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Wallkill River National Wildlife Refuge
4.7 ★★★★★ 388 Google reviews · Running trail in Sussex, New Jersey · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Boardwalk
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Wallkill River 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 habitat known for its diversity of birds with hunting, fishing, trails & learning programs.
What runners say about Wallkill River National Wildlife Refuge
“Great, quiet trails and scenery with clean bathrooms.”
“Beautiful day for a walk.”
2 loop trails. North 1.7 miles, south loop 1 mile. I took North Trail, which was easy. Most is though an old farm field. At one point is goes next to the Wallkill river. Lots of old dead trees for birds to perch in. I went December 30, 2024, will return in spring when more animals and birds should be out.
Saw lots of birds, especially red-winged blackbirds. It was a nice walk on flat terrain. The boardwalk leads into some lush green areas...feels other-worldly, like you might see a pixie hiding under a giant leaf!
The trail is easy to follow and is well maintained. It's also a great area to see wildlife. I would suggest wearing a hat since there is not alot of shade.
Two and one half hike over flat land, a loop that goes from New York state into New Jersey and then back into New York. Saw a pair of sand hill Crain's at some distance. Definitely worth the trip.
Trail conditions & character
“Two and one half hike over flat land, a loop that goes from New York state into New Jersey and then back into New York.”
“Two and one half hike over flat land, a loop that goes from New York state into New Jersey and then back into New York.”
“Great, quiet trails and scenery with clean bathrooms.”
Plan your run at Wallkill River National Wildlife Refuge
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceBoardwalk — flat and scenic, and slick when wet, so watch your footing
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- 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+1 973-702-7266
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 8 am–4:30 pm |
| Tuesday | 8 am–4:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 8 am–4:30 pm |
| Thursday | 8 am–4:30 pm |
| Friday | 8 am–4:30 pm |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |
Running trails near Sussex
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