Sandy Hook Unit Because Sandy Hook dominates a major channel
into New York harbor, it has been the site of a lighthouse and a series of forts
since colonial times. The last of the forts, Fort Hancock, is still largely
intact, as are the great gun emplacements that defended the harbor entrance. The
remains of the Sandy Hook Proving Ground, where new U.S. Army weapons were
tested from 1874 until 1919, may be seen. The Atlantic Ocean beach provides
swimming and surf fishing on the peninsula. Behind the beach are superb
resources for exploring history and nature, including the holly
forest.
Sand dunes protect portions of the Sandy Hook
uplands against seawinds and enable the growth of plant life. The growth
culminates in a holly forest unsurpassed on the eastern seaboard. Besides its
natural aspects, Sandy Hook also offers many historic sites. The lighthouse,
which dates from 1764, is the Nation's oldest in continuous operation. Fort
Hancock is the last of several forts erected on Sandy Hook to protect the
shipping channels into New York harbor. Here also is one of the first stations
of the U.S. Lifesaving Service.
Tours of Fort Hancock and natural areas are
offered in the summer, along with lifesaving demonstrations and children's
shows. Summer also brings performances and lectures to the Fort Hancock post
theater or auditorium. The park offers field trips, classes, and workshops for
teachers. Four campsites are available to youth groups by reservation. Sandy
Hook is a popular stop for bikers, hikers, and birdwatchers. In the spring and
summer, you may see endangered osprey nesting here.
Getting There: Mass Transit: Express
Navigation, daily hydrofoil from Pier 11 in Manhattan, or from the 69th Street
Pier, Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn, to Highlands, N.J., and return. New Jersey
Transit train, New Jersey Coast Line to Red Bank, then the M24 bus to Highlands.
Academy Lines bus from New York City to Highlands. Auto: Garden State Parkway to
Exit 117 (or U.S. Route 9 and NJ Route 35 south) to Route 36 east to Sandy
Hook. |
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For Seafood Since 1917 |