The following discussion about cruising the Dismal Swamp Canal Route is copied from the Net's "Ask Your Neighbor" page and the AGLCA mailing list. This is good info about cruising one of my favorite routes!

Hi All,
We were thinking of doing the Dismal Swamp in a few  days.  Has anyone transited this area lately?  We draw 5 ft. and were  wondering about the depths.  Any thoughts would be  appreciated.

Jeff and Susie Parker
Idyll Time

You might want to go the the web site on Salty South East at www.cruisersnet.net and they have some posting of travel through the canal.  Also you might call the Dismal Swamp Canal Visitors Center 252-771-8333.  Penny is the manager and is very help full with information on the water levels and Lock opening times etc.  She communicates the locks on a daily basis.  It was worth the trip to us as we have traversed several times now. 
Larry & Theresa V.

Havn't been that way yet this year but this is about the best time for a 5' draft boat to make it through. We have had more than enough rain. Can't speak for exact levels but you should be able to get through without any problems.
Angus

We are sitting at the visitor center as I write this. We draw 4' 8". We tapped a couple of submerger logs (?) but by staying in the middle there has been enough water (so far).
Jim G
Footloose

We're thinking about doing it too. We've heard it's beautiful. We draw 4'6 in saltwater in our 65 foot Marlow. How hard were the "taps?" Did you have any trouble with passing other boats?
Mell and Michael on Tortuga

We did it last year and are in Elizabeth City now and will go through most likely on Tuesday the most important thing I can say is go slow and do not follow to close behind any other boats as they tend to stir up the dead heads. I would try to stay 1/4 mile behind someone if you can that's what we did last year and had?no problems very nice trip enjoy it.
Larry & Margie Ross
Wanderin' L&M
55' Hampton