Atlantic Yacht Basin, A CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, is located just south of the Great Bridge lock and bridge at Mile Marker 12.
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Our thanks to William Spaur for bringing this to our attention. Deep Creek Basin is on the south shore of the Dismal Swamp Route east of Deep Creek Lock.
The COVE on Deep Creek, the Deep Creek Basin, is now being developed by RYAN HOMES and has been named BRYAN’S COVE. The land and the water are now NO TRESPASSING.
Deep Creek Cove is near the junction of the Southern Branch of the Elizabeth River and Deep Creek waterway, Chesapeake VA. It has always been a favorite anchorage for boats transiting the Dismal Swamp Canal. It is a borrow pit vintage 1962 to develop Interstate 64. It is the size of a city block and connected to Deep Creek by a narrow channel.
William Spaur
I thought I truly hated lawyers until it became a photo… Then I realized I hate a developers far more.
I would be very surprised to find out that this is a legal restriction.
Is this legitimate or just another case of a landowner overstepping his bounds ?
Our thanks to AGLCA members for this nice thread regarding their recent experiences navigating the Great Dismal Swamp Canal and visiting Elizabeth City, both CRUISERS’ NET SPONSORS! The Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome Center Docks and information are provided at the Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome Center, a NC DOT Rest Area facility, located adjacent to the Dismal Swamp State Park, offering trails, exhibits and ongoing programs in Camden County, NC. Elizabeth City and Mariners Wharf is located on the Pasquotank River off the northeast corner of Albemarle Sound and at the southern end of the Dismal Swamp Canal Route.
We came thru Dismal 10 days ago…water was less beautiful as lots of pollen on water then. Also additional risk to prop hitting submerged snags, but you are seeing history on rivers & canal trip. You also get to soend a couple minutes with Bob at the North Lock! BOB is a HERO to boaters. At North end of locks if you are there early you can tie up to landing before draw bridge before lock and do a quick shop in the Supermarket a block east or run over to Pizza + for an exceptional lunch.
Ed Kelly
The dismal swamp is used by slow boats with no schedule. The is a six Stm per Hour speed limit, and the dockmaster will enforce that. It is shallow, but a 6′ draft boat without exposed running gear can easily do it without issues. I recommend that boats not follow another boat at less than 1/2 to 3/4 mile. That way, if the first boat does pick up debris off the bottom, that debris will have time too settle back down before the following boat arrives.
We came through the Dismal Swamp a month ago. It’s our preferred route for the reasons cited by Ben and Brenda. We had no issues.
There are locks at Deep Creek (the lockmaster at Deep Creek is ROBERT Peek, not Bob.) and South Mills. The locks operate four times per day, at 08h30, 11h00, 13h30 and 15h30. The distance between the locks is 22 miles. There is no good place to hold station at either end, so the strategy is to travel at 5 StM per Hour to avoid getting there early. There are no wakes. The Dismal Swamp canal is narrow, and in general, passing is probably inappropriate. Fast boats do not use the Dismal Swamp.
The Albemarle and Chesapeake route is used by go-fast boat with no courtesy for slower vessels. Two of the drawbridges have been replaced, but there are still several bridges that operate on 1/2 hour or 1 hour schedules. The is one lock, at Great Beidge. It operates on an hourly schedule. You will get waked by go fast boats. Secure for that stretch as if you are going offshore in nasty weather conditions.
Hope this is useful,
Jim Healy
Hands down, Dismal Swamp Canal. Only recrational boats, and not many, in Our experience. Beautiful, serene, lots of birds, turtles, deer. Don’t miss it! The Virginia Cut (which includes Coinjock) is fine, but lots of commercial traffic and sports fisherman.
Gena Olson
To add to our original post, if you are opting for the swamp canal and plan to stay at the city’s free Mariner’s Wharf, I think it has a 48 or 72 hour limit. That in mind, the 4th of July and Independence Day festivities are approaching so you might want to scurry in. There are a couple of marinas but have never used them. We happened to be in Elizabeth City on the 4th several years ago and the fireworks were launched off a barge a 100 yards or so behind the docks towards the sound so pull bow in. There will also be festivities on the lawn adjoining to waterfront. Haven’t been there for two years and the only concern was the old crooked mooring pilings but they may have replaced them by now when the new bridge was built.
