Wallkill River National Wildlife Refuge

Wallkill River National Wildlife Refuge provides ample opportunity for hunting. Public hunting is permitted on approximately 5,000 acres in New Jersey and 160 acres in New York in accordance with those states’ seasons. Some special regulations apply. All hunters must obtain a refuge hunting...

Fishing is available by canoe or car-top boat along nine miles of the Wallkill River as it passes through Wallkill River National Wildlife Refuge, which straddles the New Jersey-New York border. River access is available via Route 565, Bassetts Bridge Road and Oil City Road. The large pond at...

Wildlife photography is a very popular activity on the refuge. Though all public access areas are available to photographers, the Liberty Loop Trail parking area is the most popular destination. Wintering raptors such as red-tailed hawk, rough-legged hawk, northern harrier and short-eared owl...

The refuge offers public programs and guided walks throughout the year. Topics and offerings may vary; information on upcoming programs may be found on our event's page.

The refuge hosts two specific programs annually. The raptor program (held between Christmas and New Years) features...

The refuge does not have an active environmental education program, but tries where possible to accommodate local students and teachers hoping to connect their studies with the refuge environment. Examples include biology students from the State University of New York (Orange) who come to the...

Our nature trails offer various opportunities to view many types of wildlife, but the Liberty Loop is the most popular destination. The trail encircles managed wetland impoundments which attract large numbers of resident and migratory birds throughout the year. The spring and fall migrations...