Attraction
GREAT DISMAL SWAMP NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE
757-986-3705
Fax: 757-986-2353
www.refugenet.com
P.O. Box 349, Suffolk, VA 23439-0349
South of Suffolk, VA on Route 13 to Route 32 south. South for 4.5 miles, then
follow signs. For Boardwalk trail, take White Marsh Road (Route 642) Washington
Ditch Road. Follow road to parking lot. Washington Ditch entrance is the refuge’s
main public entrance.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION: Great Dismal Swamp is located in southeastern
Virginia and northeastern North Carolina. Established through The Dismal Swamp
Act of 1974, the Refuge consists of almost 109,000 acres of forested wetlands
that have been greatly altered by drainage and repeated logging operations.
PARKING: 2 designated accessible parking spaces, located at Refuge
headquarters. Parking space 11 feet wide. Nearby ramps well marked. RV parking
limited.
TYPES OF PATHS TO OR AROUND ATTRACTION:T Paths accessible to persons
with mobility impairments. Packed gravel parking lot leads visitors to boardwalk
trail. Boardwalk Trail has wheelchair pulloffs approximately every 200 feet.
Steep grades may require assistance for persons in wheelchairs. Length of
paths 0.75 of a mile.
ENTRANCE: At office. 2 glass entry doors, each 3 feet wide, easily
open out with clearly marked push bar handle located 2 feet above floor.
PUBLIC REST ROOMS: Located at Refuge headquarters. Doors 2 feet wide,
open in. No turns to enter. Accessible stalls have 34 inch wide doors opening
in and handrails. 19 inch toilet seat height, 12 inches between commode and
wall. Sink height 35 inches. Accessible stall checked regularly for obstructions.
Port-a-toilet in parking lot is not accessible for persons with mobility impairments.
PUBLIC TELEPHONE: At front desk, phone upon request only.
SPECIAL SERVICES:
For guests with hearing impairments, there are written scripts available.
For guests with visual impairments, there are audio cassettes and portable
tape recorders with advance notice, and signs in large print with contrasting
background.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: No admission fee. Office hours: Monday-Friday
8AM-3:30PM, closed all federal holidays. Refuge hours: April-September 6:30AM-8PM,
October-March 6:30AM-5PM.
© 1999,2000 by The Opening Door, Inc.
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED