GREAT DISMAL SWAMP NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE
757-986-3705 greatdismalswamp.fws.gov
P.O. Box 349, Suffolk, VA 23439-0349
South of Suffolk, Va. on Rte 13 to Rte 32 south. South for 4.5 miles, then follow signs. For Boardwalk trail, take White Marsh road (Rte 642) to Washington Ditch Road. Follow road to parking lot. Washington Ditch entrance is the refuge’s main public entrance.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION: Many tales have been told about the Great Dismal and its mysterious circular lake, a biological wonder few have ever experienced. Several poets and history writers viewed this place in different ways: both a paradise and a place of foreboding unknown; rich and desolate; sweet smelling and pungent; a place where a person may find peace, or if lost, may never find the way out.
Great Dismal Swamp is located in southeastern Virginia and northeastern North Carolina. Visitors enjoy birdwatching, hiking, biking, boating, fishing, and hunting. Home to black bear, bobcat, river otter and over 200 species of birds, the Swamp provides adventure for all ages.
PARKING: 2 designated accessible parking spaces, located at Refuge headquarters. Parking space 11 ft. wide. Nearby ramps well marked. RV parking limited.
TYPES OF PATHS TO OR AROUND ATTRACTION: Paths accessible to persons with mobility disabilities. Packed gravel parking lot leads visitors to boardwalk trail. Boardwalk Trail has wheelchair pulloffs approximately every 200’. Steep grades may require assistance for persons in wheelchairs. Length of paths 3/4 of a mile.
ENTRANCE: At office. 2 glass entry doors, each 3 ft. wide, easily open out with clearly marked push bar handle located 2 ft. above floor.
PUBLIC REST ROOMS: Located at Refuge headquarters. Doors 2 ft. wide, open in. No turns to enter. Accessible stalls have 34 in. wide doors opening in and handrails. 19 in. toilet seat height, 12 in. between commode and wall. Sink height 35 in. Accessible stall checked regularly for obstructions. Port-a-toilet in parking lot is accessible for persons with mobility disabilities.
PUBLIC TELEPHONE: At front desk, phone upon request only.
SPECIAL SERVICES:
For guests with hearing disabilities, there are written scripts available.
For guests with visual disabilities, there are audio cassettes and portable tape recorders with advance notice, and signs in large print with contrasting background. Some brochures in large print.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: No admission fee. Office hours: Mon-Fri 8-3:30, closed all federal holidays. Refuge hours: Apr-Sep 6:30 AM-8 Pm, Oct-Mar 6:30 AM-5 PM.
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