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With more than 26,000 acres of land and water that host wildlife sanctuaries, recreational and athletic facilities, sandy beaches, picnic areas, hiking and bicycle trails and areas for fishing and birdwatching, Gateway National Recreation Area offers urban residents a year-round outdoor classroom and place to enjoy the natural world.
The gateway to New York Harbor forms two sandy arms that embrace the New York and New Jersey estuary.
Gateway is made up of three units: Jamaica Bay in Brooklyn and Queens, the Staten Island Unit and the Sandy Hook in Monmouth County, N.J.
Beaches at Jacob Riis Park, Great Kills and Sandy Hook, the world-recognized Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge, Canarsie Pier, historic Forts Hancock, Tilden and Wadsworth, and the Sandy Hook Lighthouse are among the popular sites.
Also popular is historic Floyd Bennett Field, a major naval air station during World War II and the Korean War.
Gateway trails serve cyclists, joggers and hikers. These trails include the new Rockaway Gateway Greenway, which connects the historic hangars of Floyd Bennett Field to miles of Jamaica Bay shoreline. Trails at Great Kills on Staten Island and at Sandy Hook attract cyclists, walkers and inline skaters.
Beach parking fees are charged at Sandy Hook during the summer.
Camping is available only to school and youth groups at Floyd Bennett Field. Off-road vehicles are permitted at Breezy Point during certain seasons, but only with a permit.
Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are permitted throughout the recreation area except at Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge.
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