Dismal Swamp 10 mile hike

Washington Ditch Trail goes 5 miles in to Lake Drummond. Getting back to the car puts us at 10 miles total.

The Washington Ditch Trail is located on the west side of the Dismal Swamp. 45min drive from Newtown Rd in VB. It’s a flat & straight(but still interesting IMO) 6’ wide gravel/dirt/grass tire track path running along numerous water pumps that control the flow & water levels throughout the swamp. Originally built as a cart path in 1768.

This time of year should be great with minimal bugs, heat & humidity along with the vibrant fall foliage. Summer hiking here is a tough one.

Black bear encounter is a possibility as I’ve come across hiking solo her before. Strength in numbers is always louder & better as I can now use your body as a shield. Ha! Nah, I carry a bear horn.

Out early to be back for Browns football.

20min mile pace is what we shoot for on this very easy hike. You can’t get much flatter & straighter.

Pack a snack for turnaround point at Lake Drummond. Not sure if small dock there has been rebuilt yet?

Don’t let the straight hike full you. To head out 5 miles into the swamp & be 100% surrounded & consumed by it, feeling it’s raw untamed history & to only see an endless straight road in both directions is a wonderfully mysterious thing.

What you carry in, you carry out. Free parking. Used to be a restroom at the lot, but not sure these days?
Leashed dogs welcome.
Weather cancellation would be the night before. A little rain won’t stop me, although there isn’t really a canopy to cover our path.
Snack, water, proper attire, bug spray & sunscreen always recommended.

I go no matter who shows.

Not sure if FB or MU locations are at a different location/visitor center?
👇Trailhead parking here👇
3076 White Marsh Rd.
Suffolk, VA 23434