Preferred Route ? Route #1 or #2?

[Fitzhume]

Im sailing north on the ICW at this moment and looking for opionions , experiences , feedback on your preferred route ; route 1 or the dismal swamp?

Any hazards, pros & cons, etc on the routes ?


Thx

[Waterway Guide]

Welcome aboard! I would normally suggest the Dismal Swamp route because of it's beauty and hospitality; however, recent weather has wreaked havoc on the route, with at least 2 trees recently blocking the canal and reports on lots of snags. The Welcome Center said that the obstructions were cleared yesterday, but I'm following up with them today to get a better feel of whether the snags have been cleared, too.

[Sunspot Baby]

In general, the dismal swamp route is much more scenic with extra care needed for the occasional log in the water and trees overhead that would love to snag your mast.

The cut is more straight forward but less interesting.

George

[Hudson Force]

We like the Dismal Swamp route although we recognize that the path is taken at a little slower speed due to snags and deadheads. We enjoy the free docks with amenities at Elizabeth City, The NC Welcome Station, La Familia Restaurant (grocery store across the street) and Elizabeth's Dock just south of the Deep Creek Locks.

[GordMay]

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, Fitzhume.