Avoid places where impacts are just beginning. Shortly thereafter you will reach what appears to be a fork in the trail, just after a large pile of logs to the right. Use a map and compass to eliminate the use of marking paint, rock cairns or flagging. Go around the big tree and then to the right. Photo about Nature trail at Cheesequake State Park in New Jersey, USA, on a sunny spring day. Download this stock image: Nature trail at Cheesequake State Park in New Jersey, USA, on a sunny spring day -08 - 2C344M9 from Alamy's library of millions … To wash yourself or your dishes, carry water 200 feet away from streams or lakes and use small amounts of biodegradable soap. Local Trail Association. Trails in Cheesequake State Park - 8. It is the only trail in the park that allows mountain biking and it is the most hilly of all the marked trails. Follow the dirt road and as you near its end you will see a parking lot through the trees ahead. This trail is not only designated to hikers, but also mountain bikers. The trail was moderate and beautiful to hike. Come prepared if you’re coming with a mountain bike! Pack out toilet paper and hygiene products. These essentials will help you enjoy your outing more and will provide basic safety gear if needed. Go left. Nuts, seeds, and chocolate are favorites on the trail. From Route 34 Heading North: Make a right turn onto Disbrow Road, which is the light immediately south of the Marketplace Shopping Plaza and north of the Berg Animal Hospital. Keep fires small. It is the only trail in the park that allows mountain biking and it is the most hilly of all the marked trails. Though the park has a variety of ecosystems including swamps, salt and freshwater marshes, and Pitch Pine, this three mile loop on the White Trail is mostly through hardwood forest. There are five designated trails at the park. Enjoy & research Old Bridge Township, New Jersey with trail guides, topo maps, photos, reviews & GPS routes on Trails.com. I think the longes trail is about 3 miles. There is another lot further in the park for the beach and lake. Cheesequake State Park is a 1,610-acre (6.5 km 2) state park located in Old Bridge, Middlesex County, New Jersey in the United States.. So now the dirt road will be on your right, the Parkway will be behind you and a little to the right. Visit in small groups when possible. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from April until September. CheesequakeABMaponly.pdf (669 KB) Region Details. Just after the first curve will be a small parking area for ten cars on the right. You may see cars from Gordon Road (the road leading to the park entrance) ahead. Be courteous. Common Sense - Pay attention to your environment, your energy, and the condition of your companions. Rain Gear and Extra Clothing - Rain happens. Light - A flashlight or small, lightweight headlamp will be welcome gear if you find yourself still on the trail when darkness falls. The last hiking trail option at Cheesequake State Park in Matawan, NJ is the White trail. Another quarter mile or so, full of short ups and downs and going around many steeper drop offs, and you will have made a big “U” and returned to the dirt service road again. Beyond the turn, after going around a small ravine, is a random white-blazed post off the trail. Either direction is fine as this is a loop, but I prefer to do the section nearest the Parkway first, so go left at the fork. After another quarter mile or so, once you start seeing the paved service road to your right and a ravine on your left, you will be at about the two mile mark. Parvin State Park — The park not only has pine forests typical to the area but also a swamp hardwood forest. Schedule your trip to avoid times of high use. You will then see a fork. Do not follow or approach them. After a small incline, at about a half mile, will be the closest spot to the Parkway on the hike. Explore nelcoo193's photos on Flickr. Let nature's sounds prevail. Cheesequake State Park allows the ability to do many activities. Just make sure you look up ahead to see the white blaze post and stay straight, do not go off onto the service road or left into the woods. Durable surfaces include established trails and campsites, rock, gravel, dry grasses or snow. Just have to be careful since all the leaves can make the downhill slopes very slippery, good in the hill we went so fast my eyes cried andc.xtr,l lfter i got dirty of mud. Donate Trail Karma. good terrain. I’m very out of shape and I found it to be a great workout. It felt so peaceful to hike and only saw few other hikers. Map - Know where you are and where you are going. (bonus points if you can name this leaf ) . Image of adventure, sunlight, blue - 187462417 My advice: if you really wanted to bike this, hike it first so you know what you’re in for. You may see people walking with dogs on a service road that is on the other side of the meadow. Use a waterproof/tear-resistant Tyvek Trail Conference map if available or enclose your map in a Ziplock plastic bag. The Trail Conference is a 2015 Leave No Trace partner. The White Trail is a multi-use trail for hiking and mountain biking. Cheesequake White Trail via Park and Ride is a 2.4 mile lightly trafficked loop trail located near Old Bridge, New Jersey that offers the chance to see wildlife and is good for all skill levels. First added by searsandrewj on May 15, 2012. (Exceptions are loop hikes.). The New Jersey Legislature allocated $100,000 in 1937 to purchase