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Cheesequake State Park Trailhead
4.8 ★★★★★ 126 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 Trailhead'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.
Relaxed, kid-friendly state park offering a selection of trails through wooded terrain to a beach area.
What runners say about Cheesequake State Park Trailhead
“Great atmosphere and very well maintained hike.”
“Trails are well marked and maintained, minor elevation and some beautiful scenery.”
“Trails are well marked and maintained, minor elevation and some beautiful scenery.”
“Very dog friendly, nice views and great trails.”
One of my top 3 NJ State Parks. 4 trails for hiking, one for mountain bikes. Fishing, crabbing, camping w/flush toilets and showers nearby, playgrounds, swimming etc. Interpretive center just off the red/blue trail or you can drive to it via the paved road to the left of the trailhead.
Several hilly, mostly flat trails to choose from ranging from 1 mi - 3.5 mi. Trails are clean and in good order. Along the way, there is a visitor center with rich history about the area, including stuffed animals. Handicap accessible and clean bathrooms. Friendly staff!
Great atmosphere and very well maintained hike. It was a moderate hike, We took green trial and it was about 3 miles. Though there is no scenic view in the trial. Can take kids, Easy navigation and pet friendly
Peaceful trail… moderate effort with a number of roots, uphill portions, stairs, and terrain varying from dry to sand … you may need to be patient for parking on weekend afternoons
Trail conditions & character
“Trails are well marked and maintained, minor elevation and some beautiful scenery.”
“Peaceful trail… moderate effort with a number of roots, uphill portions, stairs, and terrain varying from dry to sand … you may need to be patient for parking on weekend afternoons”
“Trails are well marked and maintained, minor elevation and some beautiful scenery.”
“Nice light dirt trails, everything is marked pretty well.”
“It was a nice experience, but we went with kid and stroller and selected blue trail by mistake.”
“Trails are well marked and maintained, minor elevation and some beautiful scenery.”
Plan your run at Cheesequake State Park Trailhead
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.
- LightingRunners report lights on the path — useful for pre-dawn and after-work miles. Lighting and opening hours are separate things, so check both.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- 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
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Old Bridge Waterfront Park
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