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A heron at sunset in the waters and marshes of Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge
Destinations › … › United States › Virginia

Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail

calendar_monthApr–May, Sep–Octbest time schedule3 daysplan for child_careYeswith kids confirmation_numberFreeentry
Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic TrailYour own route Plan a trip here →

The Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail commemorates the journeys of Captain John Smith in the early 1600s. It covers over 3,000 miles of waterways in the Chesapeake Bay region, offering insights into early American exploration and the interactions between European settlers and Native Americans.

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Visitors come to explore the rich history and natural beauty of the area. The trail includes various sites, such as historic towns and natural habitats, providing opportunities for kayaking, hiking, and learning about the region's cultural heritage.

In pictures

A re-created American Indian town.
A re-created American Indian town.

Things to do

Paddle the Sassafras River Water Trail

The Sassafras River Water Trail is a 22 mile-long route located in the Upper region of the Chesapeake Bay. The...
Multi-Park Loop
Winter/Spring

Park your car and stretch your legs! Visit four different National Parks in Washington, DC and begin logging m...
Boating in Rock Creek Park

Rent kayaks, canoes and stand up paddle boards from one of two boat houses along the Potomac River.
Paddle the Baltimore Blueway
1-6 Hours

Choose from 30 miles of trails in the Inner Harbor, Outer Harbor, Middle Branch, and Patapsco River. Imagine y...
Bicycle to a marina from Reedville, Virginia
1-2 Days · Spring/Summer

Bicycle from Reedville, an historic village at the northeastern part of the Northern Neck of Virginia, to a ma...
Bicycle between Point Lookout and Leonardtown, MD
4-10 Hours · Spring/Summer

Bicycling on a section of the Southern Maryland PHT On-Road Bicycling Route between Point Lookout and Leondard...
Explore the tidal Potomac from the Northern Neck by boat
2-8 Hours · Winter/Spring

Through the watermen’s heritage tour program, visitors to Tidewater Virginia, including the Northern Neck, can...
Explore by bicycle from Westmoreland State Park
1 Day · Spring/Summer

With Westmoreland State Park as a base, ride a loop connected with the Northern Neck Heritage Trail to explore...
Paddle the Potomac River

Beginning at Jennings Randolph Lake to the mouth of the Potomac, you may choose to paddle the 355 miles to the...
Paddle the Patuxent River Water Trail

The Patuxent River Water Trail offers visitors the opportunity to paddle the river, camp along its banks and v...
Paddle the Anacostia Water Trail
1-6 Hours

Discover the natural abundance of the Anacostia River as it threads through the heart of Washington, DC. Watch...
Paddle Mattaponi Creek
2 Hours · Winter/Spring

This 3.5 mile journey along Mattaponi Creek departs from Selby's Landing within Patuxent River Park.

Practical

At a glance

Opened
2006
Open
Daily open 24 hours
Accessibility
Varies by site, check in advance
Address
1368 Colonial Parkway, Jamestown, VA 23081
Opening hours
Daily open 24 hours
Price
Free
Website
www.nps.gov

Things to know

Expect limited parking at popular sites during weekends.
Some areas may require advance reservations for guided tours.
Dress for outdoor activities and check the weather forecast.
Bring water and snacks, as amenities can be sparse.

Photo: NPS Photo / Middleton Evans