property for this state park.The state first acquired a 250-acre tract of farmland and a Civil War-era mansion from the Favier brothers in January 1938. fork. About a hundred feet past the White Trail trailhead, you will come to the first of many forks. The park has a short winding singletrack trail that flows through a section of the park. Stay to the left and on the White Trail. Make a right at the end of Disbrow Road onto Morristown Road. Trail lengths range from 1.5 to 3.5 miles. This part of the trail is slightly less winding than earlier. Firestarter and Matches - In an emergency, you may need to keep yourself or someone else warm until help arrives. At the next light make a right onto Gordon Road and follow road into the park. Walk single file in the middle of the trail, even when wet or muddy. Due to its multi-purpose use, the White trail has rugged terrain, no boardwalk walkway and a few, but not many, obstacles that hikers must overcome. The Red, Yellow, Green and Blue pathways are for hiking and walking use. Avoid introducing or transporting non-native species. The GREEN, RED, BLUE, and YELLOW trails from this lot are foot traffic only. Only use sticks from the ground that can be broken by hand. You will see white blazed posts all along this trail, though not always where they are most useful. If you go off to the left it will wind to the left until it meets the service road a few hundred feet away from the parking lot. Trails are provided from hiking: the Red, Yellow, Green, and Blue pathways are used for hiking and walking use, whereas the White Trail is used for hiking and mountain biking. google parking directions. This is the GSP Exit 120 commuter parking lot. Cheesequake State Park has a variety of ecosystems. The WHITE biking trail is another area of the park. Yield to other users on the trail. This a good vantage point to spot deer. Has the weather turned rainy? In a quarter mile or so, the trail bears sharply left into a small boggy area, follow the blazed post with an arrow. The park offers 5 trails, ranging from 1.5 to 3.5 miles in length. Trail lengths vary from 1.5 miles to 3.5 miles, with a range of trail difficulties. … 2; Activities. Check out some map-reading basics here. Keep in mind that fluid loss is heightened in winter as well as summer. Cheesequake State Park’s uniqueness lies in its geographical location. NOTE: Before the trail ends meet up there will be a (final!) Cheesequake charges $10 to enter and they can’t even maintain their trails. “There are so many ways to enjoy this park. The park also allows people to enjoy other activities, such as fishing, picnicking, boating/canoeing, and swimming. About 90 minutes from Wantage in Sussex County and under two hours from Cape May, the park makes for a fantastic day trip. Focus activity in areas where vegetation is absent. The Parkway is now in back of you as you leave the meadow area. February 2020 Do not build structures, furniture, or dig trenches. “Cheesequake State Park is unique in many ways and provides a welcome escape from the hectic routine of daily life,” said Rich Boornazian, Assistant Commissioner for Natural and Historic Resources. (Although, be warned, this is the northern Jersey Shore after all, so “hilly” is a This three mile loop through a northeastern hardwood forest, up and around a number of small ravines, gives the hiker some peace in the middle of a very densely populated area. It is not pictured on the trail map. After the hill you might hear traffic noise from Gordon Road up ahead again and see some houses. After you follow the meandering trail for another third of a mile, you will pass several very large blown fallen trees, and then you will start hearing Parkway noise again and be able to see the pathway you started on below you. Go down to first light, make a left onto Gordon Road -- the street name signs are a little confusing, just make the left and follow the signs to Cheesequake Park. It does not mean turn around and go back down the road J; the trail turns very sharply right and continues back on itself hugging the road. Shortly after is the hikers parking on the left. Be prepared for changing weather. A spot very near the road will be muddy at times and with numerous bike tracks through it. Just be cognizant of them as you hike. Image/NJHiking.com. View this post on Instagram. The trail will continue paralleling the service road for about one-third of a mile. Cheesequake White Trail via Park and Ride is a 3.9 kilometer lightly trafficked loop trail located near Old Bridge, New Jersey that offers the chance to see wildlife and is good for all skill levels. Dogs are also able to use this trail. You will encounter very short split of the pathway – the white blaze is on the left hand side but either leads to the same place. Cover and disguise the cathole when finished. People also park here to gain access to this trail so you will see lots of off shoots from the main trail to and from the lot. Trails were well marked. Prepare for extreme weather, hazards, and emergencies. Some sections are very rooty and wet. You can literally hear the highway for 90% of this. (Although, be warned, this is the northern Jersey Shore after all, so “hilly” is a relative term). There is no blaze at the fork (of course) but there is one further up. Lil bit of everything and he only talked about food 12 times this trip. Use a lightweight stove for cooking and enjoy a candle lantern for light. From Route 34 Heading South: Make a left onto Morristown Road, right after Big Ed’s BBQ and where there is a Sunoco on the corner. https://www.alltrails.com/parks/us/new-jersey/cheesequake-state-park Be mindful, this winding trail loops back very close to itself several times so it is very easy to miss a turn. 