SANDY HOOK Gateway National Recreation Area National Park Service/Department of the Interior

Sandy Hook is a 1665 acre barrier beach peninsula at the northern tip of the New Jersey Shore. The park includes seven miles of ocean beaches, the waters of Sandy Hook Bay, salt marshes, hiking trails, habitat for migratory shorebirds and historic Fort Hancock. For information or assistance stop at the Ranger Station or the Spermaceti Cove Visitor Center

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Spermaceti Cove Visitor Center Exhibits and a bookstore at this former U.S. Life-Saving Station. Located north of Beach Area D. Daily, 10 am to 5 pm.

Swimming Lifeguards at Areas C, D, E, Gunnison & North Beach from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day. Daily 9 am to 6 pm. ARtAI Hiking Beachcombers welCome except in shorebird ( NtJ,rN 3GACll) nesting areas. The Old Dune Trail begins t""lllilf/4-..\--~~-tf'..fN~'t l/o~K /.11HVl411.!E near the Spermaceti Cove Visitor Center.

Surf fishing Surf fishing permitted from any unguarded beach. Area F is reserved for fishermen. Apply at the Ranger Station for a permit for night fishing.

on cessions .\------11---:J-'F-h-AN!f-IO­ Food, drinks and beach supplies at Areas B, C, D, E, Gunnison & North Beach. Daily in summer; limited services in spring and fall. OCEAN

Birding Try Plum Island, the Spermaceti Cove boardwalk, the Horseshoe Cove salt marsh, North Pond or the fields at Fort Hancock. rf'ANIJY HOOK Picnics RANGER 8rAr1011 Blanket picnics allowed on beaches. There BAY AR•A are grills at the Guardian Park & North e Beach picnic areas. No open fires permitted. rJP!RHAC£T/ COY• Windsurfing n~1ro11 C•Nr£R Best conditions on Sandy Hook Bay across AREA/) from Area C. Be careful crossing the road.

Park Ranger Programs Nature and history programs throughout the year. A calendar of events is available.

Beach Parking Fees

A beach parking fee is in effect from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day. Fee parking lots are marked as U.S. Fee Areas. Beach passes must be displayed when parked in these lots. There is no r££ A.AZ:A fee for parking at Fort Hancock. Pass (free for the disabled) grant a 50% discount on daily or seasonal beach The daily parking fee is $4 per vehicle parking fees. The annual $25 Golden on weekdays; $5 weekends & holidays. Eagle Pass, for entrance fees at National A seasonal beach pass is $40 (less 50% Parks, is not valid at Sandy Hook. for seniors with a Golden Age Pass). t RTE. J& tlwrK All Golden Passes and the seasonal The National Park Service Golden Age beach pass are available at the Pass ($10 for seniors) or Golden Access Spermaceti Cove Visitor Center. SANDY HOOK Gateway National Recreation Area

Historic Fort Hancock

Sandy Hook has played a role in guiding navigation and defending New York harbor for more than two centuries. Since 1764 the Sandy Hook Lighthouse has been a beacon for shipping. The U.S. Anny first fortified the Hook during the War of 1812 and later tested weapons at the Sandy Hook Proving Ground. A century ago, Fort Hancock and a string of gun batteries were built to protect the harbor from attack by sea. The fort continued in this role until 1974 when it was closed and turned over to the National Park Service. Today many Fort Hancock buildings are used by educational and environmental groups. The Fort Hancock story is told at the Sandy ~- Hook Museum and at History House, CUNNISON a restored home on "Officers' Row." NACH ~&ITTEHY Both buildings are open weekends, C'VNN/.SOIV with extended hours in summer. A self guiding folder is available at the } visitor center and museum.

For Your Safety

Swim only at guarded beaches and follow Glass containers are prohibited Observe traffic regulations when cycling or lifeguard instructions. throughout Sandy Hook. in-line skating; The Fort Hancock area is the best place for these activities. Alcohol and swimming don't mix. DWI Pets must be leashed at all times. laws are strictly enforced. Ticks are common. A void exposure and do Pets are not allowed on ocean beaches a tick check after your visit. Approved canvas surf mats are allowed from March 15 to Labor Day to protect only at Beach Areas C, D and E. nesting shorebirds. Poison ivy is common throughout Sandy Hook. Learn to recognize and avoid it. Metal detectors are prohibited. Report Vehicles are not permitted off roads and suspected military ordnance to a park roadside parking is prohibited. Park in Do not enter closed areas and stay off gun ranger. DO NOT HANDLE. designated areas only and lock your car. batteries and sea walls.

New Jersey recycling laws are enforced. Obey posted speed limits and watch out Report safety concerns or criminal activity Help by using the blue recycling containers for pedestrian::: , cyclists and wildlife. at the Ranger Station or to any park ranger. located throughout the park. Speed limits are enforced by radar.

Gateway National Recreation Area

Gateway National Recreation Area is For more information about visiting one of the more than 365 parks that Sandy Hook or for a calandar of make up the National Park System. upcoming events write: Gateway was established in 1972 and Superintendent, Sandy Hook Unit, includes sites in and around New Gateway N.R.A., P.O. Box 530, Fort York harbor. There are units of Hancock, NJ 07732, or call (908) Gateway NRA at Fort Wadsworth, 872-0115. Great Kills and Miller Field on Staten Island, at the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge, Floyd Bennett Field and Breezy Point in Brooklyn and here at Sandy Hook.