Wood Duck Nature Trail (Wallkill River NWR)

New Jersey

9 Reviews

View Trail Map
View Map
Print
Complete
Favorite
Send to App

Register for free!

Register for free with TrailLink today!

We're a non-profit all about helping you enjoy the outdoors
  • View over 40,000 of trail maps
  • Share your trail photos
  • Save your own favorite trails
  • Learn about new trails near you
  • Leave reviews for trails
  • Add new and edit existing trails

Wood Duck Nature Trail (Wallkill River NWR) Facts

States: New Jersey
Counties: Sussex
Length: 1.5 miles
Trail end points: County Route 565 (Wantage, NJ) and Wallkill River NWR
Trail surfaces: Ballast, Crushed Stone, Dirt, Grass
Trail category: Rail-Trail
ID: 6017393

Wood Duck Nature Trail (Wallkill River NWR) Description

The Wood Duck Nature Trail, appropriately named for the secretive duck, was made possible through the hard work and dedication of refuge volunteers. This beautiful trail now extends about 1.5 miles on a former railroad bed ending at the Wallkill River. The self-guiding interpretive trail includes a nature photography blind, interpretive nature signs, a footbridge across Beaver Run and several benches. Extensive wetlands are located along the trail. The trail is flat and provides easy walking.

Future plans include construction of a footbridge across the Wallkill River, continuation of the trail along the former railroad bed and construction of a parking area off of Scenic Lakes Road in Hardyston.

Bicycles, horses and motorized vehicles are not permitted on the trail.

Parking and Trail Access

The trail head is located on Route 565 in Wantage, New Jersey, approximately 200 yards north of Route 23.

Wood Duck Nature Trail (Wallkill River NWR) Reviews

Ticks

Lots of them! Worst part is the tick advisory is posted 2/3rds of the (1 mile) into the trail. Otherwise a very nice straight path, flat terrain hike. I will be going back in winter after tick season has passed.

Nice trail with Educational stations

Took my kids for a nature walk "field trip" while remote learning due to Coronavirus. This trail did not disappoint! Tons of turtles on the logs and garter snakes in the leaves. My kids loved it. Nice and flat with benches for bird watching. Educational signs describing the wildlife.

No pets allowed

Sad. Wanted to take my small dog for a walk here but sign posted no pets.

Nice easy walk, best photos can be taken 1st half mile

If you want some nice swamp photos, mainly close shots, there are opportunities within the first half mile. But further onward about half way,
" heads up " literally....there's a huge dead branch up in the trees that overhangs the trail. Other than that I found it to be a nice walk, short but nice.

Accordion

Beautiful hidden gem

First time there today and I'm so happy I found this trail. Perfect for bird watchers and anyone who appreciates our valuable wetlands. Places to sit interspersed throughout to observe the wildlife plus kiosks.

No Dogs allowed

It is hard to believe but no dogs are allowed to be walked on the trail, even though there is coyote and fox running all over

Very disappointed

New to the area, and quickly found this trail when online searching for someplace to walk/unwind. Sunny Sunday afternoon, and I arrived with my faithful trail walking partner, only to find that she is not welcome at this trail. Large NO DOGS sign at entrance. Really? My dog is well behaved, always leashed, vaccinated, and I always carry clean up bags--we know the proper trail hiking etiquette. But sadly, that is not enough. So I'm off to find a place that welcomes both of us. What a buzzkill.

Wood Duck Trail 6/15/11

This is a very nice walking trail, it is level and easy to walk, it is mostly ponds and swamps on both sides and in the warm weather there are lots of turtles and snakes, I walked it 2 days ago and a Black bear joined us for most of the walk, hanging behind us a ways but always aware of our presence, bring a camera with you, one day we found a turtle in the trail digging its nest and we were able to film it laying its eggs and patting down its nest, this is one of Sussex Countys hidden treasures! ENJOY!

A Fine nature trail!

"This short nature trail is replete with interpretive signs, numerous benches and wooden bridges. It is limited to foot travel, and even then, jogging is not allowed. The area is a wide wetland, and as such, can be quite ""buggy"" in warm weather unless there is a stiff breeze. The surface is excellent and being improved. The first third is hard packed sandy earth, going to hard packed dirt and then grass. There is ample parking at Rte 565, and three different brochures are available at a kiosk at the parking area. I had been here about five years ago, when the work on this ROW had just started. It has been greatky improved. If leisurely walks through natural areas are your thing, this trail is for you.

Rates a 7 out of 10!

Fred"

Nearby Trails

Go Unlimited Today!

  • FREE Account
  • View over 40,000 miles of trail maps
  • Post your trail reviews
  • Share your trail photos
  • Save your favorite trails
  • Learn about new trails near you
  • Get a free map in the app!
Register for FREE
  •  
Purchase Unlimited

Explore by City

Explore by City

Explore by Activity

Explore by Activity

Log in to your account to:

  • View trail paths on the map
  • Save trails to your account
  • Add trails, edit descriptions
  • Share photos
  • Add reviews

Log in with Google

Log in with Apple

OR

Register for free!

Join TrailLink (a non-profit) to view more than 40,000 miles of trail maps and more!

Register with Google

Register with Apple

OR