I Stand corrected… I think the Rose Buddy welcome crew was re-birthed. The lady of the boat was welcomed with a fresh cut rose grown on sight.
Brenda Sanderson
Went through 3 days ago. Beautiful narrow and shallow. Bumped something 8 to 10 times. Have 3 ft draf and protected props. Stayed overnight at welcome center. Have plenty bug spray and fly swatter the green flies are terrible and hurt. We enjoyed the slow beautiful trip.
Elwyn & Carol Segres
We came through yesterday and today and overnighted at the visitors centre. Lowest water we saw was 6.5 ft but we smacked a couple of large logs, the worst of which was 1.5 miles north of the visitors Center. We sat on idle for most of the trip so we don’t think we stirred them up but we do draw 5ft.
Great trip but we will go the Virginia Cut on the way south.
Paul Lewis
We came through in April and anchored off Goat Island because the southern lock was down for the day. Then rafted with 5 other boats at the Visitor Center and waited out a severe storm for two nights. Dodged a bit of flotsam along the way. But would not have missed this part of the journey for all the steak in the world – the trip through the swamp is simply magical.
AND Lockmaster Bob is a skilled musician with a conch shell – if you have one on board, pass it up and ask for a tune or two.
Breandon and Kathleen
When traveling down the Dismal Swamp, stay to the center of the channel OR drop your VHF antenna if it has an air draft of >=22ft. We wandered to the side and tore ours off 3 years ago. Forgot about the overhead clearance of the tree branches! Otherwise, it was a very nice trip.
Joyce Truthan
Tangier Island is a very special place, definitely one of those never-to-be-forgotten spots in the Chesapeake. If you have not visited this step back in time, do it now before it’s gone.
A combination of storm-driven erosion and sea-level rise, which are both increasing as climate change advances, may soon swallow the island entirely.
Tangier, the Sinking Island in the Chesapeake from The New Yorker
Our thanks to M/V Bella and Hank Pomeranz of Carolina Yacht Care, partners with CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, Southport Marina, for passing along this warning. For more on the Albemarle and Chesapeake Canal (VA to NC Cut), see https://cruisersnet.net/2016.
Hi Larry,
Submitted on behalf of M/V Bella… “Hit submerged stump dead center of channel one Statute Mile south of Centerville swing bridge. Prop damage”.
May be a good time to remind everyone that the Albermarle – Chesapeake Canal is rife with obstructions.
Regards,
Hank
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window Zoomed To the Location of Centerville Bridge
The Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome Center Docks and information are provided at the Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome Center, an NC DOT Rest Area facility and A CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, located adjacent to the Dismal Swamp State Park, offering trails, exhibits and ongoing programs in Camden County, NC.
NC has one of the country’s most beautiful rest stops – and it’s next to a swamp
The welcome center also serves as a gateway to Dismal Swamp State Park, just across the canal, a 22-mile stretch of the Intracoastal Waterway that connects the Elizabeth River in Virginia with the Pasquotank River near Elizabeth City.
CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL STORY by Richard Stradling of the Raleigh News and Observer
The Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome Center Docks and information are provided at the Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome Center, an NC DOT Rest Area facility, and are located adjacent to the Dismal Swamp State Park, offering trails, exhibits and ongoing programs in Camden County, NC.
Looking north from our dock.
The historic Dismal Swamp Canal is coming back to life after ice, storms and other natural disasters….. “I feel like The Princess Bride” reported one of our lovely guests who had experienced this waterway for the first time just this week. As the dogwoods blush and the Carolina pines tower above, we are optimistic for the future of our beloved waterway. Many boaters recently report this was on their wish list and are thrilled with their first experience. The Norfolk District ACOE has plans to continue work this spring and summer to restore the canal to its normal 6’ controlling depth, but should not hinder navigation. Please visit this link for more information: https://dismalswampwelcomecenter.com/boating/
As a northern gateway to our beautiful state and the Albemarle Region, we take our jobs seriously in making our boaters feel welcome and informed. We encourage them to explore the Albemarle Sound, including the assets featured in the Albemarle Loop and enjoy the southern hospitality, a staple of our region. These marinas, cities, towns and counties count the boating community as valued and appreciated. They are working together to enhance the experiences and stories to come, of adventures through our enchanting waterways. Whispers and cries from the lives before us blend to create diverse stories to be discovered and treasured. The Albemarle Region is celebrating a 350th anniversary in 2018, and we have much to learn from our past. http://www.350th.com/
Donna
Donna Stewart, Director
Dismal Swamp Welcome Center
2356 US Hwy 17N
South Mills, NC 27976
Phone – 252-771-8333
www.DismalSwampWelcomeCenter.com
Bird, Bike, Hike…..take in the sights!
