Running · Chesapeake, Virginia
Dismal Swamp Canal Trail
A straight, shaded paved corridor along the historic canal — flat mileage with almost no road crossings.
- Distance
- 8.5 mi
- Elevation gain
- 10 ft
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Typical time
- Not yet verified
About this route
Built on an old highway alignment beside the Dismal Swamp Canal, this trail is about as uninterrupted as paved running gets in Virginia: long, straight, tree-lined, and nearly free of intersections.
It suits marathon training and stroller walks equally. Wildlife sightings are frequent, and the canal history is worth reading about before you go.
Why this difficulty rating: Paved and flat with minimal crossings.
Highlights
- Historic canal
- Continuous shade
- Very few road crossings
Map and trailheads
Approximate locations for orientation only. Carry an offline map — cell service is unreliable on much of this network.
Know before you go
- Route type
- Out and back
- Surfaces
- Paved
- Setting
- Forest, River
- Amenities
- Parking, Restrooms, Shade, Free, Open year-round
- Parking
- Not yet verified
- Restrooms
- Not yet verified
- Water
- Not yet verified
- Fees
- Free.
- Permits
- Not yet verified
- Hours
- Not yet verified
- Dogs
- Dogs allowed on leash
- Accessibility
- Paved and level; suitable for wheelchairs and strollers.
- Stroller friendly
- Yes
- Good with kids
- Yes
- Seasonal notes
- Not yet verified
- Weather exposure
- Not yet verified
- Cell service
- Not yet verified
- Emergency
- Not yet verified
Hazards and wildlife
- Limited services along the route
- Mosquitoes in summer
- Occasional black bear sightings in adjacent swamp
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- Elevation gain
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- Elevation gain
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