When you think “National Park”, many people think Yellowstone, Grand Canyon, Rocky Mountain, or even Shenandoah. Not too many people think New Jersey. However, you may be surprised to learn that New Jersey is home to a number of national historical parks, recreation areas, reserves, and historic and scenic trails. There are so many things to do and see at these New Jersey-based national parks – from immersing yourself in nature, learning about the history of our nation and the state of New Jersey, enjoying the arts, exploring scientific discoveries and advances, to enjoying a day of sun and surf at the beach – there’s something for everyone at the national parks in New Jersey. Today, I’d like to introduce you to Gateway National Recreation Area at Sandy Hook.

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The name “Gateway” refers to the symbolic gateway of New York Harbor through which millions of immigrants entered the United States (Gateway National Recreation Area also has units in Brooklyn, Queens, and Staten Island). Gateway-Sandy Hook includes miles of hiking and biking trails, historic Fort Hancock, six miles of ocean beaches, Sandy Hook Bay, salt marshes, habitat for shorebirds and other animals, and the Sandy Hook Lighthouse (the oldest lighthouse in the United States).

Sandy Hook is well-known as a summer beach destination. However, long before swimmers and sunbathers flocked to its shores, the location was an important military installation responsible for the defending the Atlantic coast and the entrance to New York Harbor. Fort Hancock was established in 1895 (although the location was a key military location dating back to the American Revolution). Fort Hancock stood through two World Wars and the Cold War, defending the shores and the skies of New Jersey and our nation. Today, Fort Hancock is a National Historic Landmark which includes the Fort Hancock Museum, Battery Potter, Battery Gunnison and the History House. A self-guided walking tour is available and includes more than 3 dozen stations which highlight the history of Fort Hancock.

As mentioned earlier, Sandy Hook Lighthouse is the oldest standing and operating lighthouse in the United States. It is the only surviving lighthouse of the eleven built in the original thirteen colonies. First lit on June 11, 1764, the thick walls of Sandy Hook lighthouse protected it from cannonball fire during the Revolutionary War. Lt. Col. Benjamin Tupper directed his artillery to destroy the tower, “but found the walls so firm I could make no impression.” The Lighthouse Keeper’s Quarters and Barn, is now a museum which is open daily from 9am to 5pm to tell the story of lighthouses and of the people who maintained these life-saving sentinels. Tours of Sandy Hook Lighthouse are available daily from 1 pm to 4:30 pm on a first-come, first-served basis. Children must be at least 48” tall to climb the tower.

(Note: The lighthouse is closed for restoration work until 4/30/18.)

There is also a wealth of recreational things to do that visitors can enjoy at Gateway–Sandy Hook. Obviously, it is a fantastic location for swimming and sunbathing in the summer months. Miles of trails make it a great place to do some hiking or biking (due to the minimal changes in elevation, it’s a great New Jersey location to take kids hiking and biking). Surf fishing is allowed at all beaches. The beaches are also a great place for kite flying. Sandy Hook Bay is an excellent place to do some windsurfing or kite-boarding. Sandy Hook is also an excellent spot for birding. Non-motorized boats can be launched from Horseshoe Cove and Beach Area C. Camping is available between April and October.

Young visitors to Gateway–Sandy Hook will enjoy many of the things to do that I’ve already mentioned. However, the park also offers things to do just for younger visitors. For example, kids can earn a Junior Ranger badge at Gateway–Sandy Hook. The self-guided Junior Ranger program includes topics such as Junior Ranger Firefighter, Junior Ranger Air Defender, Junior Ranger Artillery Corps, Junior Ranger Crab Scientist, Junior Ranger Naturalist, and Junior Ranger Pirate. Children and their families can pick up a booklet at the Sandy Hook Visitor Center. Upon completion of the activities in the booklet, children are “sworn in” as Junior Rangers and receive a Junior Ranger badge.

Looking for things to do in New Jersey with your dog? Gateway–Sandy Hook is also a great New Jersey destination for dogs and their owners. Dogs are permitted on bayside beaches throughout the year and on oceanside beaches from Labor Day through mid-March (dogs are not permitted on oceanside beaches during the spring and summer because it is nesting season for the threatened piping plover).

Special programs and events at Gateway–Sandy Hook offer visitors to this New Jersey National Park even more things to do. Programs include guided nature walks and canoe excursions, guided living history tours of Fort Hancock, astronomy programs, and nature discovery programs.

Gateway National Recreation Area at Sandy Hook is located in Highlands NJ (GPS address: 128 South Hartshorne Drive, Highlands, NJ 07732). The park is open daily (Visitors Centers and contact stations are closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day). Visit Gateway National Recreation Area at Sandy Hook online for directions, hours of operation, park rules, and more information on things to do.

Featured Photo Credit: Raymond Bucko, SJ via Flickr