© DCR-DNH, Gary P. Fleming

Cypress Bridge Swamp Natural Area Preserve

Home to some of the biggest trees in Virginia, Cypress Bridge Swamp Natural Area Preserve offers a glimpse back to a time before the widespread clearing of America's forests. The core of the preserve is home to trees estimated to be more than 1000 years old and an assortment of sylvan giants, including the largest Carolina ash (Fraxinus caroliniana) in the nation, the largest swamp cottonwood in the state and former-champion overcup oak (Quercus lyrata) and water tupelos (Nyssa aquatica). A 123-foot tall bald cypress (Taxodium distichum) here briefly wore the crown for Virginia's largest tree. Unfortunately, though it still towers over the swamp, this ancient specimen died shortly before the preserve was established. Much less conspicuous but no less significant, the state-rare shade mudflower (Micranthemum umbrosum) is also found here. In all, the preserve encompasses nearly 380 acres - mostly bottomland hardwood forest - and borders the Nottoway River for more than three miles.

VISITATION:
There are no plans for public access facilities at this time.