"The Dismal Swamp Canal Trail is a former section of Virginia State Rt. 17, now a multi-use trail open to bicycling, walking, running/hiking, horseback riding, and boating. The north trail head is located at the intersection of Dominion Blvd. and Old Rt. 17 in Chesapeake, VA, and runs south 8.3 miles, adjacent to the Dismal Swamp Canal." This out-and-back route starts at the gate at the end of the north parking lot, goes all the way to the end of the trail ~8.2 miles (there is a sign at the far end of the cul de sac), and back to the north gate. Most of this route is closed to traffic with the exception of a few miles that is shared with light traffic en route to the boat launch ramp off of the trail. As this route is an old highway, it is entirely paved. This trail is popular with bikers, runners, and walkers, so the first few miles from the north parking lot can be slightly crowded, but it is easy enough to go around people; just be aware of the cyclists.
The out & back has a Strava segment.
