Dismal Swamp Route Recommended, AICW Alternate Route
Dismal Swamp Welcome Center – Click for Chartview
The Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome Center, A SALTY SOUTHEAST CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR!, is located on the east shore of the like-named Canal at Statute Mile 28.
The Dismal Swamp Canal State Park Bridge, with 0 ft vertical clearance, is a small, pedestrian foot bridge that crosses the canal just south of the Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome Center. This span had malfunctioned, and could not be opened. However, this situation has been remedied and the Dismal Swamp Canal is now open to navigation.
These good comments about the Great Dismal Swamp Canal come from our friends at America’s Great Loop Cruisers’ Association’s forum.
Re: Dismal Swamp or other route:
The Great Dismal, by all means. Passed thru that way last July in our 30′ Trawler, draft 3.4 feet. A great way to prepare for the hustle & bustle you will encounter at mile Zero and further north. Teems with wildlife and is almost empty of people & waterfront homes. It is anything BUT, Dismal.
May you have fair winds and following seas,
Bill & Bonnie Sweeney
The Elissa II
We like the Great Dismal Swamp route so much, that unless the canal is closed, we always take the canal route. The stops at Elizabeth City free town docks, South Mills, the Welcome Center and the docks south of Deep Creek Lock, all free, make this a must do. The canal transit itself it beautiful. Here are a couple of our blog posts that might give you some details.
http://trawler-beach-house.blogspot.com/2013/07/elizabeth-city-north-carolina-harbor-of.html
http://trawler-beach-house.blogspot.com/2013/07/the-great-dismal-swamp-canal-and.html
Chuck Baier
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