About

Established in 1974, the Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge consists of over 112,684 acres of forested wetlands in southeastern Virginia and northeastern North Carolina. The 3,100 acre Lake Drummond lies at the center of the swamp, with the Feeder Ditch connecting the lake to the Dismal Swamp Canal to the east. Birding is popular in April and May, as over 220 species of birds have been identified on the refuge. April 25, 2020 will be our birding festival this year with guided bird trips, bus trips to the lake, a beginner birding class and family activities. Most of the activities are in Suffolk, with one trip on the Chesapeake side of the swamp along the historic Dismal Swamp canal.

Refuge trails are open daily sunrise to sunset for hiking and biking. Refuge visitors enjoy sightings of abundant and diverse wildlife. White-tail deer, black bear, bobcat, river otter can be seen from the trails. Summers days bring butterfly observation to peak numbers, with the refuge being home to at least 65 species. Winters bring ducks, geese and swans to the refuge.