Mill Creek Marsh , Secaucus

Hudson County,
New Jersey

Hiking Trails:
Mill Creek Marsh Trail

Total Time: 0:40 hour
Estimated Distance: 1.4 miles
Level of Difficulty: Very easy
Level of Recommendation: Recommended as an ecologically scenic nature walk
Points Of Interest: Marsh terrain, birdwatching

Google Maps of Parking:

View 2012 Hiking in a larger map
It is not too often that I go hiking through a swamp. This hike is in New Jersey's well-known meadowlands, and lies within a five mile distance to the skyscrapers of Midtown Manhattan. I had a show in the Meadowlands Exposition that Sunday, and this hike is just around the corner. I had seen a path going through the swamp with planks and bridges many times while driving down the New Jersey Turnpike as it enters Secaucus. I was always curious about this path, and finally had the oppurtunity to hike here. I parked at the end of the shopping center where Park Plaza Drive curves into Mill Creek Drive. There is official parking for the trail here. The trail is a flat gravel path, and doesn't have much tree cover. It was a hot day which made it a bit uncomfortable out in the strong sun, and I was glad I brought along sunblock.

The trail goes right through the brackish marsh on an elevated path with many bridges, planks, and boardwalks. There are many interersting birds to see here, and the water abounds with small fish. The hike really smells like a swamp though. I took the eastern-sided route, went off on on the short dead-end spur, came back, and then took the western spur. The western spur goes parallel to the New Jersey Turnpike and has a a long boardwalk.

Entrance to the Trail

Looking at the path at the beginning of the Trail

Manhattan skyline in the distance behind the swamp

Another view of Manhattan skyscrapers, through the Cedar Tree Remnant

The Path through the Marsh

Large Boardwalk Bridge

Remnants of the old Cedar Grove

Hundreds of Swarming Fish in the Marsh