Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge

Map of TRACK Trail at Great Dismal Swamp NWR

The TRACK Trail at the Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge is a 1.5-mile trail that follows the Black Bear Trail to Wood Duck Loop.

The lands of the Refuge were the traditional hunting grounds of several groups of Indigenous people, including the Nansemond Tribe. Today, the refuge protects the unique pocosin forest ecosystem of the Great Dismal Swamp. As you walk the trail, you will see a landscape different than the one Indigenous people walked through, but equally important for wildlife. Look for pond pines, black bear, switch cane, and a diverse array of other plant and animal life

Track an adventure here

Location Details

Recreational Features: Mountain Bike Trails, Birding
Amenities: Restrooms
ADA Compliant: No
Seasonality:
Trailhead Sign at Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge
KIP blaze along trail
Wood Duck Pond
Ferns along trail

Adventures for Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge

Hiking

A Quest for Dragons

Difficulty:
Easy
Trail length:
1.50
There are over 300 species of dragonflies in the United States. They can be found soaring and swooping over ponds, rivers, and swamps across the country. Use this brochure as a guide on your quest to discover the incredible world of dragonflies.
Hiking

The Great Dismal Swamp

Difficulty:
Easy
Trail length:
1.50
The Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1974 to protect wildlife and habitat. The refuge is important because it helps protect and conserve a very complex ecosystem of soil, water, vegetation and animals that have many benefits to wildlife and people. Let's explore the ecosystem of the Great Dismal Swamp!
Hiking

Tracks & Traces

Difficulty:
Easy
Trail length:
1.50
Every animal leaves "Tracks and Traces" of its presence when they pass through an area. From footprints, to scat (poop), to other traces like food scraps, animals leave clues of their presence everywhere. The "Tracks and Traces" brochure was designed to help you identify the various tracks and traces animals leave behind.
Hiking

Types of Trees - Great Dismal Swamp

Difficulty:
Easy
Trail length:
1.50
It’s easy to get confused with the various types of trees that can be found in the forest. Use this guide to identify and learn about a few of the common types of trees in the area.

Directions

Portsmouth Ditch Trail
Chesapeake, VA 23323
Latitude: 36.728685000000
Longitude: -76.386074000000

Partners

This TRACK Trail was made possible through a partnership formed with the United States Fish & Wildlife Service with additional funding provided by the Chesapeake Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution: