong with me.

Of course hiking and biking on Camelback is not for everyone. If you’re looking for a civilized stroll the paved loop road is scenic and about one mile around. For those just looking to relax there are scenic views and picnic tables next to the parking areas. Camelback’s elevation is 2100 ft. On a clear day from the top parking lot you can see the Delaware Water Gap and New Jersey to the east and also the Catskill mountains of New York to the north. From here you can also observe many varieties of wind surfing hawks, rabbits, squirrels, deer and the occasional porcupine – no petting lol. Out on the trails you may encounter skunks, black bears and further out turkeys, coyotes or the rare bobcat. None of these animals naturally prey on humans but I advise you respect their privacy and stay away from them. If a black bear feels threatened it will charge at you. The main precaution is rattlesnakes. Thank God for their rattles. On very warm summer days they tend to stretch out across a trail. Rattlesnakes have no fear. When they are coiled they will strike if you’re unaware or stupid enough to step within their range. In my dozen or so encounters I’ve been careful enough not to have one strike at me or my friends including Anton.

— The Best Places to Eat in the Poconos.