Hop aboard the Dismal Swamp Express, an open-air wagon, for a narrated ride along Canal Road. See the park's liquor still and lighter boat replicas and maybe even some interesting birds or other wildlife! The ride lasts 45 minutes to an hour and is filled on a first-come, first-served basis. If the weather is questionable or you have a large group, please call the office at 252-771-6593 in advance. Insect repellent is recommended. Bring snacks and water if you want them.
Events and Programs
Park Maps and Brochures:
Events and Programs
Dismal Swamp State Park offers a variety of learning opportunities for all ages. Typically led by park rangers, these interpretive programs allow the public to gain perspective into what makes North Carolina state parks naturally wonderful.
Most of the events are free, though some require pre-registration. All give park visitors deeper insight into the natural world. Call the park office for more information.
Date of Event:
Repeats every week until Sun Nov 25 2018.
Sun, 09/23/2018 - 11:00am, Sun, 09/30/2018 - 11:00am, Sun, 10/07/2018 - 11:00am, Sun, 10/14/2018 - 11:00am, Sun, 10/21/2018 - 11:00am, Sun, 10/28/2018 - 11:00am, Sun, 11/04/2018 - 11:00am, Sun, 11/11/2018 - 11:00am, Sun, 11/18/2018 - 11:00am, Sun, 11/25/2018 - 11:00am Start Location:
Visitor Center
Hop aboard the Dismal Swamp Express, an open-air wagon, for a narrated ride along Canal Road. See the park's liquor still and lighter boat replicas and maybe even some interesting birds or other wildlife! The ride lasts 45 minutes to an hour and is filled on a first-come, first-served basis. If the weather is questionable or you have a large group, please call the office at 252-771-6593 in advance. Insect repellent is recommended. Bring snacks and water if you want them.
Date of Event:
Repeats every week until Sun Nov 25 2018.
Sun, 09/23/2018 - 2:00pm, Sun, 09/30/2018 - 2:00pm, Sun, 10/07/2018 - 2:00pm, Sun, 10/14/2018 - 2:00pm, Sun, 10/21/2018 - 2:00pm, Sun, 10/28/2018 - 2:00pm, Sun, 11/04/2018 - 2:00pm, Sun, 11/11/2018 - 2:00pm, Sun, 11/18/2018 - 2:00pm, Sun, 11/25/2018 - 2:00pm Start Location:
Visitor Center
Join us for our 6th annual Dismal Day! Runners/walkers can check in as early as 8:30 am, and the run starts at 9 am. A limited number of commemorative t-shirts will be available for purchase at $5/each.
Then stay for the festival events from 10 am-2 pm including craft vendors, food, live music, cultural exhibits, bounce house, chalk art contest, pontoon boat rides on the historic Dismal Swamp Canal, wagon rides, face painting, scavenger hunt, and much more! Raptors, reptiles, and other live animals will be on display. This year's theme is FISH!
*The park is also seeking volunteers to help with this event! Call 252-771-6593 for more information.*
Date of Event:
Sat, 10/27/2018 - 8:30am to 2:00pm
Start Location:
Park Grounds and Visitor Center
Hop aboard the Dismal Swamp Express, an open-air wagon, for a narrated ride along Canal Road. See the park's liquor still and lighter boat replicas and maybe even some interesting birds or other wildlife! The ride lasts 45 minutes to an hour and is filled on a first-come, first-served basis. If the weather is questionable or you have a large group, please call the office at 252-771-6593 in advance. Insect repellent is recommended. Bring snacks and water if you want them.
Date of Event:
Sun, 09/23/2018 - 11:00am, Sun, 09/30/2018 - 11:00am, Sun, 10/07/2018 - 11:00am, Sun, 10/14/2018 - 11:00am, Sun, 10/21/2018 - 11:00am, Sun, 10/28/2018 - 11:00am, Sun, 11/04/2018 - 11:00am, Sun, 11/11/2018 - 11:00am, Sun, 11/18/2018 - 11:00am, Sun, 11/25/2018 - 11:00am
Start Location:
Visitor Center
Hop aboard the Dismal Swamp Express, an open-air wagon, for a narrated ride along Canal Road. See the park's liquor still and lighter boat replicas and maybe even some interesting birds or other wildlife! The ride lasts 45 minutes to an hour and is filled on a first-come, first-served basis. If the weather is questionable or you have a large group, please call the office at 252-771-6593 in advance. Insect repellent is recommended. Bring snacks and water if you want them.
Date of Event:
Sun, 09/23/2018 - 2:00pm, Sun, 09/30/2018 - 2:00pm, Sun, 10/07/2018 - 2:00pm, Sun, 10/14/2018 - 2:00pm, Sun, 10/21/2018 - 2:00pm, Sun, 10/28/2018 - 2:00pm, Sun, 11/04/2018 - 2:00pm, Sun, 11/11/2018 - 2:00pm, Sun, 11/18/2018 - 2:00pm, Sun, 11/25/2018 - 2:00pm
Start Location:
Visitor Center
Contact:
Dismal Swamp State Park
2294 US 17 North
South Mills, NC 27976Phone252-771-6593
dismal.swamp@ncparks.gov
Latitude: 36.505700
Longitude: -76.355100
March - October: 8am - 6pm
November - February: 8am - 5pm
Closed Christmas Day
Visitor Center
Weekdays: 8am - 4:30pm
Saturday - Sunday: 9:30am - 4:30pm
Trails close one-half hour before park closing time.