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All 3 Suffolk Attractions »

Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge

Suffolk, VA
757-771-8333
Ranked #1 of 3 attractions in Suffolk
4.5 of 5 stars 14 Reviews
Type: Nature/ Wildlife Areas
Activities: Birdwatching, Viewing wildlife
Description: A swampy region where visitors can go birding and view wildlife up close.
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14 reviews from our community

Visitor rating
    7
    4
    3
    0
    0
Date Rating
Virginia
Senior Contributor
23 reviews 23 reviews
Reviews in 16 cities Reviews in 16 cities
5 helpful votes 5 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 26 April 2012

The annual birding festival in May is always great andfree! Thebus trip is a definite must do!

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Washington DC, District of Columbia
Senior Contributor
38 reviews 38 reviews
Reviews in 17 cities Reviews in 17 cities
8 helpful votes 8 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 24 April 2012

This is a bit confusing, because there are really two locations: the Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge in Virginia (http://www.fws.gov/northeast/greatdismalswamp/opportunities.html) and the Dismal Swamp Visitor Center and Park in North Carolina: (http://www.fws.gov/northeast/greatdismalswamp/. ) We headed for the Visitor Center first and were glad we did. The NC Tourism Visitor Center is in the same parking lot so you can... More

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Chesapeake, Virginia
Contributor
17 reviews 17 reviews
Reviews in 8 cities Reviews in 8 cities
6 helpful votes 6 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 17 April 2012

It's a great place to go with your infant/toddler as the entire track is paved - so very easy on the stroller. And it IS in the woods, which is a plus for us...just wish it had more than just a straight road. Also, when going, you MUST bring insect repellant. It is a swamp after all.

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Hampton, Virginia
Senior Contributor
39 reviews 39 reviews
Reviews in 10 cities Reviews in 10 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 13 April 2012

We walked several of the trails and normally found ourselves walking alone. Lots of birds and critters along the way. Would recommend bringing bicycles to cover more territory. Bring lots of water and mosquito repellent.

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Chesapeake, Virginia
Contributor
19 reviews 19 reviews
Reviews in 11 cities Reviews in 11 cities
29 helpful votes 29 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 8 April 2012

Large park with nature building showcasing what wildlife can be found in the park. Has a canal for canoeing and trails. If you are outdoorsy then this is a nice place to visit. Wildlife we spotted included: deer, turtles and nutria. Also has a large black bear population.

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Chicago, IL
Senior Contributor
26 reviews 26 reviews
Reviews in 19 cities Reviews in 19 cities
14 helpful votes 14 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 26 February 2012

It's a bit of a drive to get there through some edgy looking neighborhoods but the bird watching was good.

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Senior Reviewer
7 reviews 7 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 13 February 2012 via mobile

We got a license in the spring to boat in Drummond. It was an adventure to get back to the lake! After we unloaded the two kayaks, we could see a big storm coming, so we quickly loaded them back up. We came back when we knew we'd have a good day and enjoyed the paddle. We saw some wildlife... More

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Virginia Beach, Virginia
Top Contributor
85 reviews 85 reviews
Reviews in 19 cities Reviews in 19 cities
21 helpful votes 21 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 10 February 2012

Seeing a wild place that is untouched and serene. Good place to hike.

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auburn,indiana
Top Contributor
204 reviews 204 reviews
Reviews in 127 cities Reviews in 127 cities
95 helpful votes 95 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 29 January 2012
1
person found this review helpful

Let me start out by saying this turned into a great experience by looking back and reflecting on what we accomplished. We were with some friends at Williamsburg and it was my idea to go to the swamp. The idea itself wasn't bad but our first move was. If you go check into one of the visitor centers to find... More

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Norfolk, Virginia
Top Contributor
226 reviews 226 reviews
Reviews in 41 cities Reviews in 41 cities
56 helpful votes 56 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 29 January 2012
1
person found this review helpful

As with the state park, it really helps to see the Refuge by water or by air. Historically important sites are off limits for now.

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