[EXPIRED] Sept/Oct Programs at Dismal Swamp State Park, AICW Alternate Route
The Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome Center Docks and information are provided at the Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome Center, A CRUISERS’ NET SPONSOR and a NC DOT Rest Area facility, located adjacent to the Dismal Swamp State Park, offering trails, exhibits and ongoing programs in Camden County, NC.
Sept/Oct Programs at Dismal Swamp State Park
Greetings, and happy (early) fall!
I’m sure we are all ready for cooler weather and fall fun. After a quiet summer, we have an action-packed line-up of fall weekend programs coming! Below are the listings for everything we have planned through the end of October. Our 6th annual Dismal Day is coming up fast – October 27 is not far away. We are still accepting vendor and exhibitor applications as well, so please share! I’ve attached this year’s poster celebrating our fish theme. In the meantime, don’t miss our fall sunset paddle trip!
Grandparents’ Day Story Walk
Fri, 09/07/2018 – 9:00am to Sun, 09/09/2018 – 5:30pm (anytime on your own)
Sat 09/08 – 10:00 am (guided walk)
Start Location: Boardwalk
Celebrate Grandparents’ Day with a shaded stroll along our beautiful Swamp Boardwalk, and read a children’s story along the way! The story will be set up from Friday through Sunday, and you can explore on your own, at your own pace. Of course, parents, aunts, uncles, and other family members are all welcome too. Please call the office to sign up in advance for the guided walk.
Early Fall Paddle
Sat, 09/15/2018 – 10:00am
Start Location: Boat Launch
Join the ranger for a leisurely paddle along the historic Dismal Swamp Canal. Fall is on its way- come look for wildlife and enjoy some cooler weather and possibly early leaf color. Everything you need—boat, paddle, PFD, and basic instruction—will be provided. Paddlers of all ages and abilities are welcome. Trip is limited to 8 boats, so YOU MUST PRE-REGISTER.
First Day of Fall Float (Sunset Paddle)
Thur, 09/20/2018 – 6:30pm
Start Location: Boat Launch
This event will be a special after-hours paddle trip to celebrate the start of cooler weather! (Yes, we know we are just a couple days early.) We’ll watch the sun set over the historic Dismal Swamp Canal. Everything you need—boat, paddle, PFD, and basic instruction—will be provided. YOU MUST PRE-REGISTER. Hurry, this event will likely fill up fast!
If you have your own kayak, we recommend bringing it, as park boats are limited in number!
Fall Wagon Ride (Morning or Afternoon)
Every Sunday from Sept 23 2018 through Nov 25 2018 – 11:00am or 2:00pm
Start Location: Visitor Center
Hop aboard the Dismal Swamp Express, an open-air wagon, for a narrated ride along Canal Road. See the park’s liquor still and lighter boat replicas and maybe even some interesting birds or other wildlife! The ride lasts 45 minutes to an hour and is filled on a first-come, first-served basis. If the weather is questionable or you have a large group, please call the office at 252-771-6593 in advance. Insect repellent is recommended. Bring snacks and water if you want them.
Take a Child Outside Week!
Mon, 09/24/2018 – 8:00am to Sun, 09/30/2018 – 5:30pm
Start Location: Visitor Center
This week is Take a Child Outside Week! Exposing young children to nature has many benefits for them (and for the adult who accompanies them). Learn more about this event at https://takeachildoutside.org/
While visiting the park, be sure to check out the park’s activity box for some fun things to try while you and your child explore the Boardwalk and other trails. Pick up a Junior Ranger booklet, and earn a badge. Hike, bike, or paddle as you enjoy nature and the fall weather together.
National Public Lands Day Paddle
Sat, 09/29/2018 – 10:00am
Start Location: Boat Launch
Today is National Public Lands Day! Celebrate by enjoying your local park. Take a leisurely guided paddle trip along the historic Dismal Swamp Canal. Look for birds, turtles, and other wildlife along the way. Limited number of boats available- you must pre-register by calling the office to reserve your spot.
Pack Walk
Sat, 10/06/2018 – 11:00am
Start Location: Bridge
This will be a hike that goes to the dogs! Enjoy a leisurely hike with other dog lovers. Meet on the west (park side) of the bridge.
*One dog ONLY per handler.*No retractable/flexi-leads.*
Fall Walking Wagon Adventure
Sat, 10/13/2018 – 11:00am
Start Location: Visitor Center
It’s fall, and the leaves are changing! We’ll take the open-air Dismal Swamp Express wagon out to the end of Canal Road and then follow the S Martha Washington Trail on foot. You’ll be able to see the park’s two largest water control structures. Wagon portion will be about 4.5 miles total, and the hiking portion will be about 2 miles total. Wear sturdy walking shoes, and bring water/snacks/sunscreen/insect repellent if desired. YOU MUST PRE-REGISTER as seats on the wagon are limited!
6th Annual Dismal Day and 5K Family Fun Run
Sat, 10/27/2018 – 8:30am to 2:00pm
Start Location: Park Grounds and Visitor Center
Join us for our 6th annual Dismal Day! Runners/walkers can check in as early as 8:30 am, and the run starts at 9 am. A limited number of commemorative t-shirts will be available for purchase at $5/each.
Then stay for the festival events from 10 am-2 pm including craft vendors, food, live music, cultural exhibits, bounce house, chalk art contest, pontoon boat rides on the historic Dismal Swamp Canal, wagon rides, face painting, scavenger hunt, and much more! Raptors, reptiles, and other live animals will be on display. This year’s theme is FISH!
*The park is also seeking volunteers to help with this event! Call 252-771-6593 for more information.*
CLICK HERE FOR MORE ON DismalDay2018
See you in the park!
Katie Sanford
Park Ranger, Dismal Swamp State Park
NC Dept. of Natural and Cultural Resources
252 771 6593
katie.sanford@ncparks.gov
2294 US 17 N | South Mills, North Carolina 27976
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