Big Pocono State Park

Big Pocono State Park Less Known But Still Loved

Mention Big Pocono State Park and Camel Back Ski Area to people and most will recognize the latter. Many don’t even realize that Big Pocono State Park actually leases the land to Camel Back, allowing them to operate their facilities.

Big Pocono State Park land was originally owned by Henry S. Cattell in the early years of the 1900’s. Harry Cattell’s stone cabin, built in 1908, still remains today though it does not function as a museum or the park office at it did during the 1950’s.

After the Pennsylvania Game Commission purchased the land in 1928, 12 years after Harry S. Cattell’s death, the state of Pennsylvania leased a sizable portion of the north slope to Big Pocono Skiing, Inc. in 1950. Big Pocono Skiing is now known as Camel Back Ski Resort, or more correctly, Camelback Ski Corporation, using their corporation name. The facility of Camel Back Ski Resort is now a major tourist destination.

In 1953, the Pennsylvania Department of Forests and Waters (now the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources) acquired 1,306 acres of state game lands, which comprised the land that was purchased by the Game Commission, including the ski area lease, and the area immediately around the summit.

Big Pocono State Park itself, officially opened to the public in 1954, following the construction of facilities and the scenic driver around the summit.

Harry S. Cattell’s stone cabin still stands and is should be included on any agenda that involves going to Big Pocono State Park. Your outing will be rewarded with the great views one can obtain by going to the different observation points provided by both DCNR and the Camelback Ski Corporation.

Facilities and Recreation

Big Pocono State Park offers a hiking trail system that consists of 7 miles of interconnecting trails. The trails are of varying terrain and grade, with the rocky and steeply inclined North Trail being the most precarious. Park officials caution inexperienced hikers to inquire at the park office for details of the trail before attempting any climb.

In addition to the hiking trails, there is also a 3 mile long horseback riding trail. The trail head for horseback riding at Big Pocono State Park at the west end of the park, close to the entrance of the facilities.

50 picnic tables are located within 3 picnic areas. The picnic area adjacent to Cattell Cabin has it’s picnic tables in an open setting, while the east and south picnic areas are in a wooded setting.

Hunting is permitted in Big Pocono State Park, but only in those areas designated as such during hunting seasons. Appropriate hunting licenses and permits are required.

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