Dismal Swamp State Park has a lot of history. The State Park is in its own section, just down from…read morethe Welcome Center. After you find a place to park, you need to check in with the ranger at the booth, and then you can open the gate to walk across the bridge. From there you can either go on the walking trails or visit the museum building. I just went into the building as I wanted to see the Underground Railroad exhibit but there was just one storyboard so not quite what I expected. I did appreciate the audio of Moses Grandy reading his book. The Great Dismal Swamp was dug by hand by slaves. It was about a million acres when built but now is much smaller. It became part of the Underground Railroad for those going north but was also a place where a community formed as it was easy to hide in the ruggedness and the swamp provided a lot of resources. The exhibits are in the lobby and two rooms and provided a lot of information. The Great Dismal Swamp is in North Carolina and Virginia and is home to wildlife; birds, insects reptiles, trees and plants. 97 species live in the swamp today and 43 species of butterflies. Native Americans first lived there. They lost the land to European settlers. George Washington was one of many that wanted to drain the swamp but the canal was built instead. The 22 mile canal went from Chesapeake VA to South Mills NC. Barges took supplies and people from one end to the other. The canal system stopped being used when railroads started as they were more efficient. I highly recommend checking out this State Park.

I was born and raised near the Dismal Swamp Wildlife Refuge. I have a love/fear relationship with…read morenature, especially the swamp. I know to expect the unexpected when it comes to navigating the swamp. You may encounter mosquitoes, snakes, a bear--or all three. I had visited the Dismal Swamp State Park as a teenager, but I spent most of my visit on the water. I enjoyed revisiting the park as an adult, and I have to admit I was a bit relieved to hop on the wagon ride. It was a nice way to enjoy being in nature amongst the wildlife without the fear of walking up on any of the animal friends. I also enjoyed learning from the tour guide, especially about the history of moonshine and bootlegging in the past. There were other trails to walk, but they warned visitors that snakes were out, so I decided to pass.

On this rainy Sunday newly arrived Snow Geese from Greenland and Russia have arrived. This has been…read morea bucket list for years. Hundreds of these geese, named for their white plumage, have landed in North Carolina. The snow goose is mostly covered in white feathers, but has black wing tips. They are typically native to Greenland, Canada, Alaska and the northeastern tip of Siberia. While seemingly rare to most people, there's another type of goose that's far more rare to spot along the Atlantic Coast that has also arrived- the Blue Ross Goose. Its color mutation is controlled by a single gene. This bird was the inspiration for cartoonist J.N. Darling to create the symbol of the the National Wildlife Refuge System. Populations of blue geese are found mostly in central North America and very rarely come to the east coast. Snow Geese fly to the Arctic and subarctic zone of North America, as well as marginal areas of neighboring Russia and Greenland to breed each year. They time their arrival to coincide with the melting snow and thawing ice. The tundra of the far north provides rich foraging grounds and a relatively safe place for these birds to raise their family. At such high latitudes however the summer is short-lived, and the birds must head south because they cannot survive the coming harsh winter. Once breeding is complete, the birds molt and then begin a long migration. The timing of migration is highly dependent on weather conditions, but normally begins shortly after the first snow begins in mid August and is usually completed by December. The migration is a pretty drawn out affair that lasts 3 or 4 months, making long stopovers at regularly used staging grounds to refuel for the next leg. They will begin their northward spring migration as early as February from the south and arrive at their breeding grounds by the end of May. Geese form lifelong pairs on their second northward spring migration. They will mate for life and return to the same nest site year after year.

If you have never been to this spot - you are missing out. This summer I have made it my mission…read moreto bike all the local refuge, parks, and trails and I have found some real gems but this has been my favorite so far. Mackay Island National Wildlife Refuge is just across the Virginia/North Carolina border (through Pungo and Princess Anne Road) and takes up most of Knott's Island. There are two primary entrances and during COVID the facilities are closed but you can still adventure, hike, fish, ride bikes, bird and wildlife watch, and enjoy! Most of this refuge is made up of marsh land and I rode the loop from the end of the entrance road parking lot fully around earlier today which was around 5.5 miles total and it was beautiful. I saw huge cattails, tons of white baby's breath flowers along the trail, turtles, birds, fish, and white and blue herons! No snakes surprisingly. There is no shade on the trail so come prepared with tons of water and hats and sunscreen. Water and marsh on both sides and beautiful, beautiful, scenery is what you will be treated to here. It is a must see. My all-time favorite so far this summer!

