Black Bear Trail Bridge 1

Great little spot outside the city, take a break from the business and breathe some woodland air.

Great trail especially during the winter season. The trail itself is easy, flat, but often muddy. Not super well maintained but that is what i love about it. It is a SWAMP and a rustic trail! Summer is a bit rough with A LOT of spider webs. Bring a big stick to wave in front of you or you will end up with a face full of webs (sometimes even with the stick). Wear lots of bug spray to keep the mosquitos and flies at bay. I also recommend long clothes and a hat. Also keep an eye out for snakes! I have spotted many along the trial. I enjoy this trail because it keeps you on your toes! The bridge at the beginning of the trail is a great place for bird watching. It is also where people will leave their spider web whacking sticks. Happy trails!

I love this place, but it’s not for everyone. Lots of wildlife, there are bears, so bear spray is wise to have just incase. As others have mentioned, lots of ticks, but your in the woods, what do you expect?? Bring tall waterproof boots…

Seed ticks!!! Hundreds (not exaggerating) of them on pants.

I see where the name “Great Dismal Swamp came from. This trail will include walking in swampy mud through a plethora of spiderwebs, being attacked by horse flys, and having the largest ticks you’ve ever seen drop on you from the tree above. Proceed with caution.

*** Go to Portsmouth Ditch Trail Head on Google Maps!!! Follow brown Wildlife Refuge signs. Trails and parking are down the gravel road.

Mostly flat trail. A lot of mud and water. You will need tall rain boots or something. I had waterproof hiking boots and still managed to get water in. We saw a snake, frog, and other wildlife. It definitely is a wildlife refuge but o wouldn’t go back. We pulled 50-60 ticks off me, my husband, and two dogs. We’re still on the lookout for more. Not worth the hike.