Great Dismal Swamp
National Wildlife Refuge

The Great Dismal Swamp occupies an area of about 10 by 20 miles (200 square miles) in southeastern Virginia and northeastern North Carolina. The National Wildlife Refuge covers 167 square miles and an additional area is covered by the North Carolina State Refuge.

Ever since George Washington attempted to drain the swamp, man has exploited it by farming and logging. It became a protected National Wildlife Refuge only in 1975. Although farming and logging has stopped, the water in the swamp is still being used for maintaining water levels in the nearby Intracoastal Waterway, draining water from the swamp during its own most critical periods: droughts.

The swamp is inaccessible except on trails along the drainage canals and some previous logging roads that are now being maintained for access. Still access is limited. The following map, contained in a brochure of the US Fish and Wildlife Service, shows the three entrances (all on the west side in Virginia) and the trails.

The brochure and information can be obtained from:

Refuge Manager
Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge
P.O. Box 349
Suffolk, Va. 23439-0349
tel.: (757) 986-3705

The swamp is magnificent. The central point is Lake Drummond, which is about round with a diameter of 2.5 miles. The origin of the lake is not known. Experts speculate that the depression was formed by an enormous peat fire or, perhaps, by a meteor.

Biking in the swamp is a pleasure especially if one pauses from time to time to admire this natural phenomenon. It is not for those, who are after speed and long distance. Bring your camera and binoculars. Insects are said to be a problem, but they caused no discomfort to Webmaster in mid-April 2000. However, later in the year, an insect repellant may be useful.

Special mention should be made of the beautiful and rather long boardwalk through the swamp at the entrance at the Washington Ditch. It offers glances at the interior of the swamp where no one treads.

The three pictures below show the trail along the Washington Ditch, a look at the swamp from the boardwalk and Lake Drummond.