Many people visit Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge to spot birds, like this heron, that rely the natural resources of the landscape.
Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail
National Historic Trail · VA, MD, DE, DC, PA, NY
People first arrived in the Chesapeake Bay during the last ice age. As glaciers melted, diverse societies learned to thrive in a world of water. When Englishman Captain John Smith explored the Bay in 1608, he documented hundreds of American Indian communities. Today, sites on his map are archeological treasures and sacred sites for tribal citizens. Come join us on the shores of the Chesapeake Bay!
Park report
Current Alerts
How this is rated
Good: no active alerts or closuresNo active alerts
Entrance Fee
How this is rated
Good: free entryFree — no entrance fee
Visitor Centers
Good2 visitor centers
Activities Available
How this is rated
Good: many activities available34 activities
Park Name
InfoCaptain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail
Designation
InfoNational Historic Trail
State(s)
InfoVA, MD, DE, DC, PA, NY
cajo_info@nps.gov
Operating Hours
InfoThe water trail is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year! To launch your kayak or other vessel on the trail, access a local boat launch along one of the trail's many tributary rivers and coastlines. Local boat launches, state parks, and other locations have specific operating hours and seasons. Always check weather and conditions before going out on the water - take care during the winter months to dress appropriately for the weather and the possibility of submersion in cold water.
Campgrounds
InfoNo campgrounds listed
Visitor Center: Historic Jamestowne - Trail Headquarters
InfoSee park for hours
Visitor Center: Zimmerman Center for Heritage
InfoSee park for hours
Activity: Arts and Culture
InfoAvailable
Activity: Craft Demonstrations
InfoAvailable
Activity: Cultural Demonstrations
InfoAvailable
Activity: Boating
InfoAvailable
Activity: Sailing
InfoAvailable
Activity: Boat Tour
InfoAvailable
Activity: Camping
InfoAvailable
Activity: Canoe or Kayak Camping
InfoAvailable
Activity: Car or Front Country Camping
InfoAvailable
