The Swamp is rich in history and One thing you'll never do in Chesapeake is run out of...Beyond exploring the trails and waterways, you can also get to know this vast stretch of nature by attending some of the beloved annual events that center around the Great Dismal Swamp in Chesapeake.
where we see hundreds of Cypress trees growing just off shore creating an obstacle course for those who want to search for dry land. gate at Railroad Ditch.
We will paddle along before paddling back out the Feeder Ditch. The Great Dismal Swamp of early America was considerably larger than today’s 112,000-acre federally protected refuge. See that trip for a description.Advanced Reservations Required... Book Now below or Call us 757.480.1999I wanted to thank you for another set of awesome trips. jessamine are in flower.The first launches into the historic Dismal Swamp Canal part of The Inter Coastal Water Way that George Washington built. A jungle atmosphere is pervasive; you do not want to go off the trail here. You’ll get monthly travel inspiration, insider tips, and itineraries to help you plan your best Virginia vacation yet. Trumpet and passion vines bloom.Fall: Autumn colors peak in late October through November. body of water is, and return to our launch site. Hearing the tree fall just as we were leaving the lake, was just perfect.The second trip is much less paddling but you do not see any of the Ditches (canals). Find out why Virginia is for Lovers.
Summer: Bear, deer, and bobcat are more active so we are more likely to see their tracks. The Prothonotary Warbler is common, occasional Osprey, Wood Ducks will begin nesting. Lake Drummond/Dismal Swamp NWR Situated in the middle of The Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, is two and one-half miles across and 3.5 miles from the nearest paved road. Chesapeake Convention & Visitors Bureau is a division of Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge Planning a trip to the Great Dismal Swamp is simple to do. Its forests include trees of pine, Atlantic white cedar and sweet-gum oak. From there we follow the Feeder Ditch through the Refuge to the spillway
From legends about the ghostly maiden sometimes seen paddling across Lake Drummond and the real-life saga of the swamp as a stop on the Underground Railroad to the tales day-trippers leave with about the wildlife they’ve seen, the canals they’ve kayaked, and the fish they’ve caught, one thing is abundantly clear: the Great Dismal Swamp is full of stories. The Refuge, larger than the city of Norfolk, has a is over 20 feet above sea level, unique for a US eastern coastal swamp. After five years of glorious cruising on the Dismal Swamp Canal and the Pasquatank River between Chesapeake Virginia and Elizabeth City North Carolina the Bonny Blue made her last run 22 July, 2007. lore from Colonial days as well as a haven for a large variety of birds and flowering plants. We are more likely to see their tracks on the road than the actual critters. begin coming into the area.
We then paddle across the middle to get a panoramic view of how immense this The Great Dismal Swamp, actually — that’s the name British colonists gave it centuries ago.The swamp covers about 190 square miles today, but at its peak, before parts of it were drained and developed, it was around ten times bigger, spanning roughly 2,000 square miles of Virginia and … From the gate it is dirt roads for 6 miles through the refuge. Common Loon, Tundra Swan and Snow Goose, Great Blue Heron will Its purpose is to protect the swamp’s ecosystem, which includes a wide range of animal and plant life. We are paddling for approximately 5 hours with several breaks and lunch. The Great Dismal Swamp, Okefenokee, and other sites were also briefly home to bands of runaways, some of whom left after a period and other who planned to stay on and out of sight. The Green Heron, Red-tailed Hawk, Barred Owl, Pileated woodpecker, Prothonotary Warbler and more are the tree people from the Lord of the Rings - that is truly a magical place.
On the border of Virginia and North Carolina stretches a great, dismal swamp. Hiking/Biking. The Great Dismal Swamp stretches across Northeastern North Carolina up into Southern Virginia. Lake Drummond reminded us of the time of the Druids and of Lake Avalon. Wild fruits like Paw Paw and wild grapes are abundant along the ditches. Great Blue Heron and Belted Kingfisher are active along the ditches. that holds in The Lake.
We will also spend some time on the road looking for tracks.Spring: Many migratory songbirds with warblers being most abundant. population of some 300 black bears, along with grey and red fox, mink, bobcat, and deer. The Great Dismal Swamp is a 126,000 acre preserve that straddles Virginia’s border with North Carolina. She is the last commercial vessel to operate this, the most famous canal in …