Effective January 8, 2024, the Dismal Swamp Canal will be closed to navigation due to a planned infrastructure refurbishment project at the Deep Creek Locks in Chesapeake, Virginia. The closure is expected to last through March 31, 2024. Visitors to Lake Drummond will be able to access the Dismal Swamp Canal via the South Mills Locks in South Mills, North Carolina or from the various boat ramps along the canal. Vessels transitioning the Atlantic Intracoastal Water Way must use the Albemarle and Chesapeake Canal as an alternate route during this time frame.