Taking the Road Less Traveled to Suffolk Sites and Trails

With longer days and pleasant weather, the summer months are prime time for taking a leisurely drive on Suffolk’s rural backroads. Whether we are scouting the perfect homesites for our clients or taking the motorcycle out for a spin (that would be Dan), we prefer taking the road less traveled. We thought you might like to know about some of the sites we have discovered. Next time you are out and about, consider exploring these winding trails and woodsy adventures located off the beaten path.

Great Dismal Swamp Wildlife Refuge

Did you know that “dismals” was once a common term for swamps or areas where water stood for long periods of time? Straddling the North Carolina and Virginia borders, the forested wetlands refuge is a pleasant drive from downtown Suffolk. Take VA 13 South to VA 32 to reach the Visitor Contact Station at 3100 Desert Road. Here at the southwest edge of Lake Drummond, step out of the car to access the boardwalk and landing for a close view of the refuge. Take in the trails and tour the Underground Railroad Pavilion to view an exhibit about escaped slaves who found refuge in the Swamp. Drive time from Downtown Suffolk: 10.7 miles/16 minutes, depending on traffic. Details at this link for the Great Dismal Swamp. 

Seaboard Coastline Trail

Following the former Seaboard Coastal Railroad right of way, this walking/biking trail is a developing project that will span 11.5 miles, connecting Suffolk and Chesapeake. It is part of a larger 41-mile effort of the South Hampton Roads Trail, with each segment following the railroad path. Trees, farmland, and neighborhoods surround the trail, which crosses several creeks and marshland. For this leg, the trail end points include Bromay St. (Chesapeake) to Kings Highway (Driver) and E. Constance Rd. to Prentis St. & Suburban Dr. to Rte. 58; 5.6 miles. View info and map here of the Seaboard Coastline Trail.

Chuckatuck Village

Wherever you are, point your GPS to 828 Kings Highway in Suffolk, and enjoy a tranquil, scenic drive with views of Bennett’s Creek, Chuckatuck Creek, and the Nansemond River. St. John’s Episcopal Church is your destination. On the National Register of Historic Places, the church traces its history to the founding of Jamestown. Stop and tour the grounds and enjoy lunch in Chuckatuck Village. View info about the church and other Suffolk sites at this link.

Windsor Castle Park

As you travel from Suffolk to the town of Smithfield, look for Windsor Castle Park in the downtown area. Nestled on the Pagan River and Cypress Creek, the park nurtures natural habitats of marsh, forest, fields, and creeks. Explore the woodland trail system, kayak the waterways, and tour the historic grounds. The Windsor Castle residence and farm were part of a 1,450-acre parcel patented in 1637 by Arthur Smith, an ancestor of Smithfield’s founder, Arthur Smith IV. Driving here is as pleasant as the destination itself. Drive time from Downtown Suffolk: 30 minutes via VA-10. Check here for details about Windsor Castle Park.

Taking the Road Less Traveled – The Sites and Trails of Suffolk

We hope these Suffolk sites and trails will inspire you to head out to our neck of the woods for a visit. Like we said, we love taking the road less traveled and believe you will too.

All the best,

Brandon and Dan.