Visitor Opportunities

Credit: USFWS Kiosk.

Unlike national parks, state parks, and state forests, the management priority at national wildlife refuges is "Wildlife First." These lands are managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, which is the only agency of the U.S. Government whose primary responsibility is fish, wildlife, and plant conservation. Public uses of national wildlife refuges must be compatible with plant and animal conservation. Our guiding legislation identifies priority public uses on national wildlife refuges that can be allowed if they are compatible with the management of that refuge for wildlife. At Shawangunk Grasslands NWR, the wildlife-dependent activities that are allowable at this time are:

• Wildlife Observation (birdwatching)
• Nature Photography
• Environmental Education
• Interpretation

In winter, snowshoes and cross country skis may be used to travel the refuge's trails to observe wildlife.

Many people used this area in the past when it was under the jurisdiction of the West Point Military Academy. Because the mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is so different from when it was managed by West Point, some activities which were allowed then, are now prohibited. We carefully considered past uses and now prohibit activities that are not wildlife-dependent or activities that can disturb wildlife or the "wildlife experience" sought by refuge visitors. Prohibited uses include:

• Horseback riding
• Dog walking
• Jogging
• All terrain vehicles (ATV=s)
• Snowmobiles
• Bicycles
• Competitive outdoor events
• Model airplane flying
• Take off or landing of aircraft and hang gliders

There is a small visitor parking lot and trailer on-site which serves as a temporary refuge office. Refuge personnel will routinely staff the office to meet visitors. A refuge law enforcement officer patrols the property and is also available to answer visitor questions.

Gas, food, and facilities are available in the Village of Wallkill, just a few miles southeast of the refuge.

Important Information for Visitors

• The refuge is open from dawn to dusk.
• Trails can be hot in the summer; bring water.
• Biting flies and mosquitoes are common, so insect repellent is highly recommended.
• Be aware of poison ivy.
• Check for ticks on your clothes and body after you leave the refuge.
• Pets are not allowed.
• No overnight parking is allowed anywhere on the refuge.
• Use of motorized vehicles is prohibited throughout the refuge. Motorized vehicles disturb wildlife, can cause soil erosion, disturb other refuge visitors, and shatter the tranquility of the refuge.
• Observe wildlife from a safe and respectful distance. Binoculars, spotting scopes, and telephoto lenses allow you to view wildlife closely without disturbing them. Please stay on maintained trails.
• Jogging is not allowed on refuge trails. The quieter you walk, the less likely you are to disturb the wildlife adjacent to the trail.
• Bicycling is not allowed anywhere on the refuge. Bicycling erodes nature trails, disturbs refuge visitors and can disturb wildlife.
• Horseback riding is not allowed anywhere on the refuge. Horses erode nature trails, disturb other refuge visitors, and leave non-native weed seeds in horse droppings.
• All plants and animals, including feathers, antlers, flowers, mushrooms, and other objects of nature are protected from disturbance. Collection is prohibited.
• Please do not feed wildlife. Feeding wildlife conditions animals to be unnaturally dependent and less frightened of humans, concentrates animals and may make them more susceptible to disease.
• The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service protects archaeological sites from destruction during our own activities. It is against the law to damage archaeological sites or remove archaeological artifacts such as old bottles or arrowheads on the refuge. Please help protect sites by leaving artifacts in place and reporting locations to refuge staff.
• Leave only footprints, take only memories. Please help keep our refuge trails and parking facilities clean.