Trails
The refuge headquarters is located at 1547 County Route 565, (Glenwood Road), Sussex, NJ 07461. When using a navigational device, enter only 1547 Glenwood Road, Sussex, NJ 07461. The Dagmar Dale Nature Trail is located at the Headquarters as well as public bathrooms which are open daily year round.
Liberty Loop Trail, 7 miles north of the headquarters is a popular visitor location and well known for the outstanding opportunity it provides for wildlife observation and photography as well as a 2.5 mile nature trail. Please note that dogs are only allowed on the Liberty Loop Trail, utilizing the parking lots at Oil City Road or Owens Station Road. All dogs must be controlled on a leash at all times. Service dogs are allowed on all refuge trails and facilities.
Hidden Ponds Trail: a new trail that opened in 2022, this trail forms a loop that is less than 1 mile in length. The trail may be accessed off Lake Wallkill Road at our Hidden Ponds entrance or off of the Liberty Loop trail.
The Winding Waters Trail, located 0.5 mile west of the Liberty Loop trailhead, offers another 2.1 miles of trail along the river and through restored fields and fishing/canoe access at the trailhead. Please note that this trail closes in September, November, and December of each year due to the New York State deer hunt.
The Timberdoodle Trail connects to the Liberty Loop Trail and follows an old railbed through forested bottomlands and wetlands, extending 2.3 miles south of Bassett’s Bridge Road. Trailheads are located at Owens Station Crossing, Bassett’s Bridge and Kelly Roads. The trailhead at Owens Station Crossing also offers a handicap-accessible boat launch and fishing dock, as well as a Nature Store which is open seasonally. Call the refuge office for nature shop openings and hours.
Owens Station Crossing (located at 136 Owens Station Road, Sussex NJ) is one of the refuge's most-visited public use areas. It features an accessible dock for fishing and launching kayaks or canoes, a pavilion with picnic tables, and a public restroom. Beautiful pollinator gardens, ample parking, and easy access to the refuge's Timberdoodle and Liberty Loop Trails make this a convenient starting point for exploring the refuge. Various programs are held at this location throughout the year, during which time a small gift shop may also be open.
Bassett’s Bridge fishing and canoe launch is a popular location for river access. A large parking area with a boardwalk to the water’s edge provides paddlers and anglers opportunity to enjoy the beauty of the Wallkill River.
The Wood Duck Nature Trail, conveniently located just off Route 23 is a hiking trail that provides year round enjoyment for people of all ages. Established on an abandoned railroad bed, this 1.6 mile trail is wheelchair accessible for the first 0.6 mile.