Sunrise Swamp Hike. 9 miles
Schedule
Sun Mar 01 2026 at 06:45 am to 10:15 am
UTC-05:00Location
Washington Ditch, Great Dismal Swamp | Suffolk, VA
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Rise & shine folks! We’re going back in even earlier. Would be nice to have some open sky’s this time around. I’ll say 6:45 is hiking start, as there is an electronic gate that opens to parking lot road at sunrise. I’ve heard it’s open pretty early. Anyone ever seen it closed? Maybe it’s always open? This would be good to know cuz the idea of hiking in the dark to be at Lake Drummond at sunrise has been floated around & sounds fun.
If you’ve never done this particular trail on the western side of the Dismal Swamp, you are missing out on a truly mysterious & consuming adventure. This is not a state park looking for tourism. You’re surrounded on all sides by many miles of swamp. Straight O&B path with water directly to the left & right of you the majority of the way. Lake Drummond, the largest(60x bigger) & only 1 of 2 natural freshwater lakes in all of VA, is the end of the line before returning.
The Washington Ditch was dug by slaves & we’re hiking the cart path along it. Levee system in there helps control the flow of the water throughout. The Dismal Swamp has historic significance with the Native Americans & escaping slaves who actually had established residency in the swamp, which used to be twice as large. You can feel the history in this place.
Sunglasses are a good idea as we will be hiking east & eating the low sun. Dock at the lake is dilapidated unfortunately. No place to sit really besides some wobbly rails or the ground.
As always…
Hike at your own risk.
What you carry in, you carry out.
Snack, water, proper attire, sunscreen & bug spray always recommended.
20ish min/mile pace is what we average.
Straightest, easiest, flattest, tree root free hike you’ll find.
Dogs must be leashed if bringing.
Free parking with permanent restroom. Not claiming it’s luxurious tho.
Slight rain doesn’t derail my adventures. Weather cancellation would be night before if need be.
Black Cadillac with trunk open is me.
*Please meet up early so we can venture out at 6:45. WE WILL LEAVE AT 6:45.
Internet is iffy out there. I can’t wait & be checking FB & MU chats.*
If you’re late, it’s a straight path/road continuing from parking lot. You’ll eventually meet up with us. Can’t really get lost. Go straight 4+ miles until you see the lake.
Washington Ditch Trail Head is at the end of the gravel Washington Ditch Rd. (off of White Marsh Rd.) in Suffolk.
Contact me if you have any questions.
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Where is it happening?
Washington Ditch, Great Dismal Swamp, Suffolk, Virginia, United StatesEvent Location & Nearby Stays:
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