Elizabeth City: Save the Date: Christmas Celebrations
Elizabeth City sits at the southern terminus of the Dismal Swamp Canal and has the well-earned reputation of being a transient-friendly town with free dockage for 72 hours.
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Elizabeth City: November News from the Chamber!
Elizabeth City sits at the southern terminus of the Dismal Swamp Canal and has the well-earned reputation of being a transient-friendly town with free dockage for 72 hours.
RSVP FOR FRIENDSGIVING!!! RSVP For Lunch Bunch! 
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Elizabeth City Area Chamber of Commerce | 502 E. Ehringhaus St. | Elizabeth City, NC 27909 US Unsubscribe | Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice 
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Elizabeth City: Save the Date: Christmas Celebrations
Elizabeth City sits at the southern terminus of the Dismal Swamp Canal and has the well-earned reputation of being a transient-friendly town with free dockage for 72 hours.
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Elizabeth City: Your Autumn Escape Awaits in October
Elizabeth City sits at the southern terminus of the Dismal Swamp Canal and has the well-earned reputation of being a transient friendly town with free dockage for 72 hours.
DOWNTOWN FEATURED EVENTS PLACES TO STAY Cozy vibes, waterfront breezes, and local charm await this October.
Autumn unwinds in Elizabeth City and you should too.
Our new self-service kayak kiosk allows users to quickly grab a kayak by downloading the Rent.Fun app. The kiosk brings a splash of adventure right to our community’s doorstep! Read more here.
September 29th through October 3rd 9 am – 4 pm, Arts of the Albemarle presents, Splash Week, a week long artist retreat for artists of all levels and disciplines to create in a communal studio. More information can be found here.
On Friday October 4th from 4 pm – 7 pm, Elizabeth City Downtown Inc. is hosting the Friday ArtWalk. Enjoy an evening downtown as local businesses feature guest artists. Browse downtown shops and dine at favorite restaurants. This event is free to attend.
October 10th and 11th at 5:30 pm, Step back in time with the
annual ECHNA Ghost Walk which blends historic home tours, immersive theatre, and local history into an unforgettable evening experience. Tickets are required for this event.
October 11th from 12 pm – 4 pm Hosted by Ghost Harbor Brewing Co. and Elizabeth City Downtown Inc., A thrilling mix of craft beer tasting, adventure, and a small business crawl. Teams race through downtown, solving challenges and collecting puzzle pieces. Tickets can be purchased here.
October 24th – 26th at 10 am Celebrate craftsmanship at the 65th Albemarle Craftsman’s Fair, three days filled with handmade artistry, live demonstrations, and one-of-a-kind finds. Tickets are required for this event.
October 30 at 7 pm, Elizabeth City State University Community Connections presents, Ailey II: The Next Generation of Dance. Where every performance inspires, captivates and moves audiences. Tickets can be purchased here.
Looking for a perfect place to stay? Explore our lodging accommodations and while you’re in town, discover our local shops and restaurants waiting to welcome you!
Copyright (C) 2025, Visit Elizabeth City. All rights reserved.
Our mailing address is:
Visit Elizabeth City
400 South Water Street Suite 100
Elizabeth City, NC 27909Be the first to comment!
Elizabeth City: Your Autumn Escape Awaits
Elizabeth City sits at the southern terminus of the Dismal Swamp Canal and has the well-earned reputation of being a transient friendly town with free dockage for 72 hours.
DOWNTOWN FEATURED EVENTS PLACES TO STAY Autumn unwinds in Elizabeth City and you should too!
Our new self-service kayak kiosk at College Park (600 Southern Avenue) allows users to quickly grab a kayak by downloading the Rent.Fun app and scanning the QR code on the kiosk. The launch brings a splash of adventure right to our community’s doorstep! Read more here.
On Friday September 4 at 4 pm, Elizabeth City Downtown Inc. is hosting the First Friday ArtWalk where downtown art studios and businesses host guest artists and musicians.
Tuesday’s in September through September 23rd enjoy free live music at Music on the Green, held at Mariners’ Wharf on our beautiful downtown waterfront at 6 pm. This event is hosted by Elizabeth City Downtown Inc. and free to attend.