One day when I was looking around on the National Park Service website, I spotted the Captain John…read moreSmith Chesapeake National Historical Trail (JST). There is nothing I love more than trails, but when you combine history with nature, I get damn giddy! 400 years ago, Captain John Smith explored the Chesapeake Bay, and covered over 3,000 miles of trails--most of it being water. In 2006, Congress designated Smith's voyages as the first national water trail. Because of that, there is not one main trail for JST. There are several "trails" throughout Hampton Roads (HR). Each site has a sign and logo (see pictures) representing its inclusion with JST. Here is a list of the places you can visit in HR to check out JST: * Fort Boykin--Smithfield * Windsor Castle Park--Smithfield (Technically, Smithfield is not included in HR, but close enough to Suffolk, and many HR residents visit often.) * Mariners' Museum--Newport News * Virginia Living Museum--Newport News * Fort Monroe National Monument--Hampton * Hoffler Creek Wildlife Preserve--Portsmouth * First Landing State Park--Virginia Beach * Lynnhaven River NOW--Virginia Beach * Great Bridge Lock Park--Chesapeake TIPS: * Download the Chesapeake Explorer App (http://chesapeakeexplorerapp.com/) * Check out A Boater's Guide to the JST (http://goo.gl/dLi34r) * Here is the historical map from John Smith voyages: http://goo.gl/rGvgDA And here is the current map for JST: http://smithtrail.net/visit-the-trail/index * There is a Junior Ranger badge specifically for JST--ages 6 - 12. Go to this website and follow the directions: http://smithtrail.net/about-us/for-kids * Calling educators/parents! They offer lesson plans on the website: http://smithtrail.net/about-us/for-educators * Many of the water trails are accessible to kayaks and canoes! * Take a driving tour. (http://goo.gl/C4b7jk)

It's quite a shame that a trail with this kind of significance, commemorating the lives lost of…read moreservice members, is located within the walls of a military base with restricted access from the general population. Hence this review, to inform those who don't have access. Heroes Circle Nature Trail is located on Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek - Fort Story honors the service members who lost their lives while stationed here since September 11, 2001. I think this trail was built within the last few years, because I don't remember this trail being here the last time we were stationed here. There are individual markers highlighting each hero's service and sacrifice along the trail and I took a snapshot of each one and hope I didn't forget anyone. There is another little area "Hero Workout of the Day" that is dedicated to "The Murph". LT Murphy was posthumously awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor and nicknamed the workout you see on the marker, "Body Armor". The trail starts off with a slightly raised wooden platform, but does not go all the way to the end (FYI for the strollers & wheelchairs). According to the info board found at the trailhead, the trail is about 0.8 mile. The trail also serves as a bird and wildlife sanctuary with interpretive signs throughout. It's a beautiful trail, although short, with great significance, so if you have access or can get access, I recommend you stop by for a bit of exercise, fresh air and gratitude. May they rest in peace.

Great find while staying in Nags Head! We walked here from Dowdy park. Next time we will drive and…read morepark in the lot since they have marked hiking trails. Lovely views of flora and fauna. Bring bug spray, sun screen, and water!

Beautiful views. Bring serious bug spray and a camera. I…read morewish they marked the beginning of the trails and paths better. I mean even some spray on the trees would work!

The Mayor and City Council have ruined this beautiful area that I've been visiting for years. I was…read moreshocked when I went. Many people would come take pictures of the rare birds here. Their homes are now gone. What's left doesn't look taken care of. Shame on the city!

Beautiful spot to view wildlife and walk some trails through the woods or by the water. Parking is…read morelimited so plan ahead. Informative signs posted throughout which is helpful & interesting. Free !!!

This park is a hidden gem. The hiking & biking trails are well-maintained and the facilities,…read more(pavilion, campgrounds, restrooms) are clean and new. If you're in eastern NC and think Raleigh has a corner on the state park 'market' give this pretty place a try. Come up for a day trip. Hike the trails, go fishing in the creek(s) -- with a license of course then jet to Littleton for a good selection of cuisine. Or, camp at the pristine campground, where a sweet little cabin, complete with Adirondack chairs will finish off your relaxing, peaceful day. Kudos to the Medoc Mountain State Park crew.

I have always drove by the park entrance so I decided to visit one day with my dog for a little…read morehike. There are a lot of trails here that makes for an excellent workout via hiking, running, or walking. It has a visitor center with bathrooms. I particularly like that there are picnic tables and fun jungle gym area for kids. It is worth the visit.

Beautiful shady walking trail in Williamsburg. Saw several neat insects, lots of ducks, tadpoles,…read moresome turtles and a heron. We also spied at deer! I do wish the trail was marked more clearly when you're on the boardwalk bridge but overall a good experience.

This was overall a great hike. It was a nice nature break during our vacation. It had beautiful…read morefall foliage and the paths were clearly marked. Lots of picture opportunities - in fact, I remember the city park's website promoting some photo contest for their trails. We only expected to be among the woods until we found the asphalt trail that borders a vast field. We took that path and took more pictures. We saw hawks circling the field but none took a land dive. I was happy to see it all and then return to the woods for more cold air. It was really enjoyable and I would recommend the trek. We were out there at least 2 hours. Restrooms were port-a-potties.

We came here because it was our second to last trip to Virginia. If we didn't end up going, I would…read morehave been more than fine. We hiked all of the trails they had. It was decent but pretty underwhelming. I would not go again because it's a lot of driving for mediocre sites and views. Things you need to remember are sunscreen and bug spray! We forgot bug spray, and I got bit by some deer flies -___- I wish their brochures/pamphlets were better as well. Didn't really give any info. Didn't state how long trails were. Barely any pictures of the animals. We saw turkeys and turtles and bugs. Nothing too exciting.

Loved this history here. The wind was high today but that did not stop us from traveling to the…read morelake and having lunch. Seen so many turtles along the way. Being the largest lake in Virginia I expected to see so many people but there was no one on the water. Beautiful trip through the swamp