AIW Albemarle and Ches and Dismal Swamp Canal in Norfolk, VA

AIW (Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway) Albemarle and Ches and Dismal Swamp Canal in Norfolk, VA is located along Route 17. It has a city boat launch at the intersection of Ballahack Road and several picnic areas.

Recreational activities at the Swamp Canal include picnicking, hiking, fishing, boating, watching the wildlife, and water sports.

The Dismal Swamp Canal forms alternate routes along the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway (AIWW) between Chesapeake Bay and Albemarle Sound. It serves those who boat for fun, but is also used by commercial ships. The inland channel is protected between Norfolk, Virginia and Miami, Florida.

Those who would like to fish can do so at Lake Drummond in the Great Dismal Swamp Wildlife Refuge.

The Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge is a more than 111,000-acre park established in 1974 to protect the ecosystem of the Great Dismal Swamp. Lake Drummond is 3,100 acres and is a popular fishing spot.

People who want to watch wildlife will find lots of wildlife to see in the Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge. There are more than 200 bird species and over 70 species of reptiles and amphibians. 96 of these species nest in the refuge. Mammals that can be spotted include weasel, bobcat, otter and black bear.

Nature lovers will enjoy all the tree species. There are cypress, Atlantic white cedar,, maple and black gum trees. There are also more than 30 miles of hiking trails.

AIW (Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway) Albemarle and Ches and Dismal Swamp Canal and the Wildlife Refuge is operated by the Army Corps of Engineers.