The Great Dismal Swamp is a marshy area on the Coastal Plain Region of southeastern Virginia and northeastern North Carolina between Norfolk, Virginia, and Elizabeth City, North Carolina. One of the first and most famous business supporters of the Great Dismal Swamp was George Washington himself. It was his suggestion to build the actual Canal which was begun in 1793. There is now a system of Canals and Ditches including a feeder ditch from Lake Drummond (approximate center of the swamp) which keeps the system supplied with water. The historic canal is now recognized as part of the National Underground Railroad and noted as a former sanctuary for runaway slaves seeking freedom.
The Dismal Swamp Canal Trail is a former section of Virginia State Rt. 17, now a multiuse trail open to bicycling, walking, running, horseback riding, and boating. We enjoyed a leisurely bike ride paralleling the canal. Check out the photos of our bike ride on the Dismal Swamp Canal Trail.
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