Pennsylvania has a 4,500-foot mountain coaster that twists through the woods, and riders get to control their own speed. The track winds down a real mountainside, with curves, drops, and speeds reaching up to 25 mph.
The coaster is part of Camelback Mountain Adventures in Tannersville, where visitors can also try a 4,000-foot zip line, climb through a treetop ropes course, or go tubing without snow.
The mountain even offers coaster rides after dark during select events. With so many attractions built into the same hillside, this Pocono Mountains destination offers a lot more than the usual amusement park experience.
A Ski Mountain That Never Takes Summer Off
Ski slopes usually sit quiet once the snow melts. At Camelback Mountain Adventures, the same hillside turns into an outdoor adventure park when the weather warms up.
The park sits at 243 Resort Drive in Tannersville, Pennsylvania, in the heart of the Pocono Mountains. It is part of the larger Camelback Resort, which is known for winter skiing and an indoor water park.
Here, the attractions are spread across a wooded mountainside. You can find a mountain coaster, zip lines, an aerial ropes course, tubing, and mini golf in one area.
Guided UTV and Segway tours have also been part of the lineup.
I find it clever that the mountain works all year. Winter guests come for the slopes, and warm-weather guests come for the rides that use those same slopes in a whole new way.
The location also helps with planning. Tannersville is an easy stop for travelers from New Jersey, New York, and the Philadelphia area, and shopping outlets sit nearby.
Still, one attraction gets more attention than any other. It is the ride that gave this park its reputation, and it twists right through the trees.
The Coaster Where You Hold the Brakes
Most roller coasters decide the speed for you. The Mountain Coaster at Camelback hands that job to the rider.
Each small car runs on a rail that curves and dips through the forest. Hand levers control the brakes, so a nervous first-timer can cruise gently while a thrill seeker lets it roll.
That setup makes the ride work for a wide mix of people. A grandparent and a teenager can both enjoy it, just at very different speeds.
The track follows the shape of the mountain instead of fighting it. Trees close in on both sides, and the views open up along the route.
Riders stay secured with a lap belt. Cars are spaced apart on the track, and staff manage how they leave the station.
Photos are snapped at points along the ride. You can buy them at the end if you want proof of your bravery, or of your very careful braking.
One rule surprises some visitors. Closed-toe shoes are required, so sandals will not cut it, and that small detail can save you a frustrating moment at the gate.
After Dark, the Woods Start Glowing
Sunset does not always mean the coaster shuts down. During some seasons, Camelback runs the Mountain Coaster after dark, and the ride changes completely.
Lights line parts of the trail through the woods. Around the fall season, the route has included a spooky light trail that adds a little extra fun to the trip down the mountain.
Riding in the dark changes how the track feels. You can see less of what is ahead, so every curve arrives as a small surprise.
I would pick a night ride for the second visit. Daytime shows you the scenery, and nighttime turns the same route into something more mysterious.
Evenings can also be calmer at the station. Crowds often thin out later in the day, which may mean less waiting before your turn.
Night hours depend on the season and the schedule. Check the official calendar before you drive, since availability changes through the year.
Bring a light jacket, too. Mountain air in the Poconos can cool down quickly once the sun drops, even after a warm afternoon.
Two Zip Lines for Two Kinds of Courage
Picking a zip line here comes down to a simple question. How far are you willing to fly?
The shorter option runs about 1,000 feet. It is a solid choice for first-timers and younger kids who want a taste of the air without a huge commitment.
The bigger ride stretches around 4,000 feet. Called the Zip Rider or Zip Flyer, it is aimed more at teens and adults and offers wide views across the mountains.
Longer does not mean a long ride, though. The big zip line only takes a few minutes from start to finish, since gravity moves you quickly.
Setup takes time as well. Riders are fitted with harnesses and checked by staff before launching, so plan for some waiting around the actual flight.
Seasonal timing matters with the big line. In autumn it has run only on weekends, so double-check the schedule if that ride is your main goal.
I like that families can split up here. Little ones stay on the shorter line while older kids go for the long one, and then everyone trades stories at the bottom.
Climbing Through the Treetops
Not every thrill comes from speed. The aerial ropes course at Camelback asks you to use your arms, legs, and balance instead.
Often called the Tree Top Adventure, this course has climbers moving through obstacles set up high in the trees. You stay clipped into a safety system while you cross bridges, ropes, and wobbly platforms.
This is the most physical attraction in the park. It suits people who like a challenge and do not mind feeling their muscles afterward.
Kids and teens tend to love the problem-solving side of it. Each obstacle feels like a small puzzle you have to figure out while standing high above the ground.
