The name doesn’t sound very welcoming, but The Great Dismal Swamp is full of American History.  It is one of the few remaining natural gems on the East Coast.  The swamp’s impressive size and age, attracts visitors from everywhere.   Visitors from America’s rich history, including George Washington and Robert Frost were intrigued by The Great Dismal Swamp’s natural backdrop.  The emerald draping vines, songbirds, flora and fauna add to the swamps attraction.

The Great Dismal Swamp consists of 112,000 acres of forested wetlands.  There are only 2 natural lakes in VA and one of them is located in the heart of the swamp.  Lake Drummond is 3100 acres and is great for fishing and recreation.

Visitors that make their way to the swamp can enjoy many different activities.  These activities include hiking, biking, hunting, fishing, boating, photography, wildlife observation, camping, and picnicking.

Photo by heymarchetti

Photo by heymarchetti

Photo by heymarchetti

Hiking & Biking:

There are many unpaved roads in the swamp that provide the perfect opportunity to spend time hiking and biking.  The Washington Ditch and the Dismal Town Boardwalk are two recommended trails.

Hunting:

The swamp is home to one of the largest populations of Black Bears on the East Coast of the United States.  For 2 days in mid November, the swamp is open to bear hunting.  There is also a healthy population of white tailed deer.  Deer hunting is permitted in October and November during scheduled times.  You need a permit to hunt in the swamp.

Fishing & Boating:

Lake Drummond is open year round to boating and fishing.  There is a boat ramp which is public, where you can launch your vessel.  This launch is located just past Feeder Ditch.  Feeder Ditch is located on the Dismal Swamp Canal.  If your boat is too big, you will not be able to get around some of the water control structure.  Make sure you know this ahead of time.   Please note that boats on the lake are only permitted to be no more than 25 hp. Use of the lake is only during daylight hours, and swimming is not allowed.  A VA fishing license is required.

Photography & Wildlife Observation:

Due to the vastness of vegetation, birds, and mammals, The Great Dismal Swamp is a photographers playgrounds.  Whether photography is a hobby or a business, you will not be disappointed.  The swamp has 5 major forest types and numerous plant species.  There are also over 200 bird species that have been identified.  If you enjoy White-Tailed Deer, Black Bears, fish, butterflies, and reptiles, the swamp is home to all of them.

Camping & Picnicking:

You are not able to camp or use refuge lands for overnight use.  Lake Drummond Reservation is operated by the Army Corp of Engineers site and is available to use 24 hours.  This facility includes grassy area that you can use for camping.  You are able to use the fire rings, 2 picnic shelters with screens, tables and outdoor grills.  The restrooms are available and have running water from April through November.  Make sure you bring all of your needed items, including fire wood and drinking water.

Orient Express – one of the most luxurious train, which runs between Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore, the transportation of passengers through the beautiful rainforests, mountains and villages. Ticket price starts from 2300 dollars per person.

If you are planning a vacation to Chincoteague Island, you will want to make sure that you include a few day trips to the Assateague Island National Seashore.  Assateague Island is an island located between Ocean City, MD and Chincoteague, Va.  It is famous for its wild ponies and magnificent beauty.

image source

Assateague is a protected seashore and is managed by national park agencies.  There are wetlands, beaches, dunes, wildlife and marsh islands that are all protected and available for public enjoyment and recreation.
The area became protected in 1962 to help maintain its natural beauty and environment.  The island is essential for many migrating shorebirds.  You can find more than 320 bird species on Assateague island.  Some of the best times to spot migrating birds is during the spring or fall seasons.  If you are interested, the staff on the refuge will give you a list to help you spot your favorite birds.

Photo by Dave Govoni (Va bene!)

Photo by intellidryad

Photo by Dave Govoni (Va bene!)

One of the most popular activities for visitors to the area is to try and spot some wild ponies.  There are 2 herds of ponies that are wild that call this island their home.  The ponies are small and kind of shaggy, but have lived on Assateague Island for years.  It is actually estimated that the ponies have been living on the island for 300 to maybe even 400 years.  Caution, even though the ponies look like tame horses, they are wild.  Visitors are asked to not give the ponies food.  If you want to have the best chances of viewing the ponies, there are boat tours that will provide you with optimal viewing.

Photo by rbasallote

Photo by withvengeance86

Nothing completes a trip to the beach like a visit to a lighthouse.  The Assateague Lighthouse is no exception.  The lighthouse was built in 1867 and is 142 foot high.  It continues to be a functioning lighthouse on the Atlantic Coast.  Tours are available for you to view the lighthouse.

If you are interested in learning about the island and the wildlife that is present, you may want to consider taking a wildlife tour.  During the months of April through November, there are tour buses with guides that will take you on a 15 mile journey throughout the island.  The tours are considered educational, but will also provide you with entertainment.

Photo by Avelino Maestas

During the summer months, the visitor’s center, on the island offers visitors presentations, tours, and games.  You can explore the island with a guide at your side.  Guides can take you crabbing, fishing, hiking, bird watching, and can teach you all about the history of Assateague Island.

Assateague Island offers education, beauty, relaxation, and a trip back to nature.  With its preserved beauty and peaceful surroundings, you will surely leave the island refreshed and at peace.  If you are lucky, you can spot the famous wild ponies, and also come home with a seafood dinner of fresh fish and hearty crabs.  For kids young and old, Assateague will provide you with a one of a kind experience.  You will surely want to return year after year.