PLEASE CAREFULLY READ OUR DISCLAIMER!
Please Note That Postings Below From Fellow Cruisers Are Listed in Chronological Order, Based on Publication Date.
Yellow Background Denotes Navigation Alert Postings
My family has made the trip from the charted anchorage at Hospital Point in Norfolk to Elizabeth City a number of times in a single day, including an hour or so at the Visitors Center, with no problems. If you have had similar experiences, please let us and the crew of Rainshadow hear from you.
The Dismal Swamp Canal, the AICW Alternate Route, departs the primary AICW south of Norfolk at Statute Mile 7.2 and begins officially at Deep Creek Lock at Statute Mile 10.6.
Elizabeth City, at the south end of the Dismal Swamp route, has been charming cruising visitors to the City Docks since 1983 and it’s wonderful that some things do not change! The city docks are officially called Mariner’s Wharf and dockage is free for 48 hours. We are proud to report that Elizabeth, NC is A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!
Will be making south passage through Deep Creek ICW in early June. Looks tricky for timing to get to the northern lock in time if leaving from Norfolk. Our goal is to get to Elizabeth City in one day. The bridges will be obstacles for marine traffic during rush hour. Seems like it would be better to stay overnight near the ICW split than in Norfolk. Any ideas on what works best for this?
Rainshadow
Click Here To View the Eastern Florida Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Deep Creek Lock
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Deep Creek Lock
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the Elizabeth City Waterfront
On 5/9/13, as part of a North Carolina Wish List, we posed the following question:
Dismal Swamp Canal Route, Statute Mile 50.5 – who has had the good fortune to spend a night or two at Mariners Wharf (City) docks in Elizabeth City, NC? Were you greeted by the local volunteers? Did you find this to be one of the friendliest ports of call on the AICW? How about some shoreside dining and/or sightseeing recommendations?
Responses follow:
Stopped in Fall of 2012 at city dock and Rose Buddies/volunteers were no more – still good stop (without dock hands or electricity) with good size city resources including a great museum.
Gray Riddick
Gray Ghost
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Mariner’s Wharf (City) Docks
On 5/9/13, as part of a North Carolina Wish List, we posed the following question:
Dismal Swamp Canal Route, Statute Mile 43.5 – who has dropped anchor behind Goat Island, between AICW/Pasquotank River markers #11 and #13? Did you enter this anchorage to the southern or northern side of the Goat Island? What depths did you discover? Please share your overall impressions of this anchorage.
Responses follow:
The upper reaches of the Pasquotank River to Dismal Canal and Goat Island are the most beautiful that we have experienced in extensive NC cruising from Swansboro to Norfolk. We do use the southern side of Goat/#11 and find good holding and protection in 8 – 9 feet of water.
Gray & Betty Riddick
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Goat Island Anchorage
Deep Creek - Click for Chartview
This dredging project will take place in the Dismal Swamp/AICW Alternate Route on the north side of Deep Creek Lock. Deep Creek departs westward from the Waterway immediately south of the high-rise bridge at I-64. Barge traffic in the narrow portions of Deep Creek should be your only concern.