On Thursday September 11th at 8 pm, ECSU Community Connections presents, Step Afrika! which blends stepping, live drumming and storytelling into an electrifying performance. This event is free to attend but registration is required.
September 13th at 7 pm, College of the Albemarle Performing arts center presents, The “Original” Moonlighters- One of the country’s premier Motown and variety cover bands. Tickets can be purchased here.
September 29th through October 3rd 9 am – 4 pm, Arts of the Albemarle presents, SPLASH Week, a week long artist retreat for artists of all levels and disciplines to create in a communal studio.
Looking for a perfect place to stay? Explore our lodging accommodations and while you’re in town, discover our local shops and restaurants waiting to welcome you!
Copyright (C) 2025, Visit Elizabeth City. All rights reserved.
Our mailing address is:
Visit Elizabeth City
400 South Water Street Suite 100
Elizabeth City, NC 27909This email was sent to senioreditor@cruisersnet.net
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Visit Elizabeth City · 501 S Water St · Elizabeth City, NC 27909 · USABe the first to comment!
Merry Christmas! from the Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome Center
A SEASON’S GREETINGS from Dismal Swamp Welcome Center, A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR! The Dismal Swamp Route departs the southbound Waterway at MM 7.2. Your southbound alternate is the Virginia Cut through Great Bridge, VA.Sarah Hill, TMP
Director, Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome CenterChairperson, Camden County Tourism Development Authority2356 US Hwy 17 North, South Mills, NC 27976
252-771-8333 | shill@camdencountync.gov www.DismalSwampWelcomeCenter.com Be the first to comment!
Good News from Dismal Swamp Canal, AICW Alternate Route
The Dismal Swamp Route departs the southbound Waterway at MM 7.2 and northbound via the Pasquatank River. Our thanks to Sarah Hill for this invitation from Dismal Swamp Welcome Center, A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR!
Good Morning!
Hope all is well! Passing along some fall images from the Dismal Swamp Canal & Dismal Swamp State Park- we’re starting to see some autumn colors pop up.
Happy to report from recent boaters, very little to no duckweed- no issues. Locks & drawbridges operating on normal schedule.
We’ve put together a few “Know before you go” DSC Boating tips on our website:
https://www.dismalswampwelcomecenter.com/boating-paddling
Please feel free to share.
Many thanks to everyone cruising the historic waterway ~ we look forward to seeing you soon!
Sarah
Sarah Hill, TMP
Director, Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome CenterChairperson, Camden County Tourism Development Authority
2356 US Hwy 17 North, South Mills, NC 27976
252-771-8333 | shill@camdencountync.gov www.DismalSwampWelcomeCenter.com 
Comments from Cruisers (1)
- Reply to Herve
Just pass the canal on 10/29-30 /24. 6 feet of water and wonderful stop at the visitor center. A beautiful trip in a serein environment. No rag weeds. A first for us and I am glad we did it.
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Camden County Events ~ Save the Dates! Dismal Swamp Welcome Station, NC
The Dismal Swamp Route departs the southbound Waterway at MM 7.2 and northbound via the Pasquatank River. Our thanks to Sarah Hill for this invitation from Dismal Swamp Welcome Center, A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR!
Good Morning!
Please save the dates! We’ve got several fall community events planned in Camden County, home of Dismal Swamp State Park, and we hope you will join us to celebrate our local heritage and nature.
*Our Camden Heritage Festival is scheduled for Saturday, September 21st, 2024 from 10am-3pm at Camden Community Park (125 Noblitt Dr., Camden, NC 27921). We are super excited to kick off the day with a performance from the award winning Camden County Bands along with local live entertainment throughout the day. This year’s festivities will include living history re-enactors from the 1st NC Regiment of the Continental Line from Tryon Palace, as we commemorate America 250 NC. We hope you’ll join us for a great community day filled with craft vendors, petting zoo, local business displays, K9 demos, carriage rides, classic cars, food trucks, antique tractors, axe throwing & so much more!
