Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge

Our most popular refuge destination, the "Lake Drummond Wildlife Drive" is a self-guided drivable route which is open every day and can be accessed from the Railroad Ditch trailhead at 3120 Desert Rd, Suffolk. This Wildlife Drive route is a 6-mile (one...

The majority of our trails are earthen roads, which are dirt or gravel-based and may be grassy and/or muddy. The Pines Trail (1/4 mile trail around HQ building) as well as the Washington Ditch Trail are treated with a fine stone-dust and provide a relatively smoother trail experience. Accessible...

Boats (max 25 hp) are permitted on Lake Drummond only, as the ditches are not maintained for passage. Note that Lake Drummond is on average 3 feet deep. 

Boat Ramp from Wildlife Drive: At the end of...

Boats (max 25 hp) are permitted on Lake Drummond only, as the ditches are not maintained for passage. Note that Lake Drummond is on average 3 feet deep. 

Boat Ramp from Wildlife Drive: At the end of...

The refuge is a prime spot for birding all year. On Lake Drummond Wildlife Drive (Railroad Ditch entrance) you may see waterfowl and wading birds along the ditches, and in wintertime tundra swans and snow geese may be seen resting on Lake Drummond. South Ditch, a trail off Wildlife Drive, is...

Camping is not permitted on refuge property, however, there is a primitive 24-hour recreational use facility near Lake Drummond which is operated by the US Army Corps of Engineers. This recreational facility is accessible via watercraft only from the Feeder Ditch (enter through the Dismal...

Dogs are welcome visitors as long as they remain leashed and on trails! 

Fishing is allowed in accordance with state regulations, during daylight hours year-round in the refuge waters of Lake Drummond (approximately 3,100 acres, average depth of 4-6 feet) and Feeder Ditch. Available species chain pickerel, crappie, sunfish and catfish. Vehicular access to the boat...

The refuge has over 40 miles of earthen road trails available for hiking as well as several elevated boardwalks. Please note that cell signal is limited around the refuge, so we advise familiarizing yourself with the trail map beforehand. October - May is the best time of year for hiking the...

Please visit the refuge's hunt permitting and information page for permits, rules and regulations, and detailed hunt information.

The refuge offers hunting of white-tailed deer, black bear, wild turkey, coyote and grey squirrel through designated areas in accordance with local, State...

The refuge boasts over 40 miles of earthen road trails which are open every day. We recommend the 9 mile (out-and-back) Washington Ditch Trail or the 6-mile Pine-Pocosin-Loop at Jericho Lane trailhead for a scenic run. Note that phone signal may be limited in the refuge so we recommend...

Refuge staff are happy to assist with school programs upon request. Contact the refuge office for information.

Wildlife thrives here! We welcome you to explore our many trails. Binoculars and field guides are available for loan at the refuge office.