Please be aware that the Group Campsites do not have showers. A body was found this morning in Cheesequake State Park, according to State Police. South Amboy Citizen - April 4, 1904. Contact the Park office for more information. There are so many ways to enjoy this park. Inner tubes, rafts and other flotation devices are not permitted in the swimming area. Learn More. Gateway National Recreation Area - Sandy Hook Unit, Highlands, NJ. Its hard to imagine steamboats chugging down this bird-filled remote spot but a few photos and a little info for Steamboat Landing can be found in Old Bridge, NJ Images of America and that same info appears on Google Books (image on page 55). Some of those funds were used to purchase binoculars and radios to assist in the nature interpretation. Its great for the summer, but this is also a four-season park in the truest sense of the word. Invalid Date(s) : The selected site or all sites are not available for the date range selected. At the end, follow the path through reeds to the edge of Cheesequake Creek. On our 2/2023 hike we saw a crow sitting in the osprey platform but spotted two osprey soaring overhead. In addition, there was significant saltwater intrusion into Hooks Creek Lake, a freshwater lake that is habitat for a variety of species of fish that were killed off by the high salinity levels. Schweitzer Fachinformationen. Legal Statements & Disclaimers. Cloudflare Ray ID: 7b9b5d47799b76e3 Cheesequake State Park Entrance fees: On Weekdays: NJ Resident Non-Resident $ 5.00 $10.00 On Weekends/Holidays: NJ Resident Non-Resident $10.00 $20.00 Hiking Easy Bird watching Running Walking Forest Views Show less Directions Park information Acreage 1,569 acres Park hours Monday 8:00 am - 4:30 pm Tuesday 8:00 am - 4:30 pm Wednesday Your email address will not be published. Cheesequake State Park is located near Asbury Park, Avenel and Basking Ridge. Captains Marine Mercury & Force Outboards, The Manchester Inn, The Ocean Grove New Jersey Bed Breakfast and The Secret Garden Restaurant are steps from the white sandy beach and the gentle surf of the Atlantic Ocean. Detailed directions to add a 1.3 mile round trip hike to Steamboat Landing from this intersection follow below. Later, ada's bank told the police someone had been making large deposits into her account up until september 1948. Meeting at Island Beach State Park, Swimming Area 1 - 2401. Follow along on your smartphone with our Interactive Map link above. While I have yet to find sufficient information regarding this surge, which knocked over the 119-year old Old Orchard Shoal Lighthouse off the south shores of Staten Island, flooded portions of South Amboy and Sayreville, badly mangled the NJ Transit railroad tracks in the back yard of my Morgan childhood home, destroyed or greatly damaged Morgan based marinas, and caused significant damage to. There are five designated trails at the park. They are also placing intermission a large surf skiff in which they are installing a fifteen horse power engine. The 3-1/2-hour program, free with park admission, begins with a kayak safety lesson, conducted by April Lippet-Faczak. This is the same spot with a fuller creek. You can retrace Dock and Museum Roads but we like to take the hill path back. Per their web site, The American Littoral Society promotes the study and conservation of marine life and habitat, protects the coast from harm, and empowers others to do the same. Pets are prohibited on the beach. Hike up to the top of the hill and turn around for an overview of the area. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 47 min to complete. Jersey, 1996-2022 Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. The path continues along the top of the hill for just a short distance before the gate comes into view. A party of 20 or more people constitutes a group. The area facilities include flush toilets and potable water. The Red, Yellow, Green and Blue pathways are for hiking and walking use. Diamondback terrapins sun themselves on logs and rocks, while tiny fiddler crabs peek out from the muddy banks. Older change log at page bottom. Driving Directions to Cheesequake State Park, a New Jersey State Park located near Asbury Park, Avenel and Basking Ridge New Jersey 1 New JerseyState Parks USA Parks New Jersey Gateway Region Cheesequake State Park USA Parks New Jersey Gateway Region Cheesequake State Park Cheesequake State Park Trail around the lake Barbara Curcio Walking trail Ive been trying to find information regarding the massive storm surge which came on shore from Raritan Bay hitting Morgan, South Amboy, Sayreville and all the communities lining Raritan Bay in the dark evening hours of Monday, October 29. Use insect repellent, wear light-colored clothing, tuck pants into socks, stay on trails, check yourself when you get home, shower and wash clothes immediately. Several vernal pools in the lowland forest were destroyed by