Sweet Pepperbush
ParkNew Jersey, US
Double Trouble State Park
Double Trouble State Park offers a unique blend of New Jersey history and pristine Pine Barrens wilderness.
About
Double Trouble State Park offers a unique blend of New Jersey history and pristine Pine Barrens wilderness.
Step back in time at the Double Trouble Historic Village, a remarkably preserved company town featuring 14 original structures from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, including a restored sawmill, a cranberry sorting and packing house, a general store, and a one-room schoolhouse. Surrounding this historic gem are vast cranberry bogs, which once made the Double Trouble Company one of the largest cranberry operations in New Jersey. The park also encompasses over 8,000 acres of the distinctive Pine Barrens ecosystem, home to Atlantic White Cedar stands, Pitch Pine forests, and the picturesque, tea-colored Cedar Creek.
Visitors can explore miles of multi-use trails that wind through these diverse habitats, offering opportunities for hiking, biking, and horseback riding past former cranberry bogs and scenic reservoirs. Canoe or kayak the tranquil Cedar Creek, known for its pristine, tannin-stained waters that support a variety of wildlife. Birdwatchers will delight in the over 50 species present, including raptors and waterfowl, while nature enthusiasts can seek out unique Pine Barrens plants like sundew, pitcher plants, and swamp pink, or perhaps spot a Northern Pine Snake or Pine Barrens Treefrog.
Double Trouble State Park is more than just a park; it's an immersive experience into New Jersey's natural and industrial heritage. Whether you're captivated by the stories held within the historic village buildings, fascinated by the unique ecology of the Pine Barrens, or simply seeking a serene escape on Cedar Creek, this park offers memorable adventures and striking photographic opportunities for every visitor. Unlock an interactive field guide for this spot: get the Snappit app to identify nature on the go.
The history of Double Trouble State Park dates back to the late 1600s when Irish merchant Anthony Sharp became the first recorded landowner of the area. By the mid-1700s, a sawmill was operating on the property, utilizing the waterpower of Cedar Creek for a burgeoning timber industry. The name "Double Trouble" itself is steeped in local folklore, often attributed to repeated dam breaches on Cedar Creek, possibly by muskrats, leading to exclamations of "double trouble" when repairs were needed twice in quick succession. As the timber industry declined in the mid-19th century due to depletion of Atlantic White Cedar forests, the cleared swampland created ideal conditions for cranberry cultivation. Cranberry farming began in the 1860s, and by the early 20th century, the Double Trouble Company, formed by Edward Crabbe in 1909, became a major cranberry producer in the state. The village grew into a self-sufficient company town, complete with a general store, schoolhouse, and housing for workers. The company dissolved, and the state of New Jersey acquired the tract in 1964, establishing the state park to protect its significant natural and cultural resources. The village was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1978, preserving its unique window into New Jersey's cranberry and lumber industries.
What to do here
Take a self-guided tour of the Double Trouble Historic Village.
* Hike, bike, or horseback ride on over 8 miles of multi-use trails, many following old sand roads through forests and bogs.
* Canoe or kayak the Cedar Creek (bring your own; rentals are not available).
* Birdwatch for a variety of species, including raptors and waterfowl.
* Photography of historic structures and natural landscapes.
Seasonal info
Spring: Excellent for bird migration (April-June) and viewing early wildflowers.
Summer: Enjoy paddling Cedar Creek and exploring the village. Be prepared for insects like ticks. Highbush blueberries may be ripening.
Fall: Best for viewing the cranberry bogs, especially when flooded, and for spectacular fall foliage.
Winter: Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are permitted on trails. The landscape can be quite peaceful and photogenic, especially with snow on the cranberry bogs.
Accessibility
The recreational and historic facilities at Double Trouble State Park are partially accessible. Visitors with disabilities are advised to contact the park office for specific information regarding access needs. Most trails around the historic village and old cranberry bogs are fairly flat and follow sand roads, and a stroller with big wheels might handle the Nature Trail.
Don't miss
1
Double Trouble Historic Village
Explore the sawmill, cranberry packing house, general store, and other restored buildings from the early 20th century.
2
Cranberry Bogs
Wander along trails that pass through historic cranberry bogs, offering unique insights into the former industry.
3
Cedar Creek
Paddle the tea-colored waters by canoe or kayak, enjoying the serene Pine Barrens environment.
4
Pine Barrens Ecosystem
Discover unique plant life and characteristic trees like Atlantic White Cedar and Pitch Pines along the trails.
Wildlife you might spot
12Each card links to a full Explore page with photos, traits, and fun facts.
Snap map for this place
Start with the big picture, then zoom in to explore individual wildlife observations around this place.
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Good to know before you go
Wear insect repellent, especially during warmer months, as ticks can be present in the Pine Barrens.
Bring your own water, snacks, and any necessary gear (like canoes/kayaks) as rentals and extensive amenities are not available within the park.
Check the park's website for any advisories, especially regarding trail or water trail conditions, as winter storm damage can impact access.
Visit the Double Trouble Historic Village first to pick up a trail guide for the 1.5-mile self-guided Nature Trail, which offers interpretation of both natural and historical features.
Consider visiting during the fall for the most picturesque views of the cranberry bogs and autumn foliage.
Pets are welcome on trails but must be kept on a leash no longer than 6 feet, and owners are responsible for cleaning up after them.
Frequently asked questions
- Double Trouble State Park is renowned for its historic village, featuring preserved buildings like a sawmill and cranberry packing house, and its beautiful natural landscapes, including historic cranberry bogs and the tea-colored Cedar Creek within the Pinelands ecosystem.
- Yes, visitors can canoe or kayak on Cedar Creek within Double Trouble State Park. There are several access points, including at the White Bridge in Double Trouble Village. However, the park does not offer canoe or kayak rentals, so you must bring your own.
- The park is home to over 50 bird species, including raptors like Osprey and various waterfowl, and unique Pine Barrens creatures such as Northern Pine Snakes, Pine Barrens Treefrogs, and Bog Turtles. Characteristic plants include Atlantic White Cedar, Pitch Pine, sundew, pitcher plants, swamp pink, and highbush blueberry.
Recent snaps at this place
Aug 15, 2025
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Photo attribution
(c) Chris Chimaera, some rights reserved (CC BY)
License: CC BY 4.0 ↗
Image may be shown cropped inside the card frame.
May 31, 2026
May 31, 2026
Apr 3, 2026
Apr 3, 2026
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