Gateway National Recreation Area - Sandy Hook - Hiking trail near New York, New York, United States - Description

Visit the Sandy Hook Lighthouse, America's oldest operating lighthouse (1764), as well as Fort Hancock and the Sandy Hook Proving Ground, which helped to defend our freedom, at Gateway's Sandy Hook Unit in New Jersey. These sites complement outstanding beaches, a Holly forest and other natural and recreational resources.

Trails begin at the Sandy Hook Visitor Center and at Area M near Nine Gun Battery. Walking ocean beaches is permitted but in spring and summer shorebird nesting season some areas are closed.

From North Jersey and New York:

South on the New Jersey Turnpike - Exit 11 onto the Garden State Parkway (South) - Exit 117 (Keyport/Hazlet) - After toll, bear left and follow Route 36 East - 12 miles to park entrance (after crossing the Highlands Bridge)-Turn left at traffic light into park.

From South Jersey:

North on Garden State Parkway - Exit 105 (Eatontown), bear left for Route 36 East - Continue on Route 36 East, pass Monmouth Mall and across Route 35 through Eatontown and Long Branch (Route 36 is called Joline Avenue here). - Continue on Route 36, which turns left and follows north along ocean. (Route 36 is called Ocean Blvd. here) - North for six miles through the towns of Long Branch, Monmouth Beach and Sea Bright to park.

From Philadelphia & Camden, NJ:

New Jersey Turnpike north to Exit 7A (Shore Points) onto I-195 - East on I-195, to Garden State Parkway north. - GSP north to Exit 105 (Eatontown). - Then follow “From South Jersey” directions above.