Scenic USA - New Jersey
Each day Scenic USA presents a different and interesting photo feature from somewhere in
the United States. Chosen from a wide variety of historic sites, city scenes, back-country
byways, points of interest and America's best parklands, this site offers the viewer hundreds
of unique vacation destinations and photographic subjects. Each feature is coupled with a
brief explanation. For further detailed information, links to other sites are provided, however
these links should not be considered an endorsement.
Other Glacier National
Park Points of Interest
Mount Mitchill Scenic Overlook
Thomas Edison Center at Menlo Park
| Photos by Amanda Haddox Amanda Haddox Photography |
The New Jersey Highlands coastal region, topped off by Mount Mitchell, is one of the highest points on the eastern seaboard. Here, the coastline and New York's Lower Harbor is protected from the Atlantic Ocean by a long peninsula called Sandy Hook. Once an Army proving ground for weapons testing, the Sandy Hook area is primarily under direction of the Gateway National Recreation Area, a place for miles of beach fun and seaside
activities.
The Navesink Light Station looks over a southern reaches of Sandy Hook and Lower New York Bay, and marks the beginning of the Navesink River. This ornate castle-like structure, one of America's few twin tower beacons, rests on top of a Navesink Highlands hillside. New Jersey's State Park Service, along with the Twin Lights Historical Society and Rumson Garden Club, have financed the refurbishment of the twin turrets. Now a museum and state historic site, the light station has become one of the popular highlights on the New Jersey Coastal Heritage Trail Route.
While the importance of the light diminished over time and was discontinued in 1952, the state reactivated the light in the north tower. One of the bright spot in Highlands, the lighthouse remains an active (private) aid to navigation. This view shows off the north tower light that continues to shine over the New Jersey coastline. Staten Island's city lights sparkle in the distance across the harbor, creating a magical evening scene.
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