the storm surge. THERE ARE NO WATER OR ELECTRIC HOOKUPS AT THE INDIVIDUAL SITES. Never run from a bear! Boaters must comply with all NJ State Boating regulations. I was there today for the first time I found it to be a very relaxing time. There are no pets allowed in the group campsites. Last Updated: Cheesequake State Park Trailhead, 287 State Park Rd, Matawan, NJ 07747. Today, it is operated and maintained by the New Jersey Division of Parks and Forestry and is part of the New Jersey Coastal Heritage Trail Route. Edison Memorial Tower and Museum, Address "We saw a need to educate the public about the importance of salt marshes, and what better way than in a kayak," Jim Faczak said. Information: Updated: 2/2023 Minor edits, added optional side trip to Steamboat Landing; re-hiked 9/2022. Past Hidden Gems: Lawrence Ragonese (609) 292-2994 Address 300 Gordon Road Matawan, NJ 07747 Email Address cheesequake@dep.nj.gov Park Hours Gate Open daily 8 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Park Office Open daily 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Specialties: Cheesequake State Park is a special place, boasting an exceptional variety of habitats and recreational activities. Statement. Only U.S. Coast Guard approved PFDs (personal flotation devices, also known as lifejackets) are permitted. 0.6 Cross the park road (Perrine Road, on the trail map), and turn RIGHT to follow GREEN [RED leaves to the left]. This state park is known for its colorful fall views. Please clean up after your pets. Trails From the GSP: Make a right at the end of the exit ramp and follow to the first light. 1.4 The GREEN trail bears left and goes up a slightly steep root-covered hill and a set of stairs. 1928 Photo of the Route 35 Bridge over the Railroad, Then & Now Cheesequake Creek Railroad Bridge, Paving Stone Road from South Amboy Thru Morgan, Steam Train Passing Through Morgan in 1954, Jersey Central Traction Co. Trolley, Trestle & Bridge, Great White Egret in Raritan Bay Waterfront Park, 1710 Deed from Richard Townley to Charles Morgan, Abstract of the Will of Charles Morgan of Gravesend, New York, Morgan Family Members Visiting the Morgan Family Cemetery, Portraits of Charles and Elizabeth Morgan, Sheriff Charles Morgan Crosses Raritan Bay, Simple List of Morgan Family Members Across the Generations, 1882 NY Sun Newspaper Interview with Charley Applegate, Betty Macrae Litowskys Reflections of the Robert E. Lee Inn, Betty Macrae Litowskys Reflections on Morgan Beach, Morgan Memorial Tragedy in Kindergarten, Cadys Before Cadys and After Niedermans, Morgan Beach/Cheesequake Creek Circa 1910-ish, Morgan Station Area Photos from 1915 & 1916, Then and Now Jims Drive-In Bar & Grill, View of Morgan Beach Area, Circa Late 1920s, Reenactment of the Hanging at the Old Spye Inn, The Morgan Range Beacon, a.k.a., The Rocket Launcher, September 1777 Payroll for the 2nd Battalion of Middlesex County, Burned Out T. A. Gillespie Loading Company Locomotive, Give em an Artillery Shell from Morgan, Harry, Grave Site of the Morgan Plant Unidentified Dead, Randall Gabrielans Explosion at Morgan Book, The T. A. Gillespie Loading Company Power House, Then and Now Aftermath of the 1918 Great Explosions, 1887 NJ/NY Raritan Bay Boundary Commission, The New York / New Jersey Boundary on Raritan Bay, The New York / New Jersey Raritan Bay Boundary Commission. SWIMMING ADVISORY: Swimming is only permitted on State Park Service property in designated areas when lifeguards are on duty. 2.3 After a somewhat marshy area (it used to be more so) with a lot of roots and a small observation platform, the trail heads uphill to the right. Fishing is subject to all NJ Fish and Wildlife regulations. The park started as a good buy for New Jersey. Walk around the large gate at the intersection with Dock Road (also marked with a double dotted line on the park map but not marked anywhere in real life). Write a Review. Cheesequake State Park State Parks, Forests, and Preserves Cheesequake State Park 8.0 1 Review Add a Review Add Photos Own This Campground? Cost: Resident $50.00 - Non-Resident $100.00 (Per Day), Cost: Resident $20.00 - Non-Resident $25.00 (Per Day), Governor Phil Murphy Open fields, saltwater and freshwater marshes, a white cedar swamp, Pine Barrens, and a northeastern hardwood forest are the main characteristics of the park. You will receive an email if a site matching your conditions Walk back to the gate and turn LEFT back on to Museum Road and follow it back to the intersection with GREEN. Estimated to weigh approximately 100,000 tons, this debris layer will stunt the growth of vegetation impacting not only the crabs that dwell there, but the kingfishers, herons and gulls that feed upon them. Crabbing It looks man made to me and I would be surprised if the sand wasnt trucked in. The report titled ASSESSING THE IMPACTS OF HURRICANE SANDYON COASTAL HABITATS was written by The American Littoral