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Plan Your Visit

Plan Your Visit

At Shawangunk Grasslands National Wildlife Refuge, a total of 3.6 miles of trails area available and open to visitors. Two interconnected loop trails wind through the refuge’s open grasslands with views of the Shawangunk Ridge. A kiosk at the trailhead provides general information and orientation. Two observation/photography blinds are located along the trail. 


  • The refuge and its trails are open daily from dawn to dusk. 
  • The refuge lacks restroom facilities and potable water sources. Please plan accordingly. 
  • This is a natural area. Pets are not allowed. Beware of poison ivy, ticks, and other biting insects. 
  • The trails are unimproved and of minimal difficulty, though they may be seasonally wet. Please stay on maintained trails. 
  • All plants and animals, parts thereof, and other objects of nature are protected from disturbance. Collection is prohibited. 
  • Observe wildlife from a safe and respectful distance. Binoculars allow you to view wildlife closely without disturbing them.  
  • Please do not feed wildlife; it may make them unnaturally dependent on humans and more susceptible to disease. 

Directions

From Interstate 84 (New York State), take exit #5. Take State Rt. 208 North until you enter Village of Walden. At the stop light, turn right, continuing north on State Rt. 208 to the Hamlet of Wallkill in Ulster County. At the stop sign, turn left on Wallkill Avenue. Travel for 0.2 mile and turn left on Bruyn Turnpike / County Rt. 18 (Post Office on corner). At the stop sign, continue straight on Bruyn Turnpike. Travel for 1.4 miles and turn right on Hoagerburgh Road. Travel for 1.5 miles, passing Blue Chip Farm, and turn right into Shawangunk Grasslands National Wildlife Refuge.

Staff are located at the Wallkill River National Wildlife Refuge headquarters in Sussex, NJ and may be reached by phone from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, at 973-702-7266. General e-mail inquiries may be directed to Fran_Stephenson@fws.gov.
Page Photo Credits — Spring meadow - Steven Brooks
Last Updated: Mar 19, 2013
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