*The Dismal Swamp State Park (2294 US Hwy 17 N, South Mills, NC 27976) will host their 10th Annual Dismal Day event, October 12, highlighting the swamp’s rich natural & cultural history from 10am-2pm. The day kicks off with a 5K Fun Run/Walk along the Dismal Swamp Canal Trail. Don’t miss delicious food, music, wagon rides through the swamp, paddling on the canal, OBX Lizard Land reptiles, craft & activities celebrating the “Year of the Bear”, and educational exhibits.
If you are interested in being a vendor – please let us know. (Camden Heritage Festival Registration ends 8/30/24)
Additional event information coming soon. Please feel free to share, post & print.
Thank you for your continued support and we hope you will be able to join us!
Many thanks,
Sarah Hill, TMP
Director, Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome CenterChairperson, Camden County Tourism Development Authority2356 US Hwy 17 North, South Mills, NC 27976
252-771-8333 | shill@camdencountync.gov www.DismalSwampWelcomeCenter.com Be the first to comment!
Dismal Swamp Canal Now Open! Alternate AICW Route
The Dismal Swamp Route departs the southbound Waterway at MM 7.2. Our thanks to Sarah Hill for this good news from Dismal Swamp Welcome Center, A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR! See original LNM: NAV ALERT
Good Monday Morning,
Per the Norfolk District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers the historic Dismal Swamp Canal has reopened to boating traffic and resumed normal operations today, April 8th, 2024!
Lock Schedule : 8:30 & 11am and 1:30 & 3:30pm
We hope to see you soon & don’t forget to stop by and grab the new 2024 #DismalSwamp Boating sticker!
Many thanks,
Sarah
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Elizabeth City history traces back to early Colonial days – Eric Medlin
Elizabeth City sits at the southern terminus of the Dismal Swamp Canal and has the well-earned reputation of being a transient friendly town with free dockage for 72 hours.
Click here for Elizabeth City history traces back to early Colonial days
CoastalReview.orgBe the first to comment!
Annual First Day Hike, Jan 1st, Dismal Swamp Welcome Center, AICW Alternate Route
The Dismal Swamp Route departs the southbound Waterway at MM 7.2. Our thanks to Sarah Hill for this invitation from Dismal Swamp Welcome Center, A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR!
The Dismal Swamp State Park is hosting their annual First Day Hike on Jan. 1st, 2024 at 10am. Enjoy a relaxing and beautiful 2 mile loop of Supple Jack Trail with Ranger Alan Brown. See the link below for more details & contacts:
https://www.ncparks.gov/state-parks/dismal-swamp-state-park/events/first-day-hike-2024
Thanks,
Sarah
Sarah Hill, TMP
Director, Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome CenterChairperson, Camden County Tourism Development Authority
2356 US Hwy 17 North, South Mills, NC 27976
252-771-8333 | shill@camdencountync.gov
www.DismalSwampWelcomeCenter.com
www.VisitCamdenCountync.com
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LNM: Alt ICW MM 7, Long Term Deep Creek Bridge Replacement, Dismal Swamp Canal, NC
Our thanks to Sarah Hill, Director of Dismal Swamp Welcome Center, for this notice.
Click here for NTNI – Deep Creek Bridge Replacement Project
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Report from Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome Center, AICW Alternate Route, NC
The Great Dismal Swamp, whose alternate ICW route departs the southbound Waterway at MM 7.2 and northbound via the Pasquotank River in NE Albemarle Sound. Dismal Swamp Welcome Center is A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR! Our thanks to Sarah Hill for this report.The Dismal Swamp Canal is open to navigation & locks are operating normally. Attaching some images from the last couple days- it has been a busy spring/summer along the waterway!
Thanks,
Sarah
Sarah Hill, TMP
Director, Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome CenterChairperson, Camden County Tourism Development Authority2356 US Hwy 17 North, South Mills, NC 27976
252-771-8333 | shill@camdencountync.gov www.DismalSwampWelcomeCenter.com 
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Shades of Spring, Dismal Swamp State Park, NC, AICW Alternate Route
The Great Dismal Swamp, whose alternate ICW route departs the southbound Waterway at MM 7.2 and northbound via the Pasquotank River in NE Albemarle Sound. Dismal Swamp Welcome Center is A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR!
