Sandy Hook Hike

Explore Sandy Hook and Fort Hancock with food and ale after.

Start and finish: Popamora Point Park, Highlands NJ

Distance: 14 mi, add 3.5 mi for Fort Hancock loop.

Optional endpoints:- Carton Brewery in Atlantic Highlands , add 4.5 miles out and back.

Terrain: paved, gravel,dirt

Transit: NJ Transit 834 bus

Parking: Parking is free at Popamora Point Park. The brewery has plenty of street parking.

Difficulty: Average

Category: nature, seashore, scenic

Coordinator: Cory Storch

Enjoy sun and shade, nature and history along the northernmost stretch of the Jersey Shore.

From the start, walk 2 miles through Highlands village to the Highlands – Sandy Hook Bridge. Take the west bound bridge walkway and then turn north into Sandy Hook. The pedestrian ramp will take you onto the Sandy Hook Multi-use Path (MUP). Be sure to bring adequate fluids for this stretch, as provisions along the way are limited. Walk about 4 miles (bathrooms available at pavilions along the way) and turn right onto the Fishing Beach Road. Just before the beach, turn left onto the dune trail. Walk through infrequently traveled South Dune Trail, where you will find a unique American Holly Forest with red cedar and black cherry trees sprinkled in. This is the largest forest of its kind on the East Coast and an important migratory stopover for birds. 7 miles is one turn-around point (left turn) using the MUP heading south. Or continue north on a 3.5 loop through historic Fort Hancock, walking past Officers Row, World War 2 artillery batteries, the oldest standing lighthouse in the country, and more. Return either on the MUP or the way we came which combined the Dune Trail, Fishing Beach Road and the MUP back to and over the Highlands- Sandy Hook Bridge. Moby's by the bridge has food and bathrooms. Then back to Popamora Point Park. Back at Popamora Park, add two more miles with a scenic water front stroll on the Henry Hudson Trail to Atlantic Highlands Marina with great waterfront views of Raritan Bay and Sandy Hook . For Carton Brewery, turn left onto First Ave. In an quarter mile turn left onto Washington. Carton Brewery (one of the best in New Jersey) will be on your left. Then two miles plus back to Popamora Point Park. Or drive to the brewery from Popamora Park if you prefer not to do the 4.5 mile out and back walk from Popamora Pint to Carton and back.

Stop for food and drink in Highlands at Moby's or afterwards with us at Carton Brewery. Bring plenty of water and a hat. Hiking boots not necessary.

Highlights:

- Highlands, a gentrifying (for better and worse) fishing village

- South Dune Trail's unique ecosystem

- Historic Fort Hancock

- Sandy Hook Lighthouse

- Henry Hudson Trail's beautiful views along Raritan Bay (the optional add on to Atlantic Highlands)