The controlling depth of the Canal is 6'. From Hospital Point to the Deep Creek, VA, locks is approximately 11 miles and from the Deep Creek locks to South Mills, NC, locks is 22 miles. Once thru the South Mills locks, it is 18 miles to Mariner's Wharf on Elizabeth City's waterfront, which offers cruising boaters 48 hours of FREE DOCKAGE.

The Canal provides a lovely alternate route on the ICW, thanks to the diligence of the US Army Corps of Engineers, Norfolk District.

Stop at the Welcome Center located at Mile 28, 17 miles south of the Deep Creek locks, for your NC Coastal Boating Guide and Florida Cruising Guide, as well as good "Southern Hospitality" from the friendly staff. Sign our Boaters' Log and check on the progress of others in the boating fraternity. Exchange a few books or watch videos on the history of the Dismal Swamp Canal. Spend the night at the 150' face dock and meet new friends. For more information, please call 877.771.8333, or send an email to dscwelcome@camdencountync.gov.

NOTE: A new barge bridge immediately south of the Welcome Center provides access to the new Dismal Swamp State Park on the west bank of the canal. Navigation has priority, so the bridge will remain open to boaters to permit passage, closing for pedestrian traffic only when there are no boats in sight. Bridge tenders monitor Channel 13. If there is a problem, call the State Park at 252.771.6582.