General Info

The Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge is the largest intact remnant of a vast habitat that once covered more than one million acres of southeastern Virginia and northeastern North Carolina. The refuge currently encompasses over 112,000 acres of this environmentally and biologically important area. Special designations for the refuge include both the Virginia and Globally Important Bird Area designations, and the National Parks Services National Natural Landmark and Underground Railroad Network to Freedom site designations. The visitor center is open Monday-Friday, 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. Trails are open daily from sunrise to sunset, for hiking and biking. All vehicles must pay a $5.00 daily fee for entry to the Wildlife Drive. The required self-serve permit and fee envelope can be found at the Permit Station on Railroad Ditch Road, 1/2 mile from the entry gate.The Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge is the largest intact remnant of a vast habitat that once covered more than one million acres of southeastern Virginia and northeastern North Carolina. The refuge currently encompasses over 112,000 acres of this environmentally and biologically important area. Special designations for the refuge include both the Virginia and Globally Important Bird Area designations, and the National Parks Services National Natural Landmark and Underground Railroad Network to Freedom site designations. The visitor center is open Monday-Friday, 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. Trails are open daily from sunrise to sunset, for hiking and biking. All vehicles must pay a $5.00 daily fee for entry to the Wildlife Drive. The required self-serve permit and fee envelope can be found at the Permit Station on Railroad Ditch Road, 1/2 mile from the entry gate.