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1760s era lighthouse located at the Gateway National Recreational Area in Sandy Hook
Historic Site | National Park

Sandy Hook

A strategic location for the defense of New York's harbor, the Continentals failed to reinforce this peninsula, leading to the city's capture in August of 1776. A lighthouse dating to 1764 still operates there today, once serving as a Loyalist fortification.

  • Parking
  • Restrooms
  • Wheelchair Accessible
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New Jersey
84 Mercer Road Highlands, NJ 07732
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Upcoming Events

Stars in night sky
Event | Nov 14, 2026
Astronomy Night at Great Kills Park
Highlands, NJ
The Staten Island Chapter of the Amateur Astronomer’s Association hosts public stargazing at the main parking area, lot A. Inclement or cloudy weather will cancel this program. For details call 718...
Plane inside historic airplane hangar.
Tour | Nov 14 - 28, 2026
Hangar B Ranger Tour
Highlands, NJ
Join a park ranger for an informal tour and exploration of Hangar B and the aircraft inside, which are part of Floyd Bennett Field’s aviation history. Guided tour is at 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Three soldiers operating radio system
Event | Nov 14, 2026
Soldier Life at Fort Hancock 1898 - 1941
Highlands, NJ
Step into soldier life at Fort Hancock from the time that the U.S. Army Artillery soldiers arrived to man Fort Hancock gun batteries and other defenses in early 1898 up to 1941 when Pearl Harbor was...
Tour | Nov 15, 2026
Nike Missile Radar Site Tour at Sandy Hook
Highlands, NJ
Take a guided tour of this once top-secret missile site and enjoy the opportunity to meet and talk with veterans who worked with Cold War-era Nike Air Defense Systems.
Flowers and leaves silhouetted against sunny sky.
Event | Nov 15, 2026
Great Kills Park Wellness Walk and Journaling Series
Highlands, NJ
Join a Park Ranger to explore and reconnect with the natural world; ignite your senses, create a journal of your park memories. Inclement weather will cancel the program, questions, contact Ranger at...
Nature trail with different colored fall foliage and two wooden gates
Event | Nov 16, 2026
Nature Walk at Floyd Bennett Field
Highlands, NJ
Explore the tranquil campground trails of Floyd Bennett Field and learn the history of New York City’s first municipal airport, turned reclaimed natural space. Meet at the Ecology Village parking lot.

Uncovering History

We invite you to visit the preserved locations along the Liberty Trail and to immerse
yourself in the extraordinary events that determined the fate of a nation.

A modern-day photo fo Camden Battlefield
Battlefields

Discover the historic fields, farms, and forests across The Liberty Trail where pivotal battles were fought and the foundations of our nation were forged.
Minute Man National Battlefield Park
Tours

Discover The Liberty Trail through immersive guided tours—right at your fingertips.
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Historic Sites

Journey through The Liberty Trail’s rich historical sites to uncover their pivotal roles in securing America’s independence.
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Itineraries

Explore curated journeys that connect historic sites, stories and experiences into memorable adventures along The Liberty Trail.
boardwalk path through marshy park
State Parks

Discover The Liberty Trail’s diverse parks and forests, where both Loyalists and Patriots once ventured.
Revolutionary War reenactment showing three riders on horses
Events

Discover all The Liberty Trail has to offer through local festivals, re-enactments and community events.