Wallkill River National Wildlife Refuge — Attraction in Vernon Township

Nice views of changing leaves and mountains but probably would be best to go in late fall/ winter. When I went, there were numerous spider webs that attached to our face and arms within 2 minutes of starting the trail... It continued the whole way through. There were portions where we sprinted through just to get it over with but either way you were covered in spider webs. Also, Everytime we took a step, we'd see grasshoppers jumping from all different directions. Lastly, because of the swamp, I bet this place is infested with mosquitoes during the summer which is why late fall or winter would be the best time to do think hike. Since the trail is flat and practically a square (around the swamp) this would be without a doubt an easy trail even if it were covered in snow. If you go, there's a cool brewery about 5 minutes down the road on the NY side. They...

What a terrific location which will help anyone reconnect with nature. It’s a perfect place for everyone interested in nature and wildlife photography; offering a wide variety of flora and fauna.

Wallkill River National Wildlife Refuge was established to conserve and enhance populations of wildlife and their habitats, to protect and enhance water quality, and to provide opportunities for wildlife-dependent recreation and research.

The refuge conserves the biological diversity of the Wallkill Valley by protecting and managing land, with a special emphasis on forest-dwelling and grassland birds, migrating waterfowl, wintering raptors, and endangered species. The North American Waterfowl Management Plan identifies the Wallkill River bottomlands as a priority focus area for waterfowl management...

My husband and I are lifelong birders. In addition my husband was a biology/ chemistry major and for a number of years led safaris in Africa. He is my trusted guide in the woods. Wallkill is a wonderful place to visit for flora and fauna. Birding is a particular delight. The Refuge is dedicated to our local outdoors and deeply invested in conservation. They love to educate. They especially enjoy it when young children come in with wide eyes taking in all the pictures and nests and other information. You can spend an hour there just chatting about your recent sightings and where a good "hot spot" is located to see a particular species. We are fortunate to have these dedicated people here in...