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

Squirrel on fence post in snow
Tour | Nov 21, 2026
How To Hibernate Walk
Highlands, NJ
While some migrate, others stay put. How do different animals make it through the winter? Join a ranger on a walk through the wildlife refuge to learn all about the different winter survival...
Tree swallow sitting on Gateway park sign
Tour | Nov 21, 2026
Birding for Beginners
Highlands, NJ
Interested in birds, but feel intimidated about getting into birding? No problem, this is birding for beginners! Together we will take a nature walk, talk about what makes Jamaica Bay such a great...
Two ducks swimming in water
Tour | Nov 22, 2026
Waddle Walk
Highlands, NJ
They say, "If it looks like a duck and quacks like a duck, it’s a duck!” but is that entirely true? Join us and find out on a ranger led program to learn about these spectacular waterfowl!
A group of leaves with multiple, sharp points
Tour | Nov 22, 2026
Thanksgiving Holly Forest Walk at Sandy Hook
Highlands, NJ
Explore Sandy Hook’s holly forest through the South Beach Dune Trail on a ranger-guided walk. Learn about the ecology of holly forests, the science behind its’ formation, and connect with nature...
Battery Harris East with surronding foliage
Event | Nov 23, 2026
Fort Tilden Hawk Watch
Highlands, NJ
Join a park ranger for the chance to see birds of prey like Osprey, Peregrine Falcons, Bald Eagles and more as they fly over the dunes during fall migration. Learn to identify them and join a...
Full moon over West Pond trail at Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge.
Festival | Nov 24, 2026
Full Beaver Moon Hike at Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge
Highlands, NJ
New York City is a busy city of bright lights at night. With only the full moon, stars, and park rangers to guide you, set off on a hike around Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge. Explore the refuge...

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.
Faneuil Hall Square in Boston
Historic Sites

Journey through The Liberty Trail’s rich historical sites to uncover their pivotal roles in securing America’s independence.
Women walking down a shopping strip looking into windows
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.