Riday’s Gate Trailhead

The Riday’s Gate Trailhead leads to the original railroad crossings in Tannersville Pennsylvania and connects into Big Pocono State Park.

With over 10 miles of trails to explore surrounded by 1,306 acres of natural wildlife, hiking the entire loop leads to the very top of Camelback Mountain. At an elevation of 2,175 ft, you’ll be rewarded with 360-degree panoramic views of the entire Pocono Mountain region, the Appalachian Mountains, the Delaware Water Gap, Wind Gap, New Jersey, and New York.

Hike along the old Wilkes-Barre and Eastern railroad grade and up Camelback Mountain for top-of-the-world views. Bring Fido, and keep on a leash! The main trail is easy, but offshoots can be more advanced.

From the Riday’s Gate parking area, begin the hike by crossing the yellow metal gate and proceed along the abandoned railroad grade of the historic WB&E (Wilkes-Barre and Eastern) Railroad which operated from 1892 to 1939. This part of the hike is not shown on the park map. The railroad grade ascends ever so gradually, barely noticeable as you walk along. Look behind you to see the slight slope downward. A few low spots on the trail where water collects or flows through may be muddy but passable. While the railroad grade is virtually flat, the forest floor is not so there will be times when the trail is at ground level and times when it towers above atop an earthen embankment providing sweeping views of the woods down below.

Portions of the railroad grade pass through private lands. Remain on the trail until you reach the red-blazed trail. Even then, if you venture off-trail, be aware the slopes, especially the warmer south-slope, are prime rattlesnake habitat.

Bikes, horses, skis, and snowshoes are permitted. ATVs, snowmobiles, and motorized vehicles are not. The trail is open from dawn to dusk.