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 Reporter |
Summary: I am not a big fan of hiking Rail Trails but this one an exception. The trail is flat and well maintained. The main purpose of the trail is for Wildlife viewing. This is the reason why I enjoy this hike so much. There trail takes you through extensive wetlands hardwood forest and some fields. Along the route you will pass many interpretive signs explaining the local plants, Insects, Mammals, Rreptiles and Amphibians that you can find in the area. Over the years of hiking this trail I saw Black Bears, Deer, Mink, Muskrats, Beavers, Blue Herons, Snakes, Turtles and frogs. On warm days you can find Turtles bathing on logs or snakes on the trail. The best time to hike here is Spring and Fall. Eventually the trail ends at the bank of the Wallkill River. A great place for Kayaking. The current of the river is so calm that you can paddle both up and down river with ease. It is also great to get out on this trail in winter with Cross Country Skis or snowshoes. Trailhead: From Hamburh or Franklin NJ. Take rt. 23 North. Just before town of Sussex make a right at light. This is rt. 565. There is a car dealership and Diner at corners. Make right and follow about 100 yards. Parking is on right and trail head sign says Wood Duck Trail. (Lat:41.19158 Lon:-74.58166) Trail Guides for Wood Duck Trail, Wallkill river NWR, NJ: Best Seasons: Fall, Spring, Winter, User Groups: Hikers, Ranger Contact: Wallkill River National Wildlif Refuge: 973-702-7266 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Shawn Viggiano, who has posted 44 other hikes on this site Trail Reviews Submit your own review 
Reviewed by Melissa S. on 10/30/2006 Very easy and educational trail to bring children on. Terrain is flat and you can see them as they explore this new world as it is a straight run. Easy walk for us moms. Alot of wildlife to teach your kids about. We even found a nest with hundreds of mice in a fallen tree trunk that we heard their little feet scurrying trough the fallen leaves. Very nice even to bring a stroller on. Just watch out for those who bring their dogs(which are prohibited).
Reviewed by Andrew F. on 5/15/2005 Saw a lot of interesting birds - wood duck, baltimore orioles among others. The blind is a little disappointing, as is the end of the trail at the river... just kind of a boring bend in the river with a nice view of a storage facility off to the right. The other con is that the start of the trail, which is close to the highway, and you can still hear cars. It's also just a straight line out and back, and I prefer loop type hikes. I'm making sound worse than it is, though, because the middle of the trail is wonderful for wildlife watching. Combine it with the trails running out from the Wallkill river NWR ranger center (about a mile up the road from the start of the Wood duck on the left), and you have an excellent day.
Reviewed by Jim W. on 6/18/2004 This is a great short wildlife trail for those times when you don't have a lot of time. Although I have hiked this trail about 12 times in the last two years,I have never failed to see some type of wildlife that drew my attention. Also, this is probably the most handicapped accessible wildlife trail that I've ever hiked.
Reviewed by Konn on 3/28/2004 Turtle lovers will enjoy. If you like hearing ducks and frogs but not seeing them, this is the trail for you. Bug spray a must (mosquitos and gnats). Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: New Jersey Hiking, New Jersey Trails, New Jersey Hikes, Sussex County Hiking, Sussex County Trails, Sussex County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
