Parks and Nature

Cheesequake State Park

A surprisingly varied state park with wooded trails, marsh boardwalks, lake views, and plenty of different routes for a walk with your dog.

Take Me There
Dog policy Leashed Dogs Welcome
Cost Free
Best time to visit Year Round

Cheesequake State Park is a great one for dogs who enjoy an actual trail walk. The park has about nine miles of trails that wind through hardwood forest, pine barrens, cedar swamp, open fields, and marsh, with wooden boardwalks crossing some of the wetter sections. Hooks Creek Lake adds a pretty change of scenery along the way, and the mix of short loops and longer routes makes it easy to choose how much walking you feel like doing that day.

Plan your visit

Address
300 Gordon Rd
Matawan, NJ 07747
Hours
8 AM to 8 PM
Phone
(732) 566-2161
Get directions Official website

Know before you go

  • Dogs must be leashed at all times and are not allowed inside park buildings
  • The main hiker parking lot fills up fast on nice weekends. Overflow parking is available near the ranger station or deeper in the park by Hooks Lake


Been here with your dog? Share your photos.

Notice something outdated? Suggest a correction.