Atlantic Yacht Basin, A CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, is located just south of the Great Bridge lock and bridge at Mile Marker 12. Jan and Lee’s kind words are reprinted with permission from AGLCA’s Forum.
We started early out of Beaufort, NC. We’ve been in Atlantic Yacht Basin, Chesapeake VA waiting for the weather to calm down north of us. Can’t say enough about the team here at AYB. Every single member of their crew is polite and anxious to help out. We had Shangri-La hauled to paint her bottom and remove the trim tabs. All done in two days. Rates are fair, work is professional in every way. Topped off the fuel at $2.35/g (with volume nickel discount.) Their team helped Jan and I lower the mast so we could better understand what’s involved. Can’t say enough about them.
Jan and Lee
Aboard Shangri-La
42 GB Classic
Click Here To View the VA to NC Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Atlantic Yacht Basin
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Atlantic Yacht Basin
The Dismal Swamp Canal had been closed to navigation since Hurricanes Matthew and Irma and its recent restricted re-opening is welcome news to cruisers. Docks and information are provided at the Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome Center, an NC DOT Rest Area facility, and are located adjacent to the Dismal Swamp State Park, offering trails, exhibits and ongoing programs in Camden County, NC. Our thanks to Donna Stewart for this report and these photos.
I’ve attached an advisory just received from the USACOE regarding the ice on the Dismal Swamp Canal and the A&C Canal. I’ve attached photos taken on Saturday at 4pm, and things have not really changed here, today, except the temperatures have started to creep up.
I personally do not remember seeing this much ice in the Canal. We have experienced very cold temperatures for a week, my thermometer registering 3 degrees one morning.
Stay warm if you can.
Donna Stewart, Director
Dismal Swamp Welcome Center
2356 US Hwy 17N
South Mills, NC 27976
Phone – 252-771-8333
www.DismalSwampWelcomeCenter.com
Bird, Bike, Hike…..take in the sights!
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News Release
Dec. 04, 2017
U.S. Coast Guard 5th District Mid-Atlantic
Contact: 5th District Public Affairs
Office: (757) 398-6272
After Hours: (757) 434-7712
Coast Guard experiences spike in suspected hoax distress cases in NC, Va.
PORTSMOUTH, Va. — Coast Guard command centers in North Carolina and Virginia experienced an increase in suspected hoax distress calls in November.
Watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector North Carolina in Wilmington and Sector Hampton Roads in Portsmouth typically notice a spike in the amount of traffic on VHF-FM channel 16 during the late fall, as well as an increase in suspected false distress cases reported on the channel.
“False distress calls incur significant cost to the public, divert limited resources to respond, and place both responders and potentially other mariners at risk,” said Capt. Bion Stewart, commander, Sector North Carolina. “We continue to encourage mariners to use VHF radios to communicate with the Coast Guard and other mariners, but it is imperative that this critical, potentially life-saving tool be used appropriately and responsibly for the safety of all mariners.”
The public should be aware that if children are found to be playing on the radio, the parents are ultimately accountable.
Hoax distress calls to the Coast Guard are considered a Class D felony and can incur more than $250,000 in fines and 10 years imprisonment, plus the cost of the search.
“We don’t take hoax distress lightly,” said Capt. Richard Wester, commander, Sector Hampton Roads. “We, along with our partner agencies, will pursue the prosecution of suspects to the fullest extent of the law. A Newport News man was convicted of making a false distress call to our command center in June 2016 and now faces potential prison time. He is scheduled to be sentenced in February.”
The Coast Guard urges the public to respond to Coast Guard callouts after accidental transmissions. Unintended communications to the Coast Guard are not prosecuted, but require clarification.