VA – ELIZABETH RIVER – SOUTHERN BRANCH – NORFOLK TO ALBEMARLE SOUND (AICW)/DEEP CREEK – DREDGING
Norfolk Dredging will be conducting dredging operations in Deep Creek Yard (1 nm south of the I-64 bridge) from 17 April until 05 May, 2013. Dredge material will be transported by barge to the Norfolk Dredging facility at Great Bridge. The dredge will monitor VHF-FM channels 13 and 16. Mariners are cautioned to stay clear of dredge, booster, floating (pontoon) and submerged pipelines, barges, derricks and operating wires associated with dredging and marine construction operations. Operators of vessels of all types should be aware that dredges and floating pipelines are held in place by cables, attached to anchors some distance away from the equipment. Buoys are attached to the anchors so that the anchors may be moved as the dredge advances and the location of the submerged pipelines are marked by buoys on each side of the channel. Mariners are cautioned to strictly comply with the Inland Rules of the Road when approaching, passing and leaving the area of operations, and remain a safe distance away from the dredge, booster, buoys, cables, pipeline, barges, derricks, wires and related equipment. Owners and lessees of fishnets, crabpots and other structures that may be in the vicinity and that may hinder the free navigation of attending vessels and equipment must be remove these from the area where tugs, tenderboats and other attendant equipment will be navigating. Dredging projects are
usually conducted twenty-four (24) hours a day seven (7) days a week, all fishnets, crabpots and structures in the general area must be removed prior to commencement of any work. A NO WAKE transit is requested of all vessels passing the dredge and if necessary to clarify a SAFE PASSAGE contact the dredge on the appropriate VHF-FM channels.
Chart: 12206.
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Deep Creek
Lamb's Marina - Click for Chartview
The recently dredged canal-like entrance channel leading to Lambs Marina cuts east from the AICW/Dismal Swamp Canal Route’s trek through Pasquotank River, south of Sawyers Creek and north of the charted railway bridge.
Cruising News:
After spending a cold cold winter on the Outer Banks, I am now cruising again on MV ‘Pisces’ – mothers – hide your daughters. 
Currently enjoying the friendship and facilities of Lambs Marina, somewhat changed for even better services. For a start Larry is now offering ethanol free gasoline and diesel at very competitive prices – and what I believe is the lowest slip rent on the ICW. ($4.50 per ft per mo, $5.50 pfpm for liveaboards. Not only this but a very safe fresh water dockage, laundry, spotless rest rooms, convenience store and now even a brand new patio style restaurant under construction. Sunsets and a glass of wine…….
Fellow boaters traveling north or south on the Great Dismal Swamp route should check out slip vacancies soon at www.lambsmarinanc.com
See you on the water. Happy sailing.
Cap’n Parky
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Lambs Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Lambs Marina
Elizabeth City, at the south end of the Dismal Swamp route, has been charming cruising visitors to the City Docks since 1983 and it’s wonderful that some things do not change! The city docks are officially called Mariner’s Wharf and dockage is free for 48 hours. We are proud to report that Elizabeth, NC is A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!
The Dismal Swamp Canal, the AICW Alternate Route, departs the primary AICW south of Norfolk at Statute Mile 7.2 and begins officially at Deep Creek Lock at Statute Mile 10.6. See the link below to read an earlier article on the pros and cons of the two inland route choices south of Norfolk.
Question:
We are preferring to take our Trawler thru the Dismal Swamp Canal this June… I just read an article stating this passage is not recommended for boats over 50 feet. Our Defever is 55′ LOA -by 17′ wide with a draft of 5′ . Should we avoid this experience and use the Virginia Cut based on boat size or do boats of our size typically do well with normal slow cautious traveling thru the DSC?
Don Mellinger
We take a 5.5 foot draft sailboat with 13 foot beam through twice a year. Your beam should not be a problem. If you have skegs neither should your draft…
However, given your size it would be best to be lead boat or leave a fair gap between your bow and the next boat’s transom. Even at the Corps speed limit request, boats with broad flat sections aft will suck punky debris from the bottom which take a while to settle.
Also it there have been recent heavy winds it is quite possible some of that debris will still be solid.
Tree overhangs are cut back very frequently. But it is possible for one to lean out during the night. Generally, this is a showpiece for the Corps.
Chris and Janet
I do have a few lingering questions:
Will the length of our Trawler (55′ LOA) be an issue finding overnight docking at the welcome centers and at the free docking in Elizabeth City?
Also in the unlikely event due to a canal blockage or bridge or lock issue requiring a turn around in the canal to back-track north would our 55′ LOA be an issue in doing a turn-around? I just don’t have a good feel for how wide the deeper water in the center of canal extends??
Thank you for your advice!
