Hiking Opportunities

Credit: USFWS Hiking Trail

Nature Trails

There are three nature trails on the refuge. Each nature trail provides excellent wildlife viewing opportunity. In winter months, with proper snow conditions, cross country skiing and snowshoeing are allowed on these trails.

See Refuge Map

The Wood Duck Nature Trail, appropriately named for the secretive duck, was made possible through the hard work and dedication of refuge volunteers. This beautiful trail now extends about 1.5 miles on a former railroad bed ending at the Wallkill River. The self-guiding interpretive trail includes a nature photography blind, interpretive nature signs, a footbridge across Beaver Run, and several benches. Extensive wetlands are located along the trail. The trail is flat and provides easy walking. During some hunt seasons, hunting is allowed on and near the trail. Visitors are urged to wear safety orange when the trail is open to both hunters and non-hunters. During some other hunt seasons, the trail is closed to non-hunters. The trail head is located on Route 565 in Wantage, New Jersey, approximately 200 yards north of Route 23. Future plans include construction of a footbridge across the Wallkill River, continuation of the trail along the former railroad bed, and construction of a parking area off of Scenic Lakes Road in Hardyston.

The 2.5-mile Liberty Loop Trail was created on a former sod farm, which before it was manipulated for agricultural use had been a forested wetland. The trail is co-aligned with the Appalachian Trail for 1 mile. The trail loops around a wetland and grassland management unit, providing an excellent opportunity to observe waterfowl and grassland birds. The trail is flat and provides easy walking. Hunting is not allowed on this part of the refuge. The trail parking area is located on the south side of Oil City Road in Pine Island (Warwick), New York.

The Dagmar Dale Nature Trail was officially opened on September 23, 2001. It travels through grasslands and hardwood forests from the Refuge headquarters down to the Wallkill River. This trail, is 2.7 miles in length, consisting of two loops. The North Loop (Blue Trail) is 1.7 miles in length and the South Loop (Yellow Trail) is 1 mile in length, both traversing hilly terrain. Parking for this trail is behind the refuge headquarters on Rt. 565 in Vernon.

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.