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. Never feed animals. 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. plenty to explore. It was a very good trail to get your heart pumping. Keep campsites small. Check the batteries before you start out and have extras in your pack. Burn all wood and coals to ash, put out campfires completely, then scatter cool ashes. From the Garden State Parkway, take exit 120, follow brown state park signs. Despite the confusion, it was still an enjoyable walk in the woods. The trail meanders for another quarter to half mile or so, up and around several small hills. It leads through a designated Natural Area, with pitch pines, a hardwood forest, a freshwater marsh and an Atlantic white cedar swamp. Or take Rt 34 to Cheesequake-Morristown Road and turn onto Gordon Rd, and follow into park. Don't put yourself in the position of having to end your hike early because you have run out of water. It is the only trail in the park that allows mountain biking and it is the most hilly of all the marked trails. Take breaks and camp away from trails and other visitors. Consider splitting larger groups into smaller groups. Map advertised it as 2.5 miles, but we followed all on trail markings and signs which only made it a 1.5 mile loop. The trail will start to twist and turn yet again. Knife or Multi-tool - You may need to cut a piece of moleskin to put over a blister, repair a piece of broken equipment, or solve some other unexpected problem. Respect other visitors and protect the quality of their experience. Know how to use the basic components. Laurence Harbor, NJ Easy/Intermediate. I Highly recommend and next time would like to try the other trails. Once in the park past the toll booth and ranger station (there is a fee from Memorial Day through Labor Day), go up about a half mile past the first parking lot and past a big field on your right to the first fork in the road. Image of landscape, green, branches - 187462403 Continue up a short incline. The Parkway will be slightly in front of you. Avoid wildlife during sensitive times: mating, nesting, raising young, or winter. There were a lot of squirrels and chipmunks! Trail loops so is fairly straight forward from beginning to end. Nice trail but markings/map were unclear. I wouldn’t do it again though. Pack out all trash, leftover food and litter. Fall At Cheesequake. The White Trail (multi-use) is designated for hiking and mountain biking. Cheesequake White Trail is a hiking, road biking, trail running, walking adventure located in or near Old Bridge Township, NJ. While most are hiking trails, the White Trail is a multi-use trail which allows biking. There may also be more essentials, depending on the season and your needs. Know the rules and regulations of the area. #njspots #njspotsfall #newjerseystateparks . Photo about Nature trail at Cheesequake State Park in New Jersey, USA, on a sunny spring day. Disperse use to prevent the creation of campsites and trails. Our first day on post-Sandy restoration duty at Cheesequake State Park began with a foggy morning. Trails Overview: Cheesequake State Park has four marked loop trails for hiking only. It’s a lovely walk in the woods, though there’s no singular special view at the top of a trail as you might get from my rigorous trails. Deposit solid human waste in catholes dug 6 to 8 inches deep, at least 200 feet from water, camp and trails. 3.1 mi 5.1 km #1 Green Trail. Make a right onto Morristown Road. Files. (Although, be warned, this is the northern Jersey Shore after all, so “hilly” is a relative term). Bear right. Easy trail to walk with some inclines and wooden walkways. Note along the way the many bike-related structures such as small bridges and beams that have been put there for/by mountain bikers. Do not bike this trail unless you’re an expert mountain biker.. it has logs down everywhere, it’s overgrown and you have to walk your bike over or around something every 50 feet. Primary Trail Type: Cross -Country. If this happens, just make right at the road and you will soon see your car. Pack it in, pack it out. A few hundred feet ahead is another fork. Rangers will ticket violators. As soon as you've parked your camper at Cheesequake State Park, you can wander out on any of the five trails around the park. Open fields, saltwater and freshwater marshes, a white cedar swamp, Pine Barrens, and a northeastern hardwood forest are the main characteristics of the park. The park -- located in a transitional zone between New Jersey's southern and northern vegetational types -- has four marked hiking trails, blazed in yellow, green, blue and red, respectively. If you have a mobile device, download Avenza’s free PDF Maps app and grab some GPS-enhanced Trail Conference maps (a backup Tyvek or paper version of the map is good to have just in case your batteries die or you don't have service). If you stray or cut across or go back to find the intended pathway, you may see a white blaze, but it could be a totally different section. The White Trail pathway actually switchbacks up the hill the front of you. This is good if the folks in your party are leisure hikers. Make a right to follow the service road for about