Don Mellinger
Click Here To Read An Earlier Discussion on Cruising the Dismal Swamp Canal
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the Elizabeth City Waterfront
Dismal Swamp Canal Bridge
The Great Dismal Swamp Canal Bridge, which crosses the Waterway at statute mile 28, has been closed for maintenance for several weeks and, except for small craft, the repairs essentially closed the Dismal Swamp Canal to navigation. With repairs now completed, the Dismal Swamp Canal is once again open for navigation. The AICW Alternate Dismal Swamp Canal Route southbound departs the primary AICW south of Norfolk at Statute Mile 7.2 and begins officially at Deep Creek Lock at Statute Mile 10.6.
Supt. Joy Greenwood reports the bridge repairs have been completed and the Canal has reopened for transient boating traffic. Please help us get the word out!
Thank you!
Donna Stewart, Director
Dismal Swamp Welcome Center
2356 US Hwy 17N
South Mills, NC 27976
Phone ~ 252-771-8333
www.DismalSwampWelcomeCenter.com
Larry and Claiborne,
Thanks for sharing the message. We were only closed for four and a half days due to hydraulic work on the bridge which crosses over the Canal to the Dismal Swamp State Park. We had a boat make the 1:30pm locking at Deep Creek and stay with us last night. If you’re still traveling south, we would love to see you.
Donna Stewart
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Dismal Swamp Canal Swing Bridge.
The recently dredged canal-like entrance channel leading to Lambs Marina cuts east from the AICW/Dismal Swamp Canal Route’s trek through Pasquotank River, south of Sawyers Creek and north of the charted railway bridge.
We left our sailboat there for 1 month. During Hurricane Sandy, our boat was safe and they maintained our dock lines as needed. Approach was easy, no shoaling conditions at all. Everyone at the marina was extremely helpful, they even provide a courtesy car for local errands.
Laurie and Steven
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Lambs Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Lamb’s Marina
The AICW Alternate Dismal Swamp Canal Route southbound departs the primary AICW south of Norfolk at Statute Mile 7.2 and begins officially at Deep Creek Lock at Statute Mile 10.6.
Question:
Does anyone know if the Dismal Swamp Locks are still restricted to just two openings per day?
WernerS
Answer:
Dismal Swamp openings 2 days ago [10/20/12] were: 8:30am; 11:00am; 1:30pm; 3:30pm
Just passed through with relatively light traffic. 3 boats at Visitors Center.
John Esch
Elizabeth City, at the south end of the Dismal Swamp route, has been charming cruising visitors to the City Docks since 1983 and it’s wonderful that some things do not change! The city docks are officially called Mariner’s Wharf and dockage is free for 48 hours. We are proud to report that Elizabeth, NC is A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!
Our home is in Kinsale, VA, and we have just made our 6th stop at the Elizabeth City Visitors Center, and of course were greeted by ‘Rose Buddy’ Gus! The folks in Eliz City are most friendly, accommodating, and we can’t say enough good things about our experiences at our favorite stop on the ICW. So take our word for it and stop on your next trip ‘North’ or ‘South’. You won’t regret it!
Tom and Kaye aboard the S/V SHEARWATER
Kudos to Elizabeth City, the Mayor and its tourism board. We had a delightful two days there and had the privilege of seeing the dress rehearsal of “The Sound of Music”. The only bad news is that the Dismal Swamp Canal, even though manned by the most wonderful people, still has a lot of sunken logs in it. Our 4 1/2 ft draft probably picked one up and damaged our props.
Bob and Margaret Kaine
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the Elizabeth City Waterfront
Elizabeth City, at the south end of the Dismal Swamp route, has been charming cruising visitors to the City Docks since 1983 and it’s wonderful that some things do not change! The city docks are officially called Mariner’s Wharf and dockage is free for 48 hours. However, we were once allowed to stay for three days when high winds prevented the Alligator River Bridge from opening. We are proud to report that Elizabeth, NC is A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!