Anyone with information regarding a hoax call made to the Coast Guard is encouraged to contact the Coast Guard Investigative Service through the 5th District Command Center at 757-398-6390.
For additional information about suspected hoax distress calls at Sector North Carolina, please contact Chief Petty Officer Jeremy Thomas at 910-772-2216.
For additional information about suspected hoax distress calls at Sector Hampton Roads, please contact Lt. j.g. Stasia Ellis at 757-638-6641.
-USCG-
Our thanks to Joyce and Matthew Gauthier for sharing their time spent in the Dismal Swamp Canal which has recently re-opened to navigation. The Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome Center, a part of the NC State Park System, is also open and their programs are ongoing.
We traveled through the Dismal swamp 10/31-11/2. It was great.
Another great day in the Swamp. Sunrise yoga on the dock. Had parfaits with the lock master before we left this morning. Traveled with our new friends about 15 miles to the dismal swamp visitors center. Had to stop to stop two times in 15 miles to clean the duckweed out of our strainer for the engine. Crossed state lines into North Carolina. Walked the swamp trails. Looking forward to a mellow night sipping tea and enjoying the company.
Joyce and Matthew Gauthier
Joyce,
Thanks for sharing. We have had mixed reviews on the trip. Many exclaim, the duckweed is no problem, others stated they wish they had turned around. We appreciate your sharing your experience and we are attempting to post photos regularly to allow people to discern for themselves what they should decide. On a selfish note, after being here for over 9 years, and having a year with no boats at our dock, we are so happy to see you all. I can tell you, Robert is giddy on the north end. Hope our conditions continue to improve.
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Our thanks to Donna Stewart for this good news concerning the Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome Center and State Park, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR. The Canal has been closed to navigation following damage from Hurricane Matthew and the re-opening will be just in time for the annual Fall Migration of Cruisers.
This PSA announcement just in from the USACE – Update of Canal Status
Donna Stewart
Dismal Swamp Canal to reopen in September
By Kerry Solan
Norfolk District Public Affairs
NORFOLK, Va. – The Dismal Swamp Canal is scheduled to reopen to vessel traffic by the end of September, with the Lake Drummond Reservation and Feeder Ditch opening to canoes and kayaks on August 18, officials said.
Crews continue to dredge the canal, which officials at the Norfolk District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers closed due to extensive damage from Hurricane Matthew in October.
“In the history of the canal, we’ve never had this issue, and we’re using every available resource to make the canal safe again for vessels,” said Joel Scussel, Norfolk District Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway project manager.
Engineers completed a survey of the Dismal Swamp Canal in March after crews had finished clearing more than 350 trees from the canal.
That survey, along with another survey in July, revealed controlling depths less than the normal 6 feet: engineers plotted the Deep Creek Channel at 4.8 feet, Tuners Cut was less than 2.5 feet and the Feeder Ditch was shoaled in at a depth of approximately 1 foot.
The crew of Wilmington District’s Dredge Murden completed dredging in the Deep Creek Channel on June 21. After-dredge surveys showed a controlling depth of 6 feet, which allowed officials to reopen the channel to navigation. The Dredge Murden will return at the end of August to complete clean-up adjacent to the Deep Creek Lock.
Feeder Ditch dredging resumes today. The crane crew will dredge 1,500 cubic yards of material to reopen the Feeder Ditch to a depth of 6 feet, 25 feet wide by then end of August.
When crews complete work at the Feeder Ditch, they will return to Turners Cut to complete work that was suspended after the quality of dredged material at Turners Cut did not meet the standards for beneficial reuse. Officials coordinated with the state of North Carolina while a new dredging method was arranged that met state water quality standards.
Engineers are also working on a design for emergency generators for the Deep Creek and South Mills Locks, which were inoperable after the hurricane.
Deep Creek Lock Gate rehabilitation work, which was scheduled before Hurricane Matthew struck, is complete: the gates were reinstalled on July 19 and operating the next day.
When the post-hurricane dredging operations began in the canal, officials aimed to reopen the waterway before October, when perennial “snowbirds” use the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway to travel south, bound for the Bahamas and Florida ports of call.
“Since the hurricane, our goal has been to reopen the canal to navigation as soon as possible,” Scussel said.
