Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge Railroad Ditch Road

Railroad Ditch Road follows the route of George Washington’s ambitious Dismal Swamp Canal project from the 1760s, cutting a straight line through 22,000 acres of primeval wetland that’s barely changed since colonial times. The gravel and dirt road runs along raised embankments built by enslaved workers, passing through towering bald cypress groves where black bears, bobcats, and over 200 bird species thrive in the dark water below. The halfway point at Lake Drummond—a mysterious 3,100-acre lake that seemingly has no inlet or outlet—was once thought to be bottomless by local tribes.

This is an easy to moderate drive suitable for any high-clearance vehicle, though the remoteness and lack of cell service make it feel far more challenging than the actual terrain suggests. The refuge is open dawn to dusk year-round, but summer brings oppressive heat and clouds of mosquitoes that’ll drive you back to your rig. Spring and fall provide the best wildlife viewing and comfortable temperatures. No overnight camping is permitted, but the nearby First Landing State Park offers excellent basecamp options. Bring water, bug spray, and respect for one of the most unique ecosystems on the East Coast.