Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge

A cypress tree stands in Lake Drummond.

Sunset on Drummond Lake.

Walk on the Dismal Town Boardwalk Trail to view typical Dismal Swamp habitat and wildlife.

The Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge contains more than 111,200 acres of contiguous forested wetlands.

A wide variety of wildlife can be seen by hikers and bikers along more than 80 miles of trails.

Lake Drummond, a 3,100-acre natural lake, is situated in the center of the swamp. The lake is accessible year-round from the east via the Feeder Ditch, with a 1,000-pound vessel limitation at the spillway boat lift.

A special use permit will allow seasonal boat access from the west via the Railroad Ditch entrance.

Resident species include white-tailed deer, river otter, bats, mink, bobcats, snakes, turtles, and black bear. More than 200 species of birds have been identified on the refuge.