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Great Bridge Locks – Reduced Opening Schedule, Dismal Swamp Canal is Open
The Dismal Swamp Canal’s locks are open and accessed southbound at MM 7.2 south of Norfolk or northbound from Albemarle Sound and the Pasquatank River.
See UPDATE: NAV ALERT: LNM: AICW MM 12 Great Bridge Temporary Openings
The Dismal Swamp Canal is OPEN and locks are operating on their normal schedule.
Thanks,
Sarah
Sarah Hill, TMP
Director, Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome CenterChairperson, Camden County Tourism Development Authority2356 US Hwy 17 North, South Mills, NC 27976252-771-8333 | shill@camdencountync.gov www.DismalSwampWelcomeCenter.com 
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window Zoomed To the Location of South Mills Lock
Click Here To View the North Carolina Cruisers Net Bridge Directory Listing For South Mills Lock
Click Here To View the VA to NC 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
Comments from Cruisers (1)
- Reply to Clarke
We transited the Dismal Swamp Canal northbound May 16 and 17. Saw one boat and hecwas tied up at Rest Center headed south. Canal is great place for photography. My wife was a happy camper taking lots of photos. Lockmasters at both ends were helpful and friendly. Locks easy to transition. Hardly any turbulence atvall. Rest Center on VA NC border convenient stop overnight if you need one. Well maintained. Space for three or four boats. Bathrooms and water available. I never heard road traffic at night. We have a 5’ draft. We clunked 4 or 5 times in the 22 mile canal. Probably sunken logs/branches bseveral felled trees along the way. No issue. Lots of high trees with overhanging branches. We tried to avoid them but one broke off wind vane at top of the mast. All in all, I liked no traffic, beautiful photography, easy overnight. Overhanging trees are a problem for sailboats.
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‘Morass’ no more: Great Dismal could get new designation by Catherine Kozak
The Great Dismal Swamp, whose alternate ICW route departs the southbound Waterway at MM 7.2, is currently being considered for designation as a National Heritage Area. Dismal Swamp Welcome Center is A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR!
Paddlers take to the water in the Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge. Photo: USFWS
Click here for ‘Morass’ no more: Great Dismal could get new designation
by Catherine Kozak, CoastalReview.orgBe the first to comment!
Dismal Swamp State Park Reopened, AICW Alternate Route
The State Park, adjacent to the Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome Center, has completed maintenance work and is open to the public. The Dismal Swamp Canal Route departs the southbound Waterway at MM 7.2 and the northbound Waterway via the Pasquatank River. Our thanks to Sarah Hill for this report from Dismal Swamp Welcome Center, A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR!
Greetings!
Our friends and neighbors at the Dismal Swamp State Park have reopened to visitors. They have resumed their normal operating hours, which can be found on their website https://www.ncparks.gov/dismal-swamp-state-park/home . For additional information please contact the park staff at 252-771-6593.
Many thanks,
Sarah
Sarah Hill, TMP
Director, Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome CenterChairperson, Camden County Tourism Development Authority
2356 US Hwy 17 North, South Mills, NC 27976
252-771-8333 | shill@camdencountync.gov www.DismalSwampWelcomeCenter.com Be the first to comment!
May 7th- Dismal Swamp Canal- Paddle for the Border, AICW Alternate Route
The Dismal Swamp Route departs the southbound Waterway at MM 7.2. Your southbound alternate is the Virginia Cut through Great Bridge, VA. Our thanks to Sarah Hill for this report from Dismal Swamp Welcome Center, A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR!
To our Boating Community:
The 17th annual Paddle for the Border event will be held on Saturday, May 7th, beginning near mm28 at the Dismal Swamp State Park paddle launch on the historic Dismal Swamp Canal. We will host about 375 canoes and kayaks launching approximately 8:30am and travel 7.5 miles north to the Ballahack Boat Ramp, in Chesapeake, VA. This event encourages recognition of the historical waterway and its importance to our area. The Dismal Swamp State Park, City of Chesapeake Parks, Rec and Tourism, Camden County, Dismal Swamp Welcome Center, and USACE all collaborate to promote this shared asset between two states.