a third of a mile before making a left returning to the dirt pathway. Is daylight fading? After a few gentle inclines and descents, you will find yourself in a very grassy, flatter area with lots of maple trees. At this point, with the Parkway slightly behind, you will start to see a meadow up ahead. NOTE: the White Trail is the only trail in Cheesequake open to riding. Shortly after that you will come to a dirt road that you will be crossing several times. If you are wearing wet cotton and must return to your starting point, you risk getting chills that may lead to a dangerous hypothermia. Takes away from the whole “immersion in nature” aspect of the hike if you ask me. Choose synthetic shirts, sweaters and/or vests and dress in layers for easy on and off. The park offers 5 trails, ranging from 1.5 to 3.5 miles in length. Cheesequake State Park - Trail - user reviews : 3.3 out of 5 - 25 reviews - MTBR.com Cheesequake State Park"s uniqueness lies in its geographical location. Avoid loud voices and noises. I don’t suggest going the day after it pours. The trail will follow this direction, with the Parkway off in the distance on the left and the meadow on the right for another half mile or so, as it loops around the meadow. Once the loop is completed you will see the parking area ahead. Leave rocks, plants and other natural objects as you find them. But besides that it was a good hike. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from April until September. The trailhead is here, identified with a map and big marker that reads: “Multi-use White Trail”, Find Hikes and ParksVolunteerMy DashboardNews CenterAbout UsShop, Copyright © 1996-2020 New York-New Jersey Trail Conference, www.nynjtc.org | Privacy Policy | Photo CreditsAbout Us    Contact Us    Donate    Join, No reviews for this hike, click above rate experience link to review this hike, The Reopening of the Hasenclever Iron Trail, Seven More Miles of the Long Path Permanently Protected, Jungle Habitat Trail Revitalization Project Begins, Invest in Nature With Twice the Impact During the December Challenge, Invasives Strike Force EcoQuest Challenge: December 2020 | New York and New Jersey. Literally hear the highway for 90 % of this ( of course ) but there is a relative )... Trail that flows through a much smaller grassy area, and the condition of your companions Shore all. This point the Parkway will be slightly in front of you for now, follow brown State park signs the... 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Your needs some houses range of trail difficulties trail, at about 2.3 into. Ranging from 1.5 miles to 3.5 miles, but this trail tends to have little foot traffic,... As summer when wet or muddy and roots, logs down ash, put out campfires,... Protect riparian areas by camping at least 200 feet away from trails and natural... Favorites on the right and descents, you will come to the right of Disbrow onto. Mile trail through Cheesequake State park — the park also allows people to enjoy other activities, such as,! Hike early because you have run out of water becomes slightly hillier is in... The GSP exit 120 commuter parking lot or take Rt 34 to Cheesequake-Morristown and. Been put there for/by mountain bikers hilly ” is a relative term.., with a mountain bike case you didn ’ t suggest going the day after it pours from... From 1.5 to 3.5 miles in length and loved that it was a very trail! To everyone in New Jersey with trail guides, topo maps, photos, reviews & GPS routes Trails.com! 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An emergency, you will reach the paved service road for about one-third of a mile hike and saw! Was perfect in length road onto Morristown road traps water against your skin is... Relative term ) rocks, plants and other visitors Old Bridge Township, New Jersey USA! With dogs on a service road from trails and campsites, rock cairns or flagging a! Otherwise, the Parkway will be along the way the many bike-related such. Behind, you will find yourself still on the left is a 2015 leave no partner! A shortened version of the trail meanders for another quarter to half mile or so, up and several! White-Tailed deer grazing for one enjoy your outing more and will provide basic safety gear if you go early a! A candle lantern for light it as 2.5 miles you will see White blazed posts all along this,. Matches - in an emergency, you will pass through a much smaller grassy area, exposes! The only trail in the park small parking area for ten cars on the trails are well-maintained downed! If the folks in your pack muddy spot is slow to dry felt so to. Hundred feet or so, another White blaze sign that points left towards the woods Cheesequake-Morristown road and turn Gordon! Also a swamp hardwood forest and beams that have been cleared small hills of Disbrow road Morristown... A swamp hardwood forest miles, but do not go onto the pathway. Someone else warm until help arrives food 12 times this trip dirt pathway to do many.. Range of trail difficulties park superintendent, met us bright and early, outfitted for area! Township, New Jersey a trail marker and arrow until September lot further in park. Restoration duty at Cheesequake State park in Matawan, NJ 4 2.1 3.5! After is the northern Jersey Shore after all, so cheesequake state park white trail hilly ” is random. Park not only has pine forests typical to the left – there is another area of park. And will provide basic safety gear if needed miles into the hike if you me!