🚣‍♂️ Creekside Memories
In the heart of Berkeley Township, where cranberry bogs meet cedar swamps, Cedar Creek winds quietly through Double Trouble State Park. It’s more than a waterway—it’s the reason the park exists, and the lifeblood of its history.
🏞️ A Park Born of a Creek
Double Trouble State Park was established to protect the Cedar Creek watershed. The creek powered the original sawmill and cranberry operations in the early 1900s, giving rise to the company town now preserved as a historic village. Its tea-colored waters, filtered by Atlantic white cedar, still nourish the bogs and forests that define the Pine Barrens.
🧠Part of the NJ Coastal Heritage Trail
Double Trouble isn’t just a local treasure—it’s a recognized stop along the New Jersey Coastal Heritage Trail. This designation honors its role in preserving maritime, agricultural, and ecological history. Interpretive signs and trail guides help visitors connect with the park’s legacy, from cranberry farming to cedar logging.
🚣‍♀️ Canoeing Cedar Creek
Cedar Creek is ideal for beginners and casual paddlers. Its gentle current and narrow bends offer a quiet ride through towering pines and mirror-like waters. You’ll pass cranberry bogs, spot native birds, and maybe even hear the echo of old work songs from the village.
What You’ll Need:
- Your own canoe or kayak (no rentals on-site)
- Life jacket (required)
- Paddle, dry bag, and water shoes
Launch Point: Near the historic village Best Season: Spring through early fall
🌿 Why It Matters
Canoeing here isn’t just recreation—it’s a way to connect with the land, the labor, and the legacy of the Pine Barrens. Every ripple tells a story. Every bend in the creek is a reminder that nature and history flow together.
Want to share your own creekside memory? Submit your story, photo, or paddling tip to America’s Neighborhood and help preserve the voices of our waterways.