Cruising News:
Elizabeth City is always a great stop for cruisers. A great place to talk with some of the boaters you’ve been traveling with and get ready for the trip across the Albemarle. Especially want to thank Jessica and Susan at the Convention and Visitors Center for their help when I found out that I needed to get some parts and do some rewiring.
Bill Watson
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the Elizabeth City Waterfront
There’s never a dull moment at this Salty Southeast Cruisers’ Net Sponsor!
October 4, 2012
Book Discussion & Signing @ Page After Page Bookstore
Featured Author: Bland Simpson
Author of: “Two Captains from Carolina: Moses Grandy, John Newland Maffitt, and the Coming of the Civil War”
Location: Page After Page Bookstore
5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Admission: FREE
252-335-7243
http://www.pageafterpagebook.com
Ocotber 5, 2012
First Friday ArtWalk
Various Locations around Downtown Elizabeth City
5:30 pm – 7:00 pm
Admission: FREE
Arts of the Albemarle: 252-338-6455
Page After Page Bookstore: 252-335-7243
Port Discover: 252-338-6117
Serenity Studio Arts: 252-331-2940
October 6 – 27, 2012
Downtown Waterfront Market
Only runs on Saturdays.
Location: Mariners Wharf
9:00 am – 1:00 pm
Admission: FREE
Courtney Birdsall: 252-267-8329
http://www.downtownwaterfrontmarket.com
October 12 & 13, 2012
Elizabeth City Historic Ghost Walk
Location: Downtown Elizabeth City
5:30 pm – 9:30 pm
Admission: $12 – General Admission, $10 – Military
Purchase tickets at Arts of the Albemarle, Muddy Waters, Page After Page Bookstore, or Village Roaster
Elizabeth City Historic Neighborhood Association: 1-888-936-7387
http://www.historicghostwalk.org
October 14, 2012
Wagon Ride at the Dismal Swamp
Location: Dismal Swamp State Park – Visitor Center
11:00 am & 2:00 pm
Admission: FREE
252-771-6593
http://www.ncparks.gov/Visit/parks/disw/main.php
October 21, 2012
Kayaking the Canal at the Dismal Swamp
Location: Dismal Swamp State Park – Bridge
10:00 am
Admission: FREE (Pre-Registration Required)
252-771-6593
http://www.ncparks.gov/Visit/parks/disw/main.php
October 21, 2012
Bats at the Dismal Swamp
Location: Dismal Swamp State Park – Auditorium
2:00 pm
Admission: FREE
252-771-6593
http://www.ncparks.gov/Visit/parks/disw/main.php
October 27, 2012
Harvest Market Festival
Location: Downtown Elizabeth City
9:00 am – 1:00 pm
Admission: FREE
Susan Hinkle: 252-619-4022
Courtney Birdsall: 252-267-8329
October 28, 2012
Birds of the Night at the Dismal Swamp
Location: Dismal Swamp State Park – Auditorium
2:00 pm
Admission: FREE
252-771-6593
http://www.ncparks.gov/Visit/parks/disw/main.php
The AICW Alternate Dismal Swamp Canal Route southbound departs the primary AICW south of Norfolk at Statute Mile 7.2 and begins officially at Deep Creek Lock at Statute Mile 10.6. See the link below to read an earlier article on the pros and cons of the two inland route choices south of Norfolk.
Cruising News:
Having gone through the Dismal Swamp route a few times in the past and also being on the leading edge of the annual migration south this year, we would like to report that our passage resulted in our going bump at least 10 times that eventually resulted in a broken shaft. We draft 4 1/2 feet and although we did see the ACOE barge working away, we experienced our bumps occurred both up and down stream from them. Just fair warning especially to all powerboats, you may want to think again before attempting this route this year as the risk may just not be worth it.
