The Wallkill River NWR is located in Sussex County, New Jersey and Orange County, New York. Congress established the refuge in 1990 to preserve and enhance lands and waters in a manner that conserves the natural diversity of fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for present and future generations. The management emphasis is on Federally-listed endangered and threatened species, migrating waterfowl and shorebirds, nesting and wintering grassland birds, and forest-dwelling birds. The refuge also provides opportunities for public use. There are 3 nature trails for wildlife observation, three fishing access sites on the Wallkill River and three canoe access sites. The refuge also provides hunting opportunities. As of 2007, the refuge encompassed about 5,100 acres. Land acquisition is still proceeding. The refuge enjoys strong support from the community. The refuge staff also manage an unstaffed satellite, the Shawangunk Grassland NWR in Ulster County, New York.

From I-95 in South Jersey, take I-95 North (NJ Turnpike)to I-287 North. Then take State Route 23 North, through Hamburg, and turn right onto County Route 565 North (Glenwood Rd) by the Bank of New York in Wantage. The Refuge headquarters is 1.5 miles on left. Traveling East on I-84 from Pennsylvania, travel across the Delaware River to New York State. Take New York State Exit 1 (Sussex, NJ) and travel south on State Route 23. Continue on State Route 23 through the borough of Sussex. Turn left on County Route 565 North (Glenwood Rd). Refuge Headquarters is 1.5 miles on left. Traveling West on I-84 in New York State, take Exit 3W (Middletown)and after turning right off exit ramp, immediately get in left turning lane and turn left onto Route 6W. Travel 3.5 miles to Slate Hill. Turn left onto Route 284 South. Travel 9.1 miles to Unionville, NY. Turn left onto State Line Rd. After 1.3 miles, you pass over the Wallkill River (State Line turns into Oil City Rd). Continue another 1.3 miles to the stop sign. Turn right onto Liberty Corners Rd (This will become Lake Wallkill Rd. when you cross into New Jersey). Travel 1.4 miles to a fork in the road; stay left on Lake Wallkill Rd/Rt.667. Travel 5.6 miles to Route 565. Turn right on Route 565 South. Refuge Headquarters is 1 mile on right.