Stop by the visitor center, open weekdays only, and follow the accessible one-mile gravel Headquarters Nature Trail for a leisurely walk through the meadow, offering a colorful late-summer wildflower display. You’ll find several overlooks and trails throughout the refuge, some with boardwalks to navigate the wetlands, like the Swallow Hollow Trail. Iroquois is managed by the US Fish & Wildlife Service and, along with the adjoining Oak Orchard and Tonawanda Wildlife Management Areas, makes up the 20,000-acre Alabama Swamps Complex.
An excellent article in the Lockport Journal entitled, The Great Outdoors: Rejuvenating the Alabama Swamp, explores the region’s history and ecology.
Day Trips Around Rochester, New York
From the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service website
“The 10,828-acre Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge lies within the rural towns of Alabama and Shelby midway between Rochester and Buffalo, New York. Part of what locals call the “Alabama Swamps,” the Refuge’s 6,000 acres of wetland host more than 100,000 Canada geese and 20,000 ducks and swans annually. More than 3,000 acres of bottomland hardwood and 1,800 acres of grasslands and shrublands support migratory and resident birds as well as other wildlife.”
Where to begin
You can’t go wrong picking any overlook or trail to start exploring. Located on Knowlesville Road, my favorite place to start is the 1.3-mile Swallow Hollow Nature loop trail, which offers ramps, gravel pathways, and boardwalks, making it accessible for all to enjoy this unique ecosystem.
There is also a 1-mile loop trail next to the Visitor Center, winding its way through grasslands, forested habitat, and marshland.
Swallow Hollow Nature Trail
More than half of the trail is an elevated boardwalk that connects to a gravel trail, guiding you through the diversity of evergreen plantations, marsh, and forested wetlands.
Interpretive panels along the way tell of some of the more common residents in the marsh. This trail is one of the better spots on the refuge to find warblers during the spring and summer.
Other birds include waterfowl, red-winged blackbirds, great blue heron, and piliated woodpeckers.
Kanyoo Nature Trail
Kanyoo is an Iroquois word meaning wildlife.
Find excellent Mohawk Pool viewpoints from the small observation platform along the yellow loop and a boardwalk along the blue loop. The trail guides hikers through mixed forests and vernal wetlands.
Overlooks and Observation Areas
To experience the refuge from afar, bring your binoculars to various parking areas with observation decks and blinds beside vast marshes. Overlooks include Cayuga Pool, Mallard, Ringneck Marsh, and Schoolhouse Marsh.
Feeder Road
Permitted between October 1 and the end of February, Feeder Road opens to vehicles after the fall migrations and before the spring migrations, remaining accessible to foot traffic year-round.
More information about Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge
Cost: Free
Located in Oakfield and Basom, roughly 1 hour / 50 miles from Rochester – get directions to the popular Swallow Hollow Trail
More information: fws.gov
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Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge
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Paved, Boardwalk, and Gravel Pathways for Easy Strolls
These paved pathways and boardwalks are ideal for folks using strollers, walkers, wheelchairs, or managing other mobility challenges.
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11 National Natural Landmarks Near Rochester
These National Natural Landmarks, recognized for their outstanding biological and geological resources, are all within a two-hour drive of Rochester, NY.
50 New York State Parks Within a Two-Hour Drive of Rochester
Venture into one of these New York State Parks within a two-hour drive of Rochester and discover what makes them unique.
Where are your favorite spots to walk or observe in Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge?
Your insights and experiences are valuable. Please share them in the comments.
People often ask me if I get free access to places while exploring. The answer is no unless I’m invited to previews or granted behind-the-scenes access as part of my media role. Generally, I don’t mention my project, Day Trips Around Rochester, NY, because I want the same experience you would have. I create and share content simply because it brings me joy. I would appreciate your support—a cup of coffee or two to help fuel future field trips—if you have found valuable information here that has helped you explore the Rochester area.
When is the peak spring migration time for snow and Canadian geese this spring of 2024 ?