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Virginia
17

State of Virginia Parks

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USA Parks
Virginia
Tidewater Region
Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge
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Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge Lunch time © John Laurie
Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge Looking at Lake Drummond © Bobby Merritt
Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge Lake Drummond Entrance © Bobby Merritt
Approach from the Great Dismal Swamp Feeder Ditch to Lake Drummond
Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge Sunning © John Laurie
Turtle soaking up some late winter sun
Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge turtle sunning © Bobby Merritt
Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge © John Laurie
Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge Butterfly © Bobby Merritt
Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge © John Laurie
Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge Old Cypress on Lake Drummond © Bobby Merritt
Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge © John Laurie
Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge Carolina Chickadee © John Laurie
A Chickadee takes a rest and soaks up some sun.
Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge Cypress on Lake Drummond © Bobby Merritt
Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge Spring is on the way © John Laurie
Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge Lake Drummond © Bobby Merritt
Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge Soring © John Laurie
Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge © John Laurie
Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge Passing By © John Laurie
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GREAT DISMAL SWAMP NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE
GREAT DISMAL SWAMP NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE
P.O. Box 349
Suffolk, Virginia   23439 0349
Email: park email button icon
The Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge is located in southeastern Virginia and northeastern North Carolina. It was established in 1974 to protect the unique ecosystem of the Great Dismal Swamp. It includes over 111,000-acres of forested wetlands, with Lake Drummond, a 3,100-acre lake, at its heart.

The Great Dismal Swamp has long been considered a place of natural beauty, mystery, and legend. The swamp is an integral part of the cultural history of the region and remains a place of refuge for both wildlife and people.

The eastern side of the refuge is bound by the Dismal Swamp Canal, operated by the Army Corps of Engineers. Along the western border of the refuge is access to over 30 miles of hiking trails in the northwest portion of the refuge.

The Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge is located not only between two states, but also between two eco-regions, allowing for a wide range of plant and animal species. Cypress, black gum, maple, Atlantic white cedar, and pine are the predominant tree species found on the refuge and support the wildlife within. Many mammal species, including black bear, bobcat, otter, and weasel along with over 70 species of reptiles and amphibians call the swamp home. More than 200 bird species can be seen at the swamp throughout the year, while 96 of those are known to nest on the refuge.
FACILITIES AND ACTIVITIES OVERVIEW
Day-UseFishingyes
 Huntingyes
 Hiking Trailyes


Location
Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge is located near Chesapeake, Moyock and Portsmouth


Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
November 20 Just like the Princess Bride by Charles and Jeff
park review stars; one to five I was hoping to find a swamp filled with terrifying creatures and ROUS. This was the swamp of my dreams.
June 15 A little piece of Heaven... by winifred
park review stars; one to five Our family goes bike riding several times a week at this park and we love it! The scenery is superb, seeing all the different wildlife is great and the smell of the forest and wildflowers is refreshing. You have to try it!
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Area Campgrounds
Chesapeake Campground
693 S George Washington Highway
Chesapeake, VA
Nearby Hotels
Booking.com

Directions
For using internet mapping and direction software, use 3100 Desert Road, Suffolk, VA 23434 for the headquarters. For trail heads, use 1325 White Marsh Road for Jericho Lane entrance, and 3300 White Marsh Road for Washington Ditch entrance. All are in Suffolk, VA 23434.

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Virginia
17

State of Virginia Parks

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