Dismal Swamp Canal Trail

Dismal Swamp Canal Trail. Interpretive Signage and Points of Interest on Dismal Swamp Canal Trail. , (main legend, lower right corner) The Dismal Swamp Canal Trail, a former section of Virginia State Route 17, is now a multi-purpose, linear, nature trail and park traversing some of the most uniquely historic and ecologically significant habitats in the United States. Open to walking, bicycling, running, horseback riding and boating, the trail is also host to many events, activities, and festivals throughout the year. , The trail runs north-to-south for 8.3 miles along the Dismal Swamp Canal, which is also the eastern border of the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Great Dismal Swamp Refuge. An additional 2.5-mile trail connection leads north from the park’s North Trailhead to Deep Creek Park, between George Washington Highway and the Dismal Swamp Canal., Open sunrise to sunset, the Dismal Swamp Canal Trail is marked every 1/4-mile, and provides a 16-mile bike loop or a leisurely 2-mile up-and-back nature walk with picnic facilities for the family. Restroom facilities are located at the Douglas Road intersection as well as the North Trailhead. Boat launching opportunities and parking are located at the Ballahack Road intersection and at the North Trail head. Spend a day or a couple of hours at this officially designated “Virginia Treasure.”, (left legend 1) , Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge. , Across the canal lies the US Fish and Wildlife Service’s Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge. Established in 1974 by an Act of Congress, the Refuge now protects over 112,000 acres. These lands are considered by scientists as the heart of the original ecosystem. Installed: North Trailhead, (left legend 2) , From Towpath ... to Highway ... to “Toe” Path The Evolution of the George Washington Highway. The walking path you are standing on right now has quite a history. It has had three lives, beginning in 1804. And, what was the connection to our first President? Installed: Milepost: 1.5, (left legend 3) , Outliers Between 1793 and 1814, the grueling, brutal job of digging this twenty-three-mile canal was done by slave labor. Dense underbrush, insects, venomous snakes and bears made the Great Dismal Swamp an “awesome and terrible place.” (Colonel William Byrd II, 1674-1744) Installed: Milepost: 3, (left legend 4) , Stone Mileposts along the Canal Haphazardly scattered on the ground and under the water along the east bank of the canal, huge monoliths of chiseled stone may be waiting to be discovered. Installed: Milepost: 3.5, (left legend 5) , Superintendent’s House – From Tolls to Tea “All persons sending or carrying Boats, Goods, etc. through the Canal must not forget taking money with them to pay the toll.” Installed: Milepost: 5.25 – South of House, (right legend 1) , Experience Wildlife Many creatures living in the Dismal Swamp are elusive, so move slowly and quietly. Early morning and late afternoon are best to observe. Binoculars may help see them. And listen . . . you can hear a symphony of sounds in nature. Installed: Rest Area just south of North Trailhead, (right legend 2) , Birds Migrating birds often travel thousands of miles on the annual trip from their winter home to their summer home and back again. Over 210 bird species have been identified in the Dismal Swamp. More importantly, nearly half of those nest and raise their young here. Installed: Milepost 4, (right legend 3) , Mystical Waters Tea leaves stain the water in your cup; groundwater percolating through the Great Dismal Swamp is dyed by the peat soil it passes through. Why do you think sea captains in the 1800s coveted this water on their long ocean voyages? Find out at milepost 5. Installed: Milepost 5, (right legend 4) , Water Source Where does the water in the canal come from? After the canal was completed in 1805, due to miscalculations, it could not function as a water route – it was lacking a continuous water source. Discover the answer – still in use today – at milepost 6.75. Installed: Milepost 6.75