Hiking the Dismal Swamp Canal Trail with Simba the Adventure Pup!

Hey friends! Ash here, back with another pawsome adventure from the road.

Simba (my golden retriever and fearless trail buddy) and I recently explored the Dismal Swamp Canal Trail in Chesapeake, Virginia — a beautiful, peaceful, and historic spot that’s perfect for hikers, bikers, and, of course, dog lovers.
🌿 Discovering the Dismal Swamp Canal Trail

The Dismal Swamp Canal Trail is a 9-mile paved path that runs alongside the historic Dismal Swamp Canal, with scenic views, rich history, and plenty of wildlife. As soon as Simba and I set paw on the trail, we were surrounded by towering trees, birdsong, and the kind of quiet that only comes when you’re fully immersed in nature.

Whether you’re walking, biking, or just out for a leisurely stroll, this trail offers a peaceful escape — and it’s super dog-friendly! Simba had a blast sniffing every tree, splashing in puddles, and keeping his eyes peeled for squirrels.

🐶 Dog-Friendly + RV Life Tips

One of the best parts of traveling full-time in an RV with a dog is discovering places like this: where you can park nearby, leash up, and just go. A few tips if you’re bringing your pup:

✔️ Bring water + a collapsible bowl — it can get warm on sunny days, and there’s limited shade on some parts of the trail.
✔️ Keep an eye out for snakes 🐍 — we didn’t see any this time, but locals warned us they’re around, especially in warmer months.
✔️ Respect the wildlife — lots of birds, turtles, and even the occasional deer. Simba wanted to chase, but we stuck to the path!

🎥 Watch Our Adventure


In our latest video, we take you along the Dismal Swamp Canal Trail, sharing the views, the sounds, and what it’s really like hiking with a dog while living full-time on the road.

If you love RV life, hiking, or just seeing happy dogs exploring the world, make sure to subscribe and follow us!

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📲 Follow us on all platforms → @lifeonpawsandwheels

Why We Loved This Hike

✔️ Peaceful + Scenic — beautiful views of the canal and swamp.
✔️ Dog-Friendly — Simba gives it four paws up!
✔️ Easy Access — plenty of parking, wide paved trail, great for all skill levels.
✔️ Hidden Gem — not crowded, perfect for those who want a quieter nature experience.

Join Us on the Journey!

Thanks for following along on another adventure! We’re so excited to keep sharing RV travel stories, hiking spots, and the ups and downs of life on the road with a dog. Got a favorite trail or campground we should visit? Drop a comment and let us know!

Until next time, happy tails and safe travels! 🐾🌲🚐
Location: Chesapeake, VA, USA

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