Rivers, lakes & waterways

Waterways define much of Chesapeake's geography and history, connecting the city to the broader Hampton Roads region and beyond. * **Rivers:** The Elizabeth River (specifically the Southern Branch) and the Northwest River are the city's primary natural waterways. * **Intracoastal Waterway:** Chesapeake is a crucial junction for the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway, containing both the Dismal Swamp Canal and the Albemarle and Chesapeake Canal. * **Lakes:** Lake Drummond, located within the Great Dismal Swamp, is one of only two natural lakes in Virginia. Oak Grove Lake is another popular recreational body of water.