Society (ALS), in partnership with the Hudson River Foundation and the Rutgers University Grant F. Walton Center for Remote Sensing and Spatial Analysis. The campground is open from April 1st through October 31st. We use cookies to offer you a better browsing experience. Excellent, I'm waiting to hear back from the operators there to make sure, but the website seems to indicate I shouldn't have a problem parking there. Follow to the first traffic light and make a right onto Morristown Road. Swimming is permitted, while lifeguards are on duty, from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day. All trash must be carried out.The group campsites are open from May 1st through October 31st. We highly recommend that group leaders carefully estimate their group size and not over-estimate as refunds cannot be made later. The park's lowlands consist of freshwater and saltwater marsh and a tidal estuary near the mouth of Cheesequake Creek on the Raritan Bay. Only 30 miles from Manhattan, Cheesequake's 1,485 acres encompass upland eastern hardwood forests, freshwater wetlands, an Atlantic white cedar swamp, pine barrens habitats, and the Bayshore's largest largest area of of protected salt marsh. [N.J.A.C. Not only is it situated in the middle of the urban north and the suburban south, it lies in a transitional zone between two different ecosystems. Your IP: The water was much higher the first time we hiked to Steamboat Landing, in 2012. The trail ends at Cheesequake Creek. [Dock Road also goes to the left.] Cheesequake State Park 300 Gordon Rd. Reserve a camping spot. Permitted the day after Labor Day through the day before Memorial Day weekend. Like this page and invite your friends on Facebook. During the winter months, the roadways and field areas can be utilized for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Reservations can be made over the telephone using a credit card, or by mail using the Group Picnic Reservation Form. Or take Rt 34 to Cheesequake-Morristown Road and turn onto Gordon Rd, and follow into park. 0. For further information about Cheesequake State Park, click: 3rd Annual FACE Fathers' Day F A M I L Y F U N D A Y Sunday, June 19, 2016 Cheesequake State Park Matawan, NJ 07747 . Derived from the Lenape word Cheseh-oh-ke, meaning upland or "upland village," Cheesequake is distinctive in that it encompasses hilly northeastern hardwood forests, open fields and even an isolated section of the Pine Barrens that drops down to saltwater marshes and freshwater marshes along Cheesequake Creek. The bridge and walkway are ADA accessible. Electronic motors only. Swimming is only permitted during the summer months when lifeguards are on duty. NOTE - Availability Notification does not create a lock on the location for you. Note. It also includes the 6-acre (24,000m2) Hooks Creek Lake, a freshwater lake where recreational fishing features trout, largemouth bass, catfish, and sunfish. State law prohibits the smoking of tobacco and use of electronic smoking (vaping) devices in all state parks, forests, historic sites, recreation areas, golf courses and marinas. These pools are prime habitat for a variety of frogs, toads and salamanders. Flush toilets and shower facilities are within walking distance. Cheesequake State Park is another jewel in the states incredible park system, offering our residents a wealth of affordable recreational opportunities and not far from home, said Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Bob Martin. Other Related Fees Map / Directions GPS Coordinates Selected site has to be reserved online for a minimum of 2 nights. Family Campsites are open April 1st until October 31st. Many of the problems experienced were the result of the failure of man-made structures in the face of the storm such as Cheesequake Creek State Parks Hooks Creek Lake dam/culvert. Head somewhat steeply back down. Read how we use cookies and how you can control them by visiting our Privacy Policy. The program gives me an inner self-satisfaction of knowing that park patrons have gotten a great recreational and educational experience, including an understanding of salt marshes and their importance to man and the surrounding environment, Jim Faczak said. Follow GREEN. In 2012 we saw one osprey sitting on a post and another on the nesting platform (installed in 2007; source: 60 Hikes Within 60 Miles: New York City). The natural area displays a diversity of plant species and community types characteristic of both northern and southern New Jersey. We urge residents from all parts of the state to take a drive, spend a day and explore this terrific venue., The Christie Administration, which recognizes the importance of keeping all of New Jerseys state parks open, affordable and even more accessible during tough economic times, last year launched a long-term strategy for keeping parks sustainable for future generations by improving visitor services, amenities