Canoeing/Kayaking Opportunities

One of the best ways to see the Wallkill River NWR is by canoe or kayak. You will experience the great diversity of habitats that makes the refuge unique. Canoeing takes you through beautiful floodplain forests, wet meadows which are maintained by seasonal flooding, and under tall rock cliffs. Water levels in the river fluctuate seasonally. During spring, the wet meadows may be flooded, making the river channel difficult to follow. Conversely, by mid summer, the river may not be passable due to low water levels. Autumn rains generally raise the water level once again. Snags and fallen trees are removed by volunteers only, so be prepared to haul your canoe over beaver dams and downed timber. Please use caution when hauling your canoe in or out of the river as steep, slippery banks may occur at the access points.

Credit: USFWS Ken Witkowski kayaking on the Wallkill River.

There are three access points to the Wallkill River on the refuge. Future planning includes a fourth Canoe and Fishing Access point on Scenic Lakes Road in Hardyston, New Jersey.

See Refuge Map

1. Bassett's Bridge Canoe and Fishing Access provides a safe and easy point to launch or take out your canoe. Located just west of where Rt. 642 crosses the Wallkill River in Wantage, New Jersey, this parking area and path provide the public with ample parking and easy walking. Simply walk down to the river from the parking area. Future plans include a universally accessible boardwalk and fishing platform at this site. Canoeists are asked to park in the parking area provided. Accessing the river from Rt. 642 near the bridge is prohibited.

2. Oil City Road Canoe and Fishing Access provides an easy point to launch or take out your canoe. The site is just east of where Oil City Road crosses the Wallkill River in Pine Island, New York. Parking is limited here. Please do not block access roads.

3. Rt. 565 (Glenwood Road) Canoe Access is located in Vernon, New Jersey, about one-half mile north of the Rt. 23/Rt. 565 intersection. Future plans call for the construction of a 10-car parking area at the site. Until that time, for safety reasons only canoe drop off/pick up is allowed. Parking is available at the corner of Route 565 and Scenic Lakes Road, just north of the canoe access.

Important Information For Visitors

1. The refuge is open from dawn to dusk. Hunters may access the Refuge earlier and later in accordance with hunting regulations (permit required).
   
2. Trails can be hot in the summer; bring water. Biting flies and mosquitoes are common, so insect repellent is highly recommended. Also watch out for poison ivy along the trail. Do a tick-check on your body after you leave the refuge.
   
3. Pets are not allowed, with one exception. Thru hikers on the Appalachian Trail, which is partially co-aligned with the Liberty Loop Trail, may bring their dogs on the refuge. These dogs must be leashed for the portion of the Appalachian Trail that is located on the refuge. Visitors are not allowed to park in the Liberty Loop Trail parking area for the purpose of walking their dogs on the Appalachian Trail or the remaining sections of the Liberty Loop Trail. Pets are prohibited because they disturb wildlife and other Refuge visitors.
4. No overnight parking is allowed anywhere on the refuge. Overnight hikers on the Appalachian Trail may not park in the Liberty Loop Trail parking area.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. Jogging is not allowed on refuge trails. The quieter you walk, the less likely you are to disturb the wildlife adjacent to the trail.
8. Bicycling is not allowed anywhere on the refuge. Bicycling erodes nature trails, disturbs refuge visitors and can disturb wildlife.
9. 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.
10. All plants and animals, including feathers, antlers, flowers, mushrooms, and other objects of nature are protected from disturbance. Collection is prohibited.
11. 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.
12. 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.
    
13. Leave only footprints, take only memories. Please help keep our refuge trails and parking facilities clean.