dismal swamp canal trail

nice trail for walking, running or biking, mostly level, trees and nature right along the water. Always interesting any time of year

This was a complete surprise as we stopped here on a whim, have lived in chesapeake for over 20 years and have never visited. We had our 3 yr old grand daughter who was impresses with the stuffed animals inside, the 1/3 mile trail that loops behind the station was very impressive, a wooden raised walkway that keeps your feet out of the wet ground, but we were most impressed with our view of 3 grazing deer almost within our grasp! There are numerous picnic tables, bikes, canoes and kayaks for rent, reasonably I might add, and lots of monthly activities offered.

Nice trails for bicycles, and great natural beauty! Ample parking, and great natural wildlife. The main draw for this location is serenity. Quiet, and you get very close to nature.

Full of American history for a swampland, Native Americans lived in the area, George Washington was there as a commercial development, escaping slaves hid here. Now we can hike, canoe, fish, and bike within. In the spring, it is the site for the 1/2 marathon, Dismal Swamp Stomp.

This is an 8 mile closed stretch of a two lane road along a canal used for bike riding, jogging or just a leasure walk. It is a very quiet place to spend a few hours because no motorized form of transporation are allowed on this road. You can be there in ten minutes from Chesapeake's city hall area.

I've biked there (about 8 miles one way) and I've also taken my dogs there for a walk. The Trail is actually a roadway that has been set aside for only recreational uses. It does say you can ride horses there, but I don't know if I'd really find it that enjoyable. It is a straight roadway and your horses would be walking on the road with people walking, running and bicycles coming and going down the road. The road still has the mile markers so you do know how far you've gone. There are park benches along the way that you can stop and have a sit and watch the canal. It is nice and peaceful there.

You can get a chance to see how this part of the area was like hundreds of years ago. Beautiful scenery and lots of animals. Good fishing too.

A great trail for bike riding without having to worry about cars. If you want a longer ride, head south on 17 into North Carolina. You will see another section of the Dismal Swamp Canal Trail that is longer and winds through some woods. The only problem has been some bumps in the pavement. Recently they have been working to fix them, but you just have to be aware. I have never seen any bears!

Easy straight trail, well marked and maintained. Cute Bear statue for photo moments. Its the swamp- bring bug spray, and water. No bathroom facilities. 6 miles marked down so you can turn around when you are ready. Would make a great running or walking path.

The Dismal Swamp Canal Trail is a decent enough place to ride a bike without worrying about cars, but the city of Chesapeake could do a lot to make it an even better experience. The restrooms won't be opened until the fall of 2014. The last four miles or so of the ride are without shade and exposed to the wind (adjacent to a corn field). Trees branches and vines are starting to grow into the path of riders in places and need to be trimmed. It's definitely not like a ride in the park, but it will do for traffic-free riding. It gets a grade of "C" at best.

This was a great place to take a leisure bike ride down the canal. The road is wide and flat. There are places along the way with benches facing the canal to stop and take a break. Great way to spend an afternoon.

But you'll be surprised. Good access, lots of wildlife. Birding opportunities during migration are excellent. Go commune with nature. :p

nicely paved, used to be a 2 lane road so it's great for bikes, family walks on a Sunday afternoon. Next to the intracoastal waterway with benches to stop and sit for a while. 8 miles long so if you bring the bikes it could be a nice little ride.

Took my 6 year old for for a bike ride 5 miles in and 5 back. It was a clear level road with lots of scenic sights on the way. We saw birds, rabbits no bears thank God. The packing is convenient and open. Portable potty,s were set up at entrance to trail however the turn surround point had a bathroom that was locked lucky for us guys it's a not a big problem to find a tree.

Scenic, easy ride for biking. Parking is convenient. We enjoyed the fresh air, wide trail, easy access. We even went over to the NC side and rode their bike trail too. We took along a picnic and had a fun-filled day!