and activities, such as those offered at Cheesequake. Gate Open daily 8 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Raceday Registration: $40. Gender: Posts: 259. The park has designated camping areas available by reservation. The White Trail (multi-use) is designated for hiking and mountain biking. New Jersey Residents $50 per night per site. Also, freshwater fishing is available with appropiate fishing license. Located in Old Bridge, Middlesex County, New Jersey, this state park is a must for your next RV excursion. By Princess279 " Green trail: 3.1 miles of beautiful forest " Aug 2021 Please wait while we submit your question/message. It is home to a variety of habitats, including open fields, saltwater and freshwater marshes, a white cedar swamp, pine barrens, and a northeastern hardwood forest and suffered several different types of damage from Sandy, including the following: Hurricane Sandy created two specific opportunities for invasive species. Selected site can be reserved online only until the day prior to check-in date. 9:30 AM Race Day Registration11:00 AM 6-Mile Treacherous Trail Race. With your back to the reeds, look ahead for a faint path that leads up the hill. The trail runs along the back of several business properties and over some bridges. A young, inexperienced and arrogant "ranger" created a hostile environment; she did not know the rules and needs training. Here is a Google Map showing the Osprey Nest Monitoring Project. Recreational use of ATVs is not permitted on NJ State Park Service property. Park Office Open daily 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. We went with our 2 year old granson,and found it very safe for him. If you would like to be informed if following becomes available, Cheesequake Blue Trail Easy 4.4 (555) Cheesequake State Park Photos (943) Directions Print/PDF map Length 2.2 miElevation gain 147 ftRoute type Loop Try this 2.2-mile loop trail near Old Bridge, New Jersey. Visitors are welcome to view the nature, wildlife and history exhibits, learn about the three habitats located within the park and obtain information about Native Americans and early colonizers of the area. Keansburg Amusement/Water Park, Keansburg, NJ. Liberty State Park, Jersey City, NJ. The area covered by the report was much larger just than the westernmost part of Raritan Bay. There are five designated trails at the park. The building's raised and roofed entrance deck sits before a small, lightly wooded area designated as a wildlife sanctuary and serves as a near ideal (Shadow issues (See . Trail Blog: Green Trail in the SnowHiked: 2/18/13. Visit and make your own park memories by stopping in the interpretive center, reserving a group picnic site or exploring our nine miles of trails. Round Valley Recreational Area There's also a beach, but dogs are not permitted on it. Cheesequake State Park in Matawan perfectly meets these criteria and is a great spot for introducing your kids to hikingand even lake swimming. The trail is marked RED-GREEN-BLUE at this point. Check it out and then continue. There is a gate with the ranger station on the right. Alcohol is prohibited in the park and campsites. Trailer sanitary dump station available. Location: Queens, NY. Photos added that show the trail through the seasons. Feeding bears is dangerous and illegal. Cheesequake offers many . Visit the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife at www.njfishandwildlife.com for additional information on bear safety. Keep following GREEN when it bears sharply left there are a few unmarked paths in this area that lead off. Alcoholic beverages are not permitted in state parks, forests, recreation areas, golf courses, marinas, natural areas, historic sites, and preserves. Cheesequake State Park's uniqueness lies in its geographical location. Trail lengths range from 1.5 to 3.5 miles. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these at no cost to you. Sledding is permitted on the hill adjacent to the Hooks Creek Lake parking area. Ranger station and interpretive center should have printed park maps or print it out ahead from the park site. 1.0 After a short set of steps up, turn RIGHT, following the trail as it zig-zags over a boardwalk through a cedar swamp really nifty and our favorite spot in the park. The last hiking trail option at Cheesequake State Park in Matawan, NJ is the White trail. Groups of 20 or more people need to reserve picnic facilities at least five days in advance. (because of cancellations or any other updates). Online reservations can be made at camping.nj.gov. Accessibility Policy The saltwater intrusion at Hooks Creek Lake is exacerbated by the fact that the dam at the lake area and its associated culvert has been compromised by the storm and the outflow pipe is broken. Trail Blog: Green Trail. Overview: This route is entirely on the GREEN trail butRED, BLUE, and YELLOW will join and leave along the way.