GL: Dismal Swamp Canal

[Bob McLeran]

Hi, Larry. The main thing to know about the Dismal Swamp Canal is the 
new operating schedule. Locks open ONLY at 0900 and 1500 daily (both 
ends - same schedule). Shallowest depth I saw was about 7.5 feet a 
couple of times. No trees were blocking the canal when we exited three 
days ago.

We really like Elizabeth's Dock. There is room for at least four 40-50 
footers at the main fixed dock (more if rafted), and room for another 
40-50 footer at the floating dock. There is no tide, so the only 
advantage to the main dock is that it is higher - may be easier to 
access from your boat. The lockmaster (Robert or George) at the northern 
lock (Deep Creek) can tell you whether there is room at Elizabeth's Dock 
as you're locking through. No electricity or water at either of the 
docks. Prepare to turn to starboard to get to the docks within 100 yards 
after you exit the lock.

There is a town about 1/2 mile away (easy walk). Just walk south along 
the road leading to the park adjoining the docks, then turn left when 
you get to the main road and cross the bridge. There is a great little 
Mexican restaurant right across the bridge, as well as a very nice Food 
Lion, a hardware store (Ace, I believe) and an Auto-Zone store, as well 
as a couple of other little stores including a Hardees fast food place. 
There's also a drug store (Rite-Aid or CVS) on the same side of the 
canal just before you cross the bridge.

Once you're at Elizabeth's Dock you are "locked in" until the next lock 
opening due to the bridge about 1/2 mile south of the dock (the one you 
cross to go to the shopping center). It only opens with the lock 
schedule and the lock masters will open it for you even if you're the 
only boat passing through.

 From Elizabeth's Dock it is about 17 statute miles to the visitor's 
center, and about 22 miles to the south lock (South Mills).

There is another small dock just south of the bridge with room for one 
40-50 foot boat. For my money the location isn't nearly as nice as 
Elizabeth's Dock, but it is handy to the Mexican restaurant and the 
shopping center. It's right at the edge of a parking lot, so it can be 
dusty and noisy.


On 9/28/2008 4:42 PM, Larry wrote:
> We will be entering the Dismal Swamp in 2 days from the North. Can you
> update with any info on the depths or other things to watch for.
>
> I am considering the Elizabeth Docks also for the first night & then the
> visitors Center the 2nd
>
> We draw 41/2 feet  Any comments appreaciated.
-- 
<><><><><><><><><><><><><><>Mozilla Thunderbird<><><><><><><><><><><><>
Bob McLeran and Judy Young                                    Cruising 
the Atlantic Coast
MV Sanderling                                                           
Defever 41 Trawler
Blog: http://sanderlingcruise2008.blogspot.com/
Photos: http://public.fotki.com/rmcleran/
Currently: Anchored in Smith Creek, Oriental, North Carolina