In the beautiful beach town of Sandy Hook, there's a stunning dune hike in New Jersey filled with unexpected terrain and the remnants of one of America's greatest eras.
One of the most famous areas of the Jersey Shore and also one of the most unique, Sandy Hook is located on a barrier spit in the northernmost corner of the Garden State's shoreline, and it has some big surprises waiting for those who visit. This easy-to-access dune hike in New Jersey is best seen via a 9.4-mile multi-use trail that takes you through most of the area, but a simpler 2.8-mile hike not only gives you an amazing view of the dunes, but perfect close-up views of New Jersey's unique role in military history.
The Nike Missile Launch via South Dune Trail is an easy hike through some of the sandiest terrain in Sandy Hook, and along the way you'll find yourself surrounded by artifacts from World War II and the decades that followed. Sandy Hook was once among the most significant military sites in the United States, and while the military is no longer present, the area is still owned by the federal government — but that doesn't mean it's classified. Quite the opposite, as the park is fully open for visitors who want to get up-close-and-personal with some historic sites and hardware.
Where This Dune Hike Is and What Makes It Famous
There aren't too many sand dunes in New Jersey, except when it comes to the sandy beaches down south, but there's something unique about Sandy Hook. This is one of the only places in the state where the sand meets the forest, offering a unique experience where nature seems to be competing with itself. It adds to the feel that Sandy Hook is a place where nature is reasserting itself, which makes sense given its history.
The Feature You Won't Want to Miss
Most of Sandy Hook is part of the Gateway National Recreation Area, a National Park Service area that encompasses areas of New Jersey and New York. Sandy Hook was once home to Fort Hancock, which was part of the Sandy Hook Proving Ground, one of the most important military testing facilities during the latter half of the 19th century and early 20th century. It played a heavy role during World War II, with over 7,000 soldiers being stationed here.
While the grounds of Fort Hancock and the proving ground are largely closed off to the public today, remnants of the military base can be casually seen behind fences as you hike. That's made this one of the most popular spots for hiking in New Jersey, with plenty of amazing photo opportunities that offer a glimpse into a bygone era of US military deployment.
What It's Like to Hike This Trail
Gateway is one of the most popular National Park Service sites in the USA, so it appeals to a large audience. You'll find crowds almost any time of the year, but the hiking areas are usually less crowded than the beaches. The entire terrain is well-maintained and easy to hike, with no challenging areas. Bring a good pair of comfortable shoes when hiking off the main path, but this is well-suited for almost any beginner hiker. The Sandy Hook unit is open year-round from 6 AM to 9 PM, with a $20 parking fee but no admission fee.
Have you explored this unique dune hike in New Jersey and seen its abandoned military sites? If not, this trail could be a dream come true for a military buff, so let them know about this article and plan a trip! You can see more photos of this trail on the AllTrails trail listing, and make sure to visit the Sandy Hook-Gateway National Recreation Area for more details on operations. If you're looking for a memorable meal once you're done hiking, make sure to head to the Mule Barn Tavern, the barrier spit's newest and most acclaimed dining location.