Monmouth: Trails, Coast and History

In Monmouth, the landscape ranges from paved trails along former rail lines to salt marshes, dunes and historic sites. Along the Henry Hudson Trail, Bayshore landscapes give way to woods and fields around Marlboro and Freehold. In Hartshorne Woods Park, wooded hills and views of the Navesink River define the area. Sandy Hook Bay adds beaches and tidal landscapes. If you’re planning a hotel stay, you can start by considering which of Monmouth’s different sides you want to shape your outings.

Trails and Woods

The Henry Hudson Trail is a 24-mile paved trail along a former railroad line. Its northern section runs for 12 miles from the Aberdeen–Keyport border to the Leonardo section of the Middletown–Atlantic Highlands border. The trail passes through varied landscapes, from the marshy areas of Bayshore to the woods and fields around Marlboro and Freehold. Its length, paved surface and changing scenery give it a different character from an outing centered mainly on woods and other recreational options.

Hartshorne Woods Park covers 831 acres of hilly, wooded terrain with views of the Navesink River. Its trails are intended for walking, hiking, biking and horseback riding; fishing is also available in the Navesink River. The two destinations offer different experiences: the Henry Hudson Trail focuses on the former railroad line and its route through the landscape, while Hartshorne Woods Park combines several activities in a wooded, hilly setting.

Coast, Water and Nature

Bayshore Waterfront Park preserves maritime forests, tidal creeks, salt marshes and dunes along Sandy Hook Bay, as well as a one-mile beach. The park also includes the restored historic Seabrook-Wilson House, which now serves as an Activity Center. Several coastal features come together here, though the beach and marshland offer different experiences: the beach is a specific destination, while tidal creeks, dunes and salt marshes define the character of the rest of the area.

At Turkey Swamp Park, a 17-acre lake offers opportunities for fishing and boating as well as ice skating. Pitch pine and oaks grow in the woods, along with plants and animals associated with the New Jersey Pine Barrens. At Manasquan Reservoir, 45-minute tours are offered with commentary from Park System naturalists. Visitors may spot turtles, herons, ospreys and even a bald eagle. Tours depend on the weather and water levels, so check conditions before making plans.

For Sandy Hook, Seastreak offers seasonal direct service to and from the peninsula. A shuttle runs between the ferry terminal and all of Sandy Hook’s beaches. Since ferry service is seasonal and may change, it’s worth checking the current schedule before traveling.

History on Farms, Battlefields and at Memorials

Historic Longstreet Farm recreates rural life in Monmouth County in the 1890s. Interpreters dressed in period clothing demonstrate agricultural and household activities. The farm is open daily year-round from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; admission is free. Since hours should be checked again before you arrive, use the current information to plan your visit.

Historic Walnford brings together several historic buildings: the Waln House, built in 1773; a 19th-century gristmill; and farm buildings. Through the story of the Waln family, it presents more than 200 years of social, technological and environmental history. On Saturdays and Sundays from April through November, demonstrations show corn being milled into flour. For this activity, it’s a good idea to check the current schedule.

Monmouth Battlefield is the site of the Battle of Monmouth, fought on June 28, 1778. The engagement is considered decisive in the American Revolutionary War; the site is designated a National Historic Landmark. Marlpit Hall houses an exhibit about seven of the twelve enslaved people known to have lived and worked there. The property is in the Middletown Village Historic District, which is listed on both the New Jersey State Register and the National Register of Historic Places. The exhibit’s availability may change, so check the latest information before visiting.

Mount Mitchill Scenic Overlook sits at an elevation of 266 feet, on the highest natural elevation on the Atlantic coast, excluding islands, between Maine and Yucatán. It is also home to the Monmouth County 9/11 Memorial. The memorial honors 147 people who died in the September 11, 2001 attacks and were born in the county, grew up there or lived there at the time.

Sandy Hook and Visiting Hours

Sandy Hook is open daily from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.; exceptions are permitted only with authorization. The Lighthouse Keepers Quarters and Visitor Center are open Friday through Monday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. On those days, walk-up tours of the Sandy Hook Lighthouse are available from 1 to 3:30 p.m.; places are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. The Sandy Hook History House is open Friday through Monday from 1 to 4:30 p.m. Since hours may change, check the latest visiting information before your trip.

The Sandy Hook Light was first lit on June 11, 1764, and is the oldest surviving lighthouse in what is now the United States. It remains in operation as a lighthouse; its 1857 Fresnel lens is electrically powered and maintained by the U.S. Coast Guard. Twin Lights offers guided tours with a historian. It’s also a good idea to check the latest dates and arrangements there.

More destinations

Discover more destinations: Middletown, Colts Neck, Fair Haven, Upper Freehold, Asbury Park, Tinton Falls, Red Bank, Sea Girt, West Long Branch, Neptune City, Hazlet, Eatontown, Wall Township, Manasquan, Highlands, Long Branch, Freehold Township, Marlboro Township, Belmar, Spring Lake, Avon-By-The-Sea, Howell, Keansburg, Monmouth Beach.

See the main travel overview: New Jersey.