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Cheesequake State Park
4.5 ★★★★★ 3,880 Google reviews · Running trail in Matawan, New Jersey · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Cheesequake State Park's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
1,610-acre park with a nature center & camping area offering biking/hiking trails & a fishing lake.
What runners say about Cheesequake State Park
“Trail is gorgeous, clean and extremely well marked.”
“Cheesequake State Park in Matawan, NJ, is a beautiful place for a walk, with four different trails to choose from, each offering unique views and varying distances.”
“The hiking facilities here are clearly marked, it is not easy to get lost, and it is suitable for bringing children.”
Very nice park. They have lots of sections. They have created a artificial Beach 🏖️ around a lake. Small but very beautiful ❤️ they have a kids play area, swings, slides etc nearby. Multiple walking and running 🎽 tracks are made in this state park. You can also hire camp spaces here.
great park to be honest! beautiful views and clearly marked trails! there’s a beach too if you’re interested. also they have good parking! we have hiked here a bunch and i highly recommend going in the fall for amazing views.
Cheesequake State Park one of our beautiful state parks. Trails Yellow, Blue, Red and Green are a fun walk or hike. Yes we know about the Crabbing Bridge but do you know about the second pond Perrine. I first came here in the early 90's. When I returned as an Adult.
This is one of the nicest and cleanest parks I have been to. As soon as you enter you can get information and a guide from the park office. There are many parking areas around the park with easy access to get back on the GSP. Once you arrive, you can literally spend an entire day here.
Trail conditions & character
“Cheesequake State Park in Matawan, NJ, is a beautiful place for a walk, with four different trails to choose from, each offering unique views and varying distances.”
“They have picnic tables, a playground, plenty of restrooms, and they have a snack bar.”
“The parking lot was massive so parking was definitely not an issue at this current time.”
“There are a few steep staircases and hills to climb but it is definitely worth it!”
“Trail is gorgeous, clean and extremely well marked.”
Plan your run at Cheesequake State Park
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- Websitestate.nj.us
- Phone+1 732-566-2161
Hours
| Monday | 8 am–8 pm |
| Tuesday | 8 am–8 pm |
| Wednesday | 8 am–8 pm |
| Thursday | 8 am–8 pm |
| Friday | 8 am–8 pm |
| Saturday | 8 am–8 pm |
| Sunday | 8 am–8 pm |
Running trails near Matawan
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Cheesequake State Park Trailhead
4.8 ★★★★★ 126 reviews
Relaxed, kid-friendly state park offering a selection of trails through wooded terrain to a beach area.
Old Bridge Waterfront Park
4.4 ★★★★☆ 2,584 reviews
Narrow beach & lawn along Raritan Bay offering fishing piers, a playground & a 1.3-mile trail.
Old Bridge Waterfront Park
4.4 ★★★★☆ 160 reviews
Long waterfront park featuring a boardwalk, a playground and basketball courts.
Kavanaugh Trail
4.7 ★★★★★ 3 reviews
Raritan Bay Waterfront Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 2,695 reviews
136-acre park along the water with sports fields plus a playground, nature study area & gazebo.