We love our boaters and know this can be an inconvenience in their attempt to travel the waterway, but this event occurs for a few hours once a year. We’d like to suggest a compromise. Our set up starts early in the morning with traffic crossing the State Park pedestrian bridge for preparations, breakfast and registration at around 6:30am. If you are tied up at the Welcome Center dock, we invite you to join us for a light breakfast at 7:30am and enjoy the view. The launch will begin and paddlers will have cleared out of MM 28 location by 10:30am, heading north. Paddlers have usually made their destination at Ballahack Road by 1 pm.
We want this experience to be enjoyable for all of our waterway travelers. Pulling out early from our dock will also lead you on your way, without any encounters with paddlers. If you are staying at our Welcome Center dock the evening before, we will remind you of the upcoming events in the morning, to assist in your choices.
I hope this message will provide the ability to plan a great day on the Dismal Swamp Canal for all of our guests, paddlers and boaters, alike. On behalf of the Paddle for the Border Committee, thank you for sharing this with your boating partners and please let us know if you have any questions.
Many thanks,
Sarah Hill, TMP
Director, Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome CenterChairperson, Camden County Tourism Development Authority
2356 US Hwy 17 North, South Mills, NC 27976
252-771-8333 | shill@camdencountync.gov www.DismalSwampWelcomeCenter.com Be the first to comment!
Visit Camden Heritage Museum and Historic Jail, Camden, NC
Camden County is home to the Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome Center, A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR, located adjacent to the Dismal Swamp State Park, offering trails, exhibits and ongoing programs in Camden County, NC. Docks are provided by the Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome Center, a NC DOT Rest Area facility. Camden Heritage Museum is approximately 30 minutes by car in Camden, NC
Now open Saturdays, 10am to 3pm . Sunday through Friday are by appointment only.
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Great Dismal Swamp Canal Passage Report by Joshua Gordan
The Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome Center is located adjacent to the Dismal Swamp State Park, offering trails, exhibits and ongoing programs in Camden County, NC. Docks are provided by the Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome Center, A CRUISERS NET SPONSOR and a NC DOT Rest Area facility. See Fall Update.
Greetings,
Winston Fowler has asked me to send some photos and comments on my transit of the swamp on my cape dory 28.I entered Deep ck lock yesterday10/12… stopped at the visitor center, and passed through to Elizabeth city today.People have a concern about duckweed… right now, there is very little until you get a mile or so from south mills. There, It is moderate, not really fully covering the canal. After south mills, it is relatively full, for about a mile past turners cut .. where it clears up altogether. I have included some photos… And also of my sea strainer , which I did not clean the entire way, so this is the total accumulation.Other impressions;Robert will be missed at Deep Creek, but the young man who is tending now is cheerful, and engaged. He called a few times, explained the process, and was happy to be there. This contrasts the older guy at south mills, who lifted the bridge without warning me ( I was still anchored) , and so the bridge we as open for a bit longer that it needed to be… Once in the lock, he drove to the far end and let the water out… The gates opened, but of course I could not tell if he was on his way back to toss lines… I set myself free, and motored out. He was still in the lock shack… Good thing I didn’t wait for him! Just a few words would make his and other’s days go better.I think that the side and overhead brush is pretty ragged, and encroaches on the navigation. There is one spot that required snaking my 42′ mast between trees on opposite banks. There are three large floaters along the way that could do some real damage The big transit season is coming up, and it’s too bad it is in this shape. Most of the side waterway signs are damaged or overgrown.Still, it is a beautiful trip, and a resource that VA and NC should take care of.Thank you for all you do for us boaters!Sincerely,Joshua Gordon. S/V WayfinderUscg 100 ton master
Comments from Cruisers (1)
- Reply to Robert
I agree with the comments above, It is no big deal to transit the DSC and you must remain on your toes both overhead and in the mirrored waters ahead of you. I still prefer this route in our 40' Manta Catamaran. However, with a 65' air draft and a relief at the helm, we cleaded the top of the mast of $500 worth of hardware with an overhanging tree that was overlooked.
Still a beautiful trip that we will make again.
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