Friday March 24th with a buddy of mine, we paddled from the Deep Creek Lock to the NC Dismal Swamp visitor Center a 17 mile paddle. A great day for paddling, not too sunny, not too hot with a slight breeze. The water was like glass most of the trip, with the breeze breaking that occasionally. We started at 9AM and we were done by 4PM, once again Peg (my wife) assisted by dropping us off and picking us up. My buddy Phil, wanted to test his limits so we were each in our own boats; me in the trusty kayak and he was in his Radisson Canoe. Saw a some herons, ducks, a woodchuck, two deer and a few hawks, vultures, and eagles. I highly recommend this paddle. You parallel a road way in places so there is some road noise, bugs can be heavy in their respective season, but it is very picturesque and an easy paddle. Since you are paddling between two locks there is no current to speak of, paddle north to south or vice versa. If 17 miles is too long, there are two boat launches that would split that length up to your liking. Just get out an paddle.