Bird-watching is such an enjoyable way to get in touch with nature. You don't have to have a bunch of fancy equipment (though a great pair of binoculars certainly helps!). It can be enjoyed solo, with friends, or with young kids in tow. Perhaps best of all, it's educational: there's no need to be an avian expert to get into this fun hobby! If you're looking for great places to enjoy bird-watching in Virginia, it doesn't get much better than a visit to the Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge in Suffolk. This place is magnificently beautiful, and its unique ecosystem provides a habitat for around 200 different bird species. If you want to get in touch with nature on a beautiful day, this is definitely the spot to visit.

This refuge was established in 1974 to protect the sprawling Great Dismal Swamp, a 480,000-acre marshland that spreads through southeastern Virginia and northeastern North Carolina.

Swamps provide invaluable habitats for wildlife thanks to their unique ecosystem. The Great Dismal Swamps' forested wetlands include beautiful Lake Drummond, a massive natural lake that is the centerpiece of the swamp.

Over 200 types of birds call this place home at various points throughout the year, and there's also a huge array of mammals, reptiles, and amphibians. Everything from black bears to warblers can be found here. You're especially likely to have a successful bird-watching excursion if you head out in late spring and early summer, during many species' spring migration.

Of course, it's not just animals that love the Great Dismal Swamp. The area is teeming with recreational opportunities, and it's a popular spot for hiking, biking, fishing, camping, and simply relaxing and getting in touch with nature. This is one of our favorite free things to do in Virginia, and it's a wonderful way to get exercise while reminding yourself just how beautiful our state is.

Just remember: keep your eyes peeled when you're out exploring, you never know what kind of critters you might come across!

For more information about the Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge and the bird-watching opportunities there, check out the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service website. Even if you aren't particularly into bird-watching, there are some wonderful hiking trails in the area. Our friends at AllTrails have all the information you need on some of the best trails in the park.