Doug Cordello
We’re disappointed to hear Mr. Cordello experienced problems. The Army Corps of Engineers has the Elizabeth II barge and crane in the Canal currently to do cleaning and debris removal of stray logs and any other problems they may find. We are grateful they managed to secure funding in the budget and scheduled the crew in the waterway late summer to try to tame nature. The Dismal Swamp Canal is such a beautiful treasure, we do our best to make her as hospitable as possible.
Donna Stewart, Director
Dismal Swamp Welcome Center
2356 US Hwy 17N
South Mills, NC 27976
Phone ~ 252-771-8333
www.DismalSwampWelcomeCenter.com
We have to agree; the articles we read elsewhere said that the dismal swamp canal was cleaned, and we wanted to enjoy the ride, so we took it. We were one of two trawlers and 12 sailboats that went through the lock at one time. We also draft 4.5 feet and just had our props trued and balanced, running perfectly. We had about five serious bumps and now the vibration is back, so we are hoping it is just the props and not the shafts. Many of our travelers said the same thing.
Bob and Margaret Kaine
Click Here To Read An Earlier Posting on the Dismal Swamp Canal
After reading the USCG article depicted below, we immediately began researching this incident. If there was a piling waiting just below the surface to ambush the keel of any cruising craft, we wanted to find out about it forthwith. Well, one cool week later after an even half dozen calls to the Elizabeth City, NC USCG Small Boat Base, we were getting seriously frustrated. None of our calls were being returned, even after more than one thorough explanation that we were just attempting to provide information to the cruising community which would avoid a repetition of the incident in question.
Thus it was that we turned to our friends at the Elizabet City Convention and Visitor’s Center, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, for help. Less than 24 hours later, a promptly returned called solved the mystery. Many, many thanks to Captain Susan for clearing up this question.
Turns out the semi-sinking took place well south of the downtown Elizabeth City Waterfront, along the eastern banks of the Pasquotank River, opposite the old blimp factory (northwest of marker #4). It seems that somehow the vessel in question had wandered into shoal water abutting the river’s eastern banks, near the charted position of “Elizabeth City Beach.” Even a quick gander at chart 12206 shows plentiful evidence of submerged pilings along this shoreline. Just stay anywhere within striking distance of the main AICW/Pasquotank River channel, and your vessel can easily avoid a similar fate.
Case closed, mystery solved!
PORTSMOUTH, Va. — The Coast Guard assisted three people aboard a sailboat that was taking on water in the Pasquotank River near Elizabeth City, N.C., Saturday. [9/1/2012]
A member aboard the 32-foot sailboat Grace contacted Coast Guard Sector North Carolina watchstanders at approximately 2:45 p.m. reporting their boat hit a submerged piling, were taking on water and had 14 inches of water in the boat.
Sector North Carolina watchstanders dispatched a crew aboard a 25-foot Response Boat – Small from Coast Guard Station Elizabeth City to assist. Once on scene, the RB-S crew removed the three people from the boat and took them to Lambs Marina in Camden, N.C.
Tow Boat U.S. is scheduled to salvage the boat.
The sailboat is not blocking the channel and there are no reports of pollution.
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the Above Incident
The recently dredged canal-like entrance channel leading to Lambs Marina cuts east from the AICW/Dismal Swamp Canal Route’s trek through Pasquotank River, south of Sawyers Creek and north of the charted railway bridge.
We stayed here during our Carolina Loop cruise. Not a fancy marina but everyone was very helpful and accommodating. Dave the dockmaster went out of his way to help. Very clean restrooms and air cond. Deep water in and out in well marked channel. Good value for the money and local boat owners very friendly. Reminded us of like the old days of cruising. Highly recommend if you are doing the Dismal Swamp.
