In 1937, the state Legislature set aside $100,000 for the purchase of the property. The park started as a good buy for New Jersey. Whether it’s swimming, camping, hiking, fishing, crabbing, or canoeing and kayaking, there is no shortage of options to help you get away from it all.”ĭerived 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.įrom the water or land, more than 160 species of birds can be found within a rainbow of tree specimens, including Atlantic white cedars, red maples, black birches and Sweetbay magnolias.

“There are so many ways to enjoy this park. “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. The Christie Administration, which recognizes the importance of keeping all of New Jersey’s 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. “We urge residents from all parts of the state to take a drive, spend a day and explore this terrific venue.’’ “Cheesequake State Park is another jewel in the state’s 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. But in reality, the subtle and natural wonders of Cheesequake State Park are just a stone’s throw from the Garden State Parkway.Īnd while the serenity of Cheesequake Creek kayak ecotours are certainly a highlight of this 1,274-acre park in Old Bridge, Middlesex County, the added fishing, hiking and camping available among the coastal wetlands and forests also make for quality and sometimes surprising getaways in the well-developed Raritan Bay region. This bucolic scene may seem like a distant destination from the beaten path.

Diamondback terrapins sun themselves on logs and rocks, while tiny fiddler crabs peek out from the muddy banks. (12/P91) OLD BRIDGE –A light breeze rustles tall saltmarsh grasses on Cheesequake Creek as kayakers peer at marsh wrens through binoculars. CHEESEQUAKE STATE PARK OFFERS MUCH TO DO IN A SMALL PACKAGE

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