Dismal Swamp or Great Dismal Swamp for more water?

[siroismi]

Have a draft of 7 feet and have transit thru the Dismal swamp (route 1) in 2006.

I wonder if there's been any changes since or simply put if it is any better for me to take the route 2 which is called the great Dismal swamp.

Thanks in advance for any info.

Michel

[colemj]

I'm not aware of any two routes through the dismal swamp. After clearing Norfolk bridges, you have the choice to cut to the dismal swamp or go straight into the virginia cut through coinjock, etc.

Maybe in the past these names were used for the two routes I am thinking of?

I don't think a 7' draft in the dismal swamp route would be good today.

Mark

[siroismi]

Thanks Colemj
I was refering to the names used in the intracoastal Waterways Chartbook by Kettlewell. But its an older version that may be why.
But anyway you answered my question and I thank you.

[KNoel]

We use this site a lot for east coast information:
Cruiser's Net

Have a great trip!

[AnchorageGuy]

Came through the Dismal Swamp a couple of weeks ago. Most depths were 8 to 9 feet. There was one short section after Deep Creek Lock at 7.9. Chuck

[colemj]

I just looked at the charts there. The "Great Dismal Swamp Canal" is the name being used for the Dismal Swamp route while what I called the Virginia Cut is called the "Albemarle-Chesapeake canal".

Mark

[cheoah]

Most deep draft boats like yours take the Virginia Cut, but sounds like the Dismal will work just fine if water levels hold. I would think that with 7' you would be more likely to bump some logs, since most boats going through there are 4-5' draft boats. Others can correct me if I'm wrong there. If you want to go really slow, might be fine. I prefer to go that way, much, much more if not offshore.

Have other boats with 7' drafts transited the Dismal recently? Very curious now.

[laika]

activecaptain.com can alert to any current or recent shoaling areas. Very good ICW resource.

[siroismi]

Didn't chance it and did the cut the last few days. Never even touch. One spot at 8' between Norfolk and Beaufort. Just arrived today.