Doyle and LaVisa (Halifax)
Click Here To View the Cruisers’ Net’s North Carolina Marina Directory Listing For Lambs Marina
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Lamb’s Marina
Elizabeth City and the Rose Buddies have been charming cruising visitors to the City Docks since 1983. Over 15 years ago, my family and I were privileged to meet the original Rose Buddy, Fred Fearing, who passed away in 2007, and we got the same warm greeting and assistance as did Ken and Francie. Isn’t it wonderful that some things do not change! The city docks are officially called Mariner’s Wharf City Docks and dockage is free for 48 hours, although we were once allowed to stay for three days when high winds prevented the Alligator River Bridge from opening. We are proud to report that Elizabeth, NC is A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!
Stopped off here doing the Carolina Loop. Met Gus who stated he is last of the original Rose Buddies. Unfortunately we stopped on Labor Day and everything was closed. Gus said they do not get the boats they used to due to the economy. We stayed here many years ago and I recall it was a full house. This trip we were the first boat in awhile. Can’t beat the rates but if you desire more services I suggest cruising a short distance north to Lambs Marina. BTW – the Carolina Loop is a nice cruise and everyone should do the Dismal Swamp at least once. May not be there forever.
Doyle and LaVisa (Halifax)
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the Elizabeth City Waterfront
Looking westerly into the Goat Island oxbow anchorage from G11
I could not agree more with Captains Diana and Mark. If you are not in a hurry, and are willing to take a small chance of encountering semi-sunken debris, then by all means “Do the Dismal,” as AICW veterans would say. Cruising the canal, particularly early in the morning is a very unique ecological experience. The water is the color of coffee, with just a hint of cream, and morning mist can often be seen rishing from these colored depths. The canal is bordered by almost all-natural shores, overlooked by tall cypress trees trailing their beards of grey moss. South Carolina’s Waccamaw River justifiably has the reputation as the most beautiful stretch between Norfolk and Miami, but I, for one, think the Dismal has a good claim on being #2!
Hi Claiborne,
We always advise cruisers … don’t take the name too literally. The “Dismal Swamp” is in fact a stunningly beautiful alternative route through the lowlands (okay, swamps) of Virginia and North Carolina.
Every boater should do the Dismal at least once, for the experience as well as a change of scenery over the Virginia Cut Route.
Goat Island Camping Platform where you can go ashore to explore or land a pet
Goat Island Anchorage is located along the Dismal’s Pasquotank River, just before you reach the bustle of Elizabeth City. It’s your chance to experience the swamp for a peaceful night at anchor, tucked safely behind mosquito screens. Listen for owls and frogs, seemingly in the wilderness, but safely within earshot of homes hidden along the oxbow canal.
It’s an ideal anchorage: wide and deep yet boasting all-around protection. You can anchor anywhere in the oxbow behind Goat Island, selecting a spot to get the best protection for the night’s forecast.
Goat Island even has a small dock with a boardwalk (the Goat Island Camping Platform) where you can go ashore to explore or land a pet.
The anchorage is well-positioned for both north- and southbound staging. Only 7 miles to the south, you can treat yourself to dockage at one of Elizabeth City’s free options: Mid-Atlantic Christian University Docks, Jennette Brothers Bulkhead, or the Elizabeth City Courtesy Docks and Bulkhead.
And cruiser-friendly Elizabeth City is the perfect pit stop, with many stores and restaurants, and free rides to and from the local supermarket.
Best and see you On the Water,
Captains Mark & Diana Doyle
www.OnTheWaterChartGuides.com
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the Goat Island Anchorage
The anchorage behind Goat Island is one of several really good anchor down spots along the course of the Pasquotank River/AICW Alternate Dismal Swamp Canal Route, between the South Mills Lock and Elizabeth City. The Goat Island anchorage probably boasts the best combination of depths and good holding ground of all these overnight havens.
Goat Island is a great spot. We liveaboard at Lambs Marina and frequently go anchor out for a weekend at the island. Very peaceful, save for the occasional PWC or powerboaters blasting by.
Steve Mims
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of the Goat Island Anchorage
"Blue Run Springs Park Manatees – St. Johns River"
by: Glen and Jill Moore
