General Information

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.

Visitors are welcome to enjoy a wide range of wildlife-dependent activities. The refuge headquarters is located in a renovated 150-year old farmhouse at 1547 County Route 565 in Vernon Township (mailing address is Sussex), New Jersey. We are open 8 A.M. - 4:30 P.M. weekdays. There are wildlife photos and exhibits in the headquarters. A visitor parking area and public restrooms at the headquarters is available for daily use.

See Refuge Map

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.