Trail Information

The following information and rules are designed to protect both our visitors and the refuge's natural resources.

• Most refuge trails are open to hiking and biking only.  Visitors must stay on designated trails. Parking is available at both the Washington Ditch and Jericho Lane entrances. Trails are open daily, sunrise to sunset, unless otherwise posted.

• For Refuge trail map click here.

• Year-round water access to Lake Drummond is via the Feeder Ditch, from the east. Access to the Feeder Ditch is from the Dismal Swamp Canal. Access from the Interior Ditch boat ramp is available from April 1 to June 15 by special use permit. For more information see Visitor Opportunities.

• The Railroad Ditch entrance is open for vehicle access to Lake Drummond by special day pass. To obtain the free pass, you must register on the day of your visit at the refuge headquarters (3100 Desert Road, Suffolk, VA). Passess are issued on normal business days between 8:00am and 3:00pm. You must be out of the gate by 4:00pm. Passes are not available on weekends or federal holidays. Trail is subject to tempoary closures due to occassionally downed trees; please feel free to call to check pass availabily on the day of your visit. The entrance is also open daily for hiking and biking.
• No overnight use is permitted on the refuge.

• Collecting or harming any plant or animal life is prohibited.  This includes catch and release.  For your safety  and the animals' protection do not attempt to handle or feed any wildlife.

• Animal playback and other recording devices are not allowed as they interfere with the normal behavior of birds.

• All pets must be on a hand-held leash at all times when on the refuge.

• Hunting programs occur on the refuge during posted seasons in October through early December and portions of the refuge are closed to other trail access during these times. During the deer hunt, all trails are closed to other public use activites accept the Washington Ditch Trail and the Washington Ditch Boardwalk trail. In addition, Lake Drummond, the Feeder Ditch, and the Dismal Swamp Canal are No-Hunting zones, but boaters should be aware of hunting on nearby refuge lands. For more information on the deer hunt click here. During the black bear hunt the Jericho Ditch and the Railroad Ditch entrances will both be closed to all hiking and biking. For more information on the bear hunt click here.

Additional Information

• Trails are open daily, sunrise to sunset. After business hours and on weekends trail maps can be found in the kiosk in the Washington Ditch and Jericho Lane parking areas, and at the headquarters front gate kiosk.
• Dress appropriately for winter walks. By layering, it is easy to adjust to changing temperatures. Sturdy trail shoes are best for the dirt roads.
• For more information, please call Deloras Freeman, Visitor Services Specialist, at the refuge headquarters. Business hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. The office is closed on federal holidays.(757) 986-3705.