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Shawangunk Grasslands National Wildlife Refuge
4.7 ★★★★★ 252 Google reviews · Running trail in Wallkill, New York · Dawn to dusk
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- 3.6 mi
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Dawn to dusk
Confirmed from Shawangunk Grasslands National Wildlife Refuge's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Wildlife refuge featuring trails and an observation platform for spotting owls and other birds.
What runners say about Shawangunk Grasslands National Wildlife Refuge
“Well-maintained area with wildlife viewing platforms.”
“It is very beautiful, it seems that there are people who are very serious about keeping it as a sanctuary, who visit just to check up.”
“As I'm typing this out, it's 27° outside with a nice flurry and very calm breeze coming from west.”
I’ve visited this place twice. Was able to see short eared owl🦉 and Northern Harrier. And not to forget, Northern Cardinal a day after icy rain was my best sight of the bird ever!! Ample of parking space, but keep in mind, there is no restrooms at this place.
Perfect for those that enjoy bird watching, bring your binoculars! We unfortunately couldn’t walk too far, because the path was so icy. But I could tell it would be a nice walk in better weather. Large parking lot with a bathroom onsite.
There is something so beautiful and calming coming here. The vast and sprawling grasslands, the well-marked trail loops, the gazebo, and the raised platform with benches. Great place to come and connect with nature in a serene and quiet environment. Kudos to the conservationists for maintaining this preserve.
Beautiful spot for bird lovers. Walking trails intertwine the grasslands. Come in the late winter months and see migrating owls and raptors. Short eared owls, harriers, kestrels, red tailed hawk, and all the usual songbirds.
Trail conditions & character
“There is a restroom in the parking lot for you if it's a long drive to get here.”
“There is a restroom in the parking lot for you if it's a long drive to get here.”
“Great place to come and connect with nature in a serene and quiet environment.”
Plan your run at Shawangunk Grasslands National Wildlife Refuge
The practical stuff
- AccessDawn to dusk — the gates close, so do not plan a run that finishes after dark
- Distance3.6 mi as reported — check whether that is one way or a round trip before you commit
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitefws.gov
- Phone(973) 702-7266
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 5 AM–8 PM |
| Tuesday | 5 AM–8 PM |
| Wednesday | 5 AM–8 PM |
| Thursday | 5 AM–8 PM |
| Friday | 5 AM–8 PM |
| Saturday | 5 AM–8 PM |
| Sunday | 5 AM–8 PM |
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