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Edward Henry CC BY-SA 4.0 Wikimedia Commons

Wallkill River National Wildlife Refuge

Park

Wetland refuge along the Wallkill River in New Jersey, prized for migratory birds, marsh habitat, walking trails and seasonal kayaking and wildlife observation.

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In this guide

Wallkill River National Wildlife Refuge essentials

Address: Wallkill River National Wildlife Refuge, 1030 Route 17M, Sussex, NJ / near areas in NY/NJ (check local office)
Website: fws.gov
Hours: Refuge grounds open sunrise-sunset; visitor center hours vary seasonally
Admission: Free (managed by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service)
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When to Go

Best Time to Visit Wallkill River National Wildlife Refuge

Spring and fall migrations are the most rewarding times for birdwatching; winters can be quiet and muddy.

Spring migration
April-May · 5-20°C
Peak bird migration; warblers, shorebirds, and other migrants pass through in numbers.
Fall migration
September-November · 5-18°C
Waterfowl and raptors stage and move through the refuge.

Weather & Climate near Wallkill River National Wildlife Refuge

Climate

Wallkill River National Wildlife Refuge's climate is classified as Hot-Summer Continental - Hot-Summer Continental climate with warm summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -9°C to 29°C. Abundant rainfall (1186 mm/year), wettest in May, distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.

Air Quality: AQI 24 Good
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
29°
Warmest Month
-9°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January - -9° - 2° -8° 88 mm - - 3.0 m/s - -
February - -8° - 4° -7° 74 mm - - 3.2 m/s - -
March - -3° - 9° 0° 96 mm - - 3.5 m/s - -
April - 2° - 15° 7° 104 mm - - 3.4 m/s - -
May - 8° - 22° 15° 113 mm - - 2.9 m/s - -
June - 13° - 26° 19° 107 mm - - 2.6 m/s - -
July - 16° - 29° 22° 111 mm - - 2.4 m/s - -
August - 15° - 28° 21° 102 mm - - 2.2 m/s - -
September - 11° - 24° 17° 109 mm - - 2.3 m/s - -
October - 4° - 18° 11° 91 mm - - 2.5 m/s - -
November - 0° - 11° 3° 101 mm - - 2.9 m/s - -
December - -5° - 5° -4° 90 mm - - 2.9 m/s - -
Getting There & Around

How to Get to Wallkill River National Wildlife Refuge

The refuge is accessible by car from Route 17M in Sussex County, NJ; specific trailheads and parking areas are listed on the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service site. Public transit options are limited.

Tips for Visiting Wallkill River National Wildlife Refuge

  • Bring binoculars in spring and fall for peak songbird and waterfowl migration viewing.
  • Park in designated lots near the visitor contact station and follow boardwalks to protect sensitive wetland habitats.
  • The refuge's trails can be muddy after rain-waterproof footwear recommended.