Cheesequake State Park 

Cheesequake State Park is a remarkable landscape that includes woods, salt marshes, lakes, and streams. The five hiking trails at this state park attract visitors who are seeking nature and the outdoors.

The GREEN, RED and YELLOW trails are hiking only and the White trail is multi-use for hikers and mountain bikes. More by clicking here.

Hiking Trails

Hiking is a hobby that helps people develop a love of nature. It is not only a great exercise, but it also gives people the chance to unwind and forget about the stresses of everyday life.

The park’s hiking trails are clearly mapped and easily navigated. The Green Trail’s boardwalk provides a flat path, while the Blue Trail offers more of a challenge with a bit more elevation and obstacles.

The White Trail is multi-use, meaning hikers can use it for mountain biking as well. It passes wetlands and features more rugged terrain with some steep hills and sections of root-covered ground. This trail is not recommended for beginners. It is also not stroller-friendly. Swimming is permitted in Hooks Creek Lake Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, but only when lifeguards are on duty.

Fishing

A variety of outdoor recreation activities are available at Cheesequake State Park, including hiking, fishing, boating, and swimming. The park also features a nature center, which is open year-round and offers a range of educational programs.

The park’s diverse terrain and unique habitats make it a must-visit location for hikers, birders, botanists, and outdoor enthusiasts. The area is home to Atlantic coastal pine barrens, freshwater marshes, an Atlantic white cedar swamp, and a northeastern hardwood forest.

Anglers can try their hand at fishing in Hooks Creek Lake, which is stocked with trout and other species. Boating, canoeing, and kayaking are allowed on the lake from Memorial Day through Labor Day weekend, but a license is required. Swimming is permitted on the beach during lifeguard hours. Explore more!

Camping

Scenic Cheesequake State Park offers hiking, fishing, camping, swimming, and other outdoor recreation opportunities in a natural area not far from busy highways and urban areas. The 1,610-acre park has an incredible variety of landscapes including hardwood forests, open fields, swamps, a tidal estuary, salt and freshwater marshes, as well as Atlantic white cedar swamps and Pine Barrens habitats.

Five hiking trails with lengths ranging from 1.5 to 3.5 miles and difficulty levels from easy to moderate with inclines are a great way to explore the diverse ecosystems in the park. Fishing at Hooks Creek Lake and crabbing are popular summertime activities, while cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are available in winter.

The park has 50 campsites for tents and trailers that are open from April through October each year. Campsites are located within walking distance of bathhouses with flush toilets and hot showers.

Picnicking

If you are looking for a great picnic spot, Cheesequake State Park is the place to go. You can enjoy many different activities and see beautiful scenery. The park also has five trails, which range from 1.5 to 3.5 miles.

The park offers several picnic areas with tables and grills throughout the park. There are also two group picnic areas that can be reserved for a fee.

A spring-fed lake, a Tiki hut, and shady picnic pavilions are available for summertime picnicking. The park is open for picnicking from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. There are also a variety of other outdoor activities, including camping, fishing, swimming, and boating. The park is also home to five hiking trails, a nature center, and salt marsh habitats, and northeastern hardwood forests.

Swimming

If you’re looking to swim in freshwater without the crowds of a public beach, head to Hooks Creek Lake. Open for swimming on Memorial Day through Labor Day with lifeguards on duty, the six-acre freshwater lake is also a great spot for boating, canoeing, and kayaking. Recreational fishing is allowed for trout, largemouth bass, catfish, and sunfish. Crabbing is permitted from the ADA-accessible Crabbing Bridge, too.

The park’s trails offer hiking, running, and walking opportunities for all skill levels. The Green trail is a beginner-friendly hiking path with few elevation changes, while the Blue and Red trails provide more challenging terrain for hikers that are ready to take on a new challenge.

At Balmoral Arms, residents are minutes from the park and enjoy quick access to outdoor recreation, shopping, restaurants, and more. Residents can also hop on the Garden State Parkway or Aberdeen-Matawan Station for a convenient commute to Brookdale Community College, Jewish Renaissance Medical Center, and Manhattan. Definitely worth checking out!

Driving directions from Clearview Washing to Cheesequake State Park

Driving directions from Cheesequake State Park to Michael J. Tighe Park