Wear clothes you can move in freely. Sturdy closed-toe shoes are a smart choice, and anything loose in your pockets should stay behind.
I would save the ropes course for a time when your energy is high. Doing it first, before the coaster and zip lines, makes sense for many families.
The course also offers a different pace from the rest of the park. You set your own speed, and the trees become something you touch rather than just pass.
Sliding Down the Sunbowl Without Snow
Snow tubing is a winter classic in the Poconos. Camelback found a way to keep the idea going in warmer months with Sunbowl Tubing.
Riders sit in a tube and slide down a specially surfaced lane on the slope. It brings the feeling of a snowy hill to a sunny afternoon.
This activity works well for groups. Friends and families can ride side by side and race each other to the bottom.
Weather plays a big role here. When rain picks up, staff may pause or close tubing for safety, and the timing of a restart is not always clear.
That makes checking the forecast before your trip especially helpful. A dry day gives you the best chance of a smooth session.
Tubing passes have been sold for a block of time rather than a single run. That lets you ride again and again while your session lasts.
I like that tubing feels easygoing compared to the zip lines. It is a good break between bigger thrills, and it still gives you a fast trip down the hill.
Rolling Through the Mountain on a Guided Tour
Some visitors want to see the mountain itself, not just ride down it. Guided tours at Camelback have offered that chance.
UTV tours take groups along trails in sturdy off-road vehicles. A guide leads the way, which helps newcomers feel comfortable on rough terrain.
Segway tours have been offered as well. Gliding along on two wheels is a different way to take in the scenery, and it usually starts with a short lesson.
These tours focus on the landscape. Mountain views and forest trails are the main attraction, rather than height or speed.
I find the tours a smart pick for people who skip zip lines. They still feel adventurous, but your feet stay much closer to the ground.
Tour options and age rules can change by season. Check the current offerings before you plan around one.
Booking ahead is wise, since group sizes are limited. Arriving early also gives time for any safety briefings before you head out.
After a ride through the hills, many guests are ready for something slower. Luckily, the park has a calmer option waiting near the base.
Mini Golf for a Slower Hour
Between bigger rides, a round of mini golf can give everyone a breather. Camelback includes a course near its other outdoor attractions.
Mini golf works for nearly every age. Small kids can swing a putter, and grandparents can join in without needing a harness.
It is also one of the more budget-friendly options in the park. That makes it handy for filling time while you wait for a booked coaster or zip line slot.
Set your expectations simply. This is a casual course, not a fancy themed one, so think of it as a relaxed break rather than the main event.
Equipment pickup can involve a separate stop, even if you bought tickets online. Ask staff where to collect your ball and putter when you arrive.
I like mini golf as a way to slow the day down. After screaming on a zip line, a little friendly competition on the greens feels just right.
Fall visits can add even more variety. The park sometimes brings in seasonal events that change the whole atmosphere at the base of the mountain.
Fall Fest Brings Goats and Golden Hills
Goats are not something most people expect at an adventure park. During Fall Fest at Camelback, they have been part of the fun.
The autumn event adds extra activities to the usual lineup. Families can mix rides like the coaster with seasonal extras around the base area.
Fall is also when the Pocono Mountains put on color. Riding the coaster or a zip line past changing leaves adds a whole new look to familiar attractions.
Schedules shift in autumn, though. Some rides, like the long zip line, have operated only on weekends during this season.
That means a little homework pays off. Check which attractions are running on your chosen date before you leave home.
Nights cool down quickly in the fall. Layers make sense, especially if you plan to stay for a night coaster ride with its glowing trail.
I find this season a great time to visit. The air feels crisp, the leaves look bright, and the park adds friendly touches like those goats.
No matter the season, though, a few simple tips can make the day go much smoother.
Smart Moves Before You Arrive
Tickets bought online can save you a real headache here. Pre-purchased tickets often come with a barcode you scan, which helps you skip the ticket window.
Waivers can be signed online, too. Finishing them at home means less time tapping on a tablet when you would rather be riding.
Attractions run on time slots. Arriving a little early gives you a buffer, since lines can still build up during busy hours.
Mornings and weekdays tend to be calmer. Summer weekends and holidays usually bring larger crowds and longer waits.
Weather is the biggest wild card. Rain and lightning can pause rides, so check the forecast and the park’s weather policy, especially if you are driving a long way.
Shade can be limited in some lines. Sunscreen, a hat, and a water bottle make waiting much easier on hot days.
Remember those closed-toe shoes for the coaster. Packing sneakers spares you from buying a last-minute pair.
A little planning turns this mountain into an easy day out. Then all that is left is choosing how fast to take that coaster through the woods.
Share this story
