Our First Meetup: A Leisurely Hike in NJ

Welcome to our new group! For our very first Meetup, come join us for a leisurely hike at Cheesequake State Park in Matawan, New Jersey, for fresh air, fitness and camaraderie with new friends. Hike is reachable on NJ Transit out of Penn Station.

ABOUT THE PARK: Scenic Cheesequake State Park is located in Old Bridge, NJ only 22 miles from Newark and 25 miles from New York City. This 1,610 acre New Jersey state park's highlights include hardwood forests, open fields, swamps, ponds, a lake and saltwater and freshwater marshland. The park’s unique eco structure of northern hardwood forest and southern pine barrens create a bird lover’s and nature lover’s paradise.

READ MORE ABOUT THE PARK ---------> HERE

GETTING THERE: NJ Transit out of Penn Station

• 9:55AM: Depart NEW YORK PENN STATION
• 11:06AM: Arrive ABERDEEN MATAWAN STATION
• One-way train ticket is $16.95
• Upon arriving at Aberdeen Matawan station, we'll then pick up Uber for an 8-min ride to the trailhead.

Drivers: you can meet us at the Visitors Center at 11:30.

HIKE MILEAGE: 4-5 MILES through forest and wetlands, up and down unique stairs, across wooden walkways and over streams.

HIKE INTENSITY: Easy to Moderate

HIKING PACE: Hiking pace will be LEISURELY AND NO ONE WILL BE LEFT BEHIND.

IMPORTANT

• Dress in non-cotton layers.
• Wear appropriate shoes suitable for hiking
• Bring at least 3 liters of liquid to stay hydrated.
• Bring lunch and snacks for yourself.
• Bring sunscreen, bug spray, hat cover, and whatever else you need
• Bring sense of adventure and a positive attitude are a must. A smile also goes a long way.

DURATION: This is not a big park. So we should finish by 4PM-ish if not earlier. But no guarantee. After hike, we can go explore Matawan the town and grab eats and drinks and get social before heading home.

AFTER HIKE, if anyone is interested, we can grab food and drinks in the area before heading home.

RETURN TRAIN: return train leaves every hour

WEATHER: Rain cancels!

LIABILITY WAIVER: come prepared. Participate at your own risks. Hold no one liable. etc. etc.