A Walk in the Park … exploring Sandy Hook

By:  | July 18, 2024 |  Local |  Monmouth County

By Bob Meyer

It’s the pride of our State – the “Jersey Shore.” More than 130 miles of beautiful, sandy beaches stretch along the Atlantic coastline. But one of the best, and most interesting spots is tucked away in the northwest corner of Monmouth County.

Sandy Hook can be found where Route 36 meets the Atlantic Ocean. It’s a part of Gateway National Recreational Area, and yes, it’s shaped like a hook curving out into the Bay. But the word “hook” is derived from a Dutch word - “hoek” – meaning spit of land. This spit is about 8 miles long, featuring more than 6 miles of wide, pristine beaches. There’s even a “clothing optional” beach – called “Gunnison” – for the more adventurous sunbather.  

The beaches are great, but Sandy Hook offers so much more. Bike riders will find a shaded, winding trail, mostly flat, running from the parking lots to the tip of the peninsula. During a couple of my rides, I’ve come across deer lingering on or next to the trail. I don’t know about you, but that kind of close encounter always makes my day. 

The park is also a fisherman’s paradise – and no license required. You should check online for the park’s rules on fishing. Birdwatchers can scope out some 300 species of migratory and native birds. Bring a canoe or kayak and take to open water. There are also 20 campsites in the Horseshoe Cove area. Call or go online to reserve yours.

But what makes Sandy Hook truly special is its long, distinguished place in American history. Early settlers found the deep channel along the shoreline the best route to New York Harbor. A lighthouse – now the oldest in the nation – was built in 1764 to guide them on their way. The British captured the lighthouse at the start of the Revolutionary War and held it till the war’s end in 1783.  British soldiers were ordered to destroy it – but reported the walls were so firm, they “could make no impression.” Over the centuries, the changing shoreline has left the lighthouse more than a mile from the time it sat at the tip of the peninsula.

During the War of 1812, The Army built a wooden fort, Fort Gates, to defend the harbor. Another fort was started before the Civil War, but never completed. It wasn’t until 1895 that the Army started building Fort Hancock – the remnants you can see on the site today. Be sure to look for the Endicott batteries – large concrete boxes that encircled cannons to defend against enemy warships.

After World War II, the Fort’s defensive role shifted to the air. You’ll see inactive but restored anti-aircraft guns along the bike path, and Nike supersonic missiles in and around the Fort. Relics of the Cold War, these nuclear missiles were active between 1954 and 1974.  

Spending time on the grounds today can be like stepping into the past. The shore is lined with stately, yellow brick buildings facing out to sea – “Officers Row.” Most of the 21 buildings are in serious need of repair, and the Park Service has been unable to find funding for the estimated $100 million restoration cost. At least one building has been restored and is available to rent.  Be sure to visit the Sandy Hook Museum and History House, found along Officers Row.

For a great, year-round getaway, go with a group, or spend a peaceful day, all alone, surrounded by nature, and more than 300 years of American history.