dismal swamp state park

lareeh

Stopped at welcome center which is just before the state park--very helpful assistant manager in there gave us maps of the parks's hiking trails, showed us many brochures about the area and had lots of info about canal and swamp. Then we walked over a very interesting swing -out type drawbridge over the canal to the state park center--they have tons of displays and swamp info in there. Not able to do any hiking because weather turned stormy but back over the drawbridge to talk awhile with the ranger operating the bridge--he explained what he does and how bridge works then we had the opportunity to watch him operate the bridge as a cruiser boat came up through then another boat soon followed--that was very impressive to see the bridge function like that and thanks to the ranger who took time to talk with us, we got great photos too. Thank you!

861peggyr

We stopped in here thinking we might be able to get some photos of some cyprus trees growing in swamps. We walked both loops of the boardwalk trail and they were ehhhh. Nothing to see in there (at least in September). Everyone was nice and gave us suggestions of other places to go to get photos. We wouldn't recommend anyone driving through to stop here (unless you need a restroom!) We do love and appreciate the free parking and admittance at NC State Parks. So great!

lindsay_see

Stumbled upon this place after crossing the VA/NC border. Had a great visitors center with a ton of information on things to do in North Carolina. Made our way over to Dismal Swamp wildlife center. Great trails for a hike or to do some nature sightseeing. Wildlife center had a lot of good info. Got some great photos here. Worth the stop for a break.

donnanwill

Was fortunate to see two motor cruisers pass the drawbridge after we had left the Boardwalk trail. The boardwalk was interesting to get up close to Bald Cypress trees & Knees. Did not see any wildlife during our walk but enjoyed both the boardwalk & the paved pathway that runs parallel to the highway for a few miles. Park offers wagon ride tours for FREE!

loveourweeones

So many things to do here. Walking trails, canoe rides, photo ops .. The list goes on. We have had so many fun times as a family and I also did as a child.

jmyer035

Was driving home from OBX on Rt. 17 N, stopped at the rest stop right before VA line. Saw the sign for this park and ended up staying there, with my wife and child, for 2-3 hours kayaking, hiking, and talking to staff. Want to go back to hike and bike! If you live in Southern VA go to this park!

anthonyc929

We have been biking there since they opened it. They are just now starting to make some improvements. Now installing two bathroom stops. That's nice but we want the trail connected to the dismal swamp in North Carolina and north to the campground so we can get a longer run

EliseK724

We've been to visit family in Elizabeth City several times over the years and we usually end up driving out to the Outer Banks (Kill Devil Hills) for an afternoon and stick our toes in the ocean. This time we decided to explore somewhere different and drove north up to the Great Dismal Swamp. After spending some time in the Visitors Center, where my 3-year-old thoroughly enjoyed pushing the buttons to hear different bird calls and examining a variety of animals (stuffed) up closer, we headed out onto the boardwalk. Since we were there in April, neither mosquitos, flies or any other insect were a problem at all. My son enjoyed looking in the water and having his grandpa read the various information placards, and my mother & I enjoyed a leisurely stroll in the sunshine.

Navytravel

Old road that was closed down years ago, now an eight-mile strech of paved parkway next to the waterway. I love it and ride or run every weekend on the trail. They are adding new facilities, probably restrooms.

rhoneycu

Don't be fooled by name. This place isn't "dismal " at all. Its a neat state park in the edge of the Dismal swamp. There are a number of trails, and at least one easy trail over an elevated boardwalk. They have bicycle and kayak rentals which would be a lot of fun (we didn't have time to use them). Also borders the historic dismal swamp canal, hand-made by slaves over 100 years ago. An interesting and vivid reminder of our history.

Marjorca

Historians and archeologists are uncovering a long and poignant history of this site...apparently thousands of African slaves created primitive communities inside the Dismal Swamp to escape to 'freedom'. They lived and survived sometimes for years -- the nature here is challenging, varied and unpredictable - most difficult or impossible to visit fully in the Summers due to mosquitoes and other critters. Fascinating and beautiful in a dark, dismal kind of way. A true nature-lovers must see.

tracyl194

Don't know the park as well as my husband so I'm only really familiar with the long bike trail just off rt 17. It's a nice ride if you don't mind a over ten miles in a straight, flat line. You can also canoe in the park too.

Travelin_T-Man

Me and a buddy decided we needed to step out and cure a case of cabin fever. The trails here are easy, accessible, and great for hikers of all levels. The ranger staff are very knowledgeable and friendly. The boardwalk hike through the swamp is quite beautiful and you never know what wildlife you might come across. We saw several deer that day. The visitor center also has very well done displays on the swamp and ecology.

LauraF640

It is a beautiful park. Not dismal at all, it is good to see wetlands and open space beong protected.

Thomas_H_12

You get to see Bears, Deer, Beavers, many different water fowel in their habitat.