A former railway line offers a distinctive way to experience the landscape in Monmouth: the paved Henry Hudson Trail is 24 miles long. It passes through varied landscapes, from the marshy Bayshore region to the woods and fields around Marlboro and Freehold. Its northern section covers 12 miles, extending from the Aberdeen–Keyport border to the section of the Middletown–Atlantic Highlands border near Leonardo.
Trails, Woods and Water
The Hartshorne Woods Park offers a different kind of landscape: this 831-acre, hilly woodland provides views of the Navesink River. The park has trails for walking, hiking, biking and horseback riding; fishing is also possible in the river. This makes it easy to enjoy the outdoors in different ways, without limiting the trails to a single activity.
Forest and water also meet at Turkey Swamp Park. Pitch pine and oak forests grow there, along with plants and animals associated with the New Jersey Pine Barrens. The 17-acre lake offers opportunities for fishing, boating and ice skating. At the Manasquan Reservoir, tours narrated by naturalists from the Park System last 45 minutes. Visitors may be able to spot turtles, herons, ospreys and even a bald eagle. Tours are subject to weather and water levels.
Coast and Maritime History
Along Sandy Hook Bay, Bayshore Waterfront Park preserves maritime woodlands, tidal creeks, salt marshes and dunes, as well as a one-mile beach. The park also includes the restored historic Seabrook-Wilson House, which now serves as an Activity Center. Sandy Hook is accessible daily from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.; exceptions require a permit. Seastreak offers seasonal direct service to and from Sandy Hook. A shuttle runs between the ferry terminal and all of Sandy Hook’s beaches. Check the seasonal service schedule before making plans.
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 operated and maintained by the U.S. Coast Guard. The Lighthouse Keepers Quarters and Visitor Center are open Friday through Monday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. On these days, Sandy Hook Lighthouse offers walk-in tours from 1 to 3:30 p.m. on a first-come, first-served basis; Sandy Hook History House is open Friday through Monday from 1 to 4:30 p.m. Check current visiting hours before your trip.
History in Everyday Life and at Historic Sites
Historic Longstreet Farm recreates rural life in Monmouth County in the 1890s. Costumed interpreters demonstrate agricultural and household activities. The farm is open daily year-round from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and admission is free. Historic Walnford offers a different historical perspective through buildings from various periods: the estate includes the 1773 Waln House, a 19th-century gristmill and farm buildings. Through the Waln family, Historic Walnford presents more than 200 years of social, technological and environmental history. Demonstrations of corn being milled into flour take place on Saturdays and Sundays from April through November. Check visiting hours and demonstration dates in advance.
An exhibit at Marlpit Hall interprets the lives of seven of the twelve known enslaved people who lived and worked there. Marlpit Hall is a significant property in the Middletown Village Historic District, which is listed in both the New Jersey State Register and the National Register of Historic Places. As exhibit availability may change, check whether it is on display before your visit. Monmouth Battlefield was the site of the Battle of Monmouth, fought on June 28, 1778, a decisive engagement in the American Revolutionary War; the battlefield is designated a National Historic Landmark. Twin Lights offers guided tours with a historian. Check current dates and arrangements in advance.
At the Mount Mitchill Scenic Overlook, at an elevation of 266 feet, is the highest natural elevation on the Atlantic coast, excluding islands, between Maine and Yucatán. The Monmouth County 9/11 Memorial is also located there. It honors 147 people who died in the September 11, 2001 attacks and who were born, grew up or lived in the county at the time.
Discover more destinations: 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, Upper Freehold, Middletown, Colts Neck, Fair Haven.
For the full travel overview: New Jersey.
