Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge

Biking is a great form of exercise and a fun way to visit a refuge. Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge is a pedal friendly refuge and allows biking on Feeder Road Trail from sunrise to sunset. Electric bicycles (e-bikes) are permitted, whereas gas powered bikes are prohibited. Bikes are not...

There are plenty of opportunities for bird watching at the refuge, whether it be during migrating or breeding season. If you don't have your own binoculars, just borrow a pair from our visitor center during normal business hours and head out to an overlook to spot great blue herons, Canada...

A unique way of enjoying the Refuge is by exploring the primitive beauty of Oak Orchard Creek. Visitors can do this by canoe, kayak, or non-motorized boat. The creek is open to paddlers from Knowlesville Road to Route 63 and is approximately 5.5 miles one-way (11 miles RT). We...

Cross-country skiing is permitted, conditions allowing, on Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge from sunrise to sunset. Mohawk Ski trail is the primary means to ski on the refuge. It is a relatively flat 7.5 mile loop through the grasslands, forests and along the dikes surrounding Mohawk Pool. The...

Fishing areas are limited to Ringneck Marsh and Oak Orchard Creek, from sunrise to sunset. Oak Orchard Creek can by accessed from the shore at the bridges on Route 63, Sour Springs Road and Knowlesville Road as well as by non-motorized boats. Ringneck Marsh also has an accessible fishing dock....

Iroquois NWR has several miles of trails throughout the refuge that are appropriate for all ages and abilities. The majority of refuge visitors come during the spring, early summer and fall months to take advantage of favorable trail conditions and opportunities for viewing annual...

Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge affords hunters the opportunity to pursue nearly every game species available in New York. Hunting is a primary public use of the refuge and an important wildlife management tool. Hunting can provide a quality recreational experience when pursued responsibly and...

We allow ice fishing on Ringneck Marsh only, from December 1 through the last day of February, from sunrise to sunset. All structures or other equipment must be removed from the refuge after the completion of the day's fishing activities.

Ice fishing is in accordance with State laws and...

As a major migratory stopover location in western New York, there are ample opportunities to photograph wildlife. All of the overlooks and walking trails are open for photo enthusiasts from sunrise to sunset, but we ask that you do not wander off the trails between March-October. The refuge also...

The refuge staff, volunteers, and partners regularly conduct interpretive programs and activities that enables visitors to connect to nature, wildlife, and the refuge lands. Schools and organizations may call to schedule a guided program which includes a guided walk on one of our nature trails....

We allow snowshoeing on Onondaga and Kanyoo Nature Trails, the Feeder Road Trail and the Mohawk Ski Trail and Headquarters Trail, from sunrise to sunset, when mother nature provides adequate conditions. Note that the trails are not groomed and conditions are variable. Also expect obstructions...

Trapping is a wildlife management tool used on some national wildlife refuges. Trapping may be used to protect endangered and threatened species or migratory birds or to control certain wildlife populations. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service also views trapping as a legitimate recreational and...