Donna Stewart, Director
Dismal Swamp Welcome Center
2356 US Hwy 17N
South Mills, NC 27976
Phone – 252-771-8333
www.DismalSwampWelcomeCenter.com
Bird, Bike, Hike…..take in the sights!
Atlantic Yacht Basin, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR has a plan to provide you with the very best winter storage. Atlantic Yacht Basin is located just south of the Great Bridge lock and bridge at Mile Marker 12.
While you may find it hard to believe, Fall is lurking around the corner. It’s a great season for boating in this part of the world, but people are already locking in their off-season storage plans too.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION
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Dismal Swamp State Park is getting back into full swing as they recover from massive flooding and closure due to Hurricane Matthew. Dredging has begun and the canal is scheduled to re-open to navigation by summer’s end. The State Park is open and continuing programs as weather permits. Our thanks to Donna Stewart for this USACE update.
One step closer to seeing boaters again! My most recent update from the USACE.
7/19/2017
I was able to obtain a few pictures today of the installation of the Deep Creek Lock River Gates. The gates are returning back to the water, where they belong! It was so HOT. But, notice the reflection of the sky in the shot of the newly installed gate on the left. I was told dredging still must be completed at the Feeder Ditch and Turner’s Cut, but this is one more step to getting us reopened. Many thanks to US Facilities and the Norfolk District USACE for helping me to get these shots today.
Donna
Crane at River Gate
Gate installed Deep /creek
The Deep Creek Dredging has been completed and surveyed with the assistance of the Wilmington District. The Deep Creek Lock gates are scheduled to be reinstalled on Wed., July 19th. Dredging at the Feeder Ditch and Turner’s Cut will continue until work is completed.
We are anxious to see boats at our dock again this fall.
Donna Stewart, Director
Dismal Swamp Welcome Center
2356 US Hwy 17N
South Mills, NC 27976
Phone – 252-771-8333
www.DismalSwampWelcomeCenter.com
Bird, Bike, Hike…..take in the sights!
A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, Atlantic Yacht Basin is located just south of the Great Bridge lock and bridge at Mile Marker 12.
We have been a client of AYB for nearly a decade. During that time, AYB professionals have done all the work on our 42 GB, including extensive upgrades.
I can’t say enough good things about the crew and management.
They are dependable, professional, knowledgeable, friendly, and helpful.
Clyde & Diane
1987 Grand Banks 42CL
“Friendship”
Click Here To View the VA to NC Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Atlantic Yacht Basin
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Atlantic Yacht Basin
A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR, Atlantic Yacht Basin is located just south of the Great Bridge lock and bridge at Mile Marker 12.
Are you looking for a quick stop, a home base or a trusted place to get work done? How about a quiet
port in the storm or a safe spot to store your boat and car? AYB is all of these things and much, much more.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION
Click Here To View the VA to NC Cruisers’ Net Marina Directory Listing For Atlantic Yacht Basin
Click Here To Open A Chart View Window, Zoomed To the Location of Atlantic Yacht Basin
We have been a client of AYB for nearly a decade. During that time, AYB professionals have done all the work on our 42 GB, including extensive upgrades.
I can’t say enough good things about the crew and management.
They are dependable, professional, knowledgeable, friendly, and helpful.
Clyde & Diane
1987 Grand Banks 42CL
“Friendship”
This is certainly good news for cruisers! Our thanks to good friend, Matt the Bridge Tender for this update.
North Landing Bridge on the ICW at M/M 20.2 is fully operational as of 4 PM Oct 14th.
The Dismal Swamp Canal Route remains closed due to high water from recent rain events.
All Bridges, Locks and Commercial traffic in this area are on Marine Channel 13
Matt the Bridge Tender – Gilmerton Bridge
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If you’ve not visited the Welcome Center, this photo is of the now underwater face dock on the east side of the canal adjacent to the Dismal Swamp Welcome Center.
Douglas Road Landing is on the east side of the Canal, south of Deep Creek Lock. Its new dock and facilities would make a convenient emergency stopover in a storm or other temporary situation. Our thanks to Bill Spaur for this notice and photo.
The drinking fountain and restrooms at Douglas Road Landing, Dismal Swamp Canal, are open. The Landing is between Army Corps of Engineers Statute mile markers 18 and 19.
Bill Spaur
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