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 535 acres - mostly bottomland hardwood forest - and borders the Nottoway River for more than three miles.
Learn more about Long Leaf Pine Restoration in Virginia
VISITATION:
There are no plans for public access facilities at this time.
CONTACT:
Darren Loomis, Southeast Region Steward
Department of Conservation and Recreation
Division of Natural Heritage Suffolk, VA
(757) 925-2318.
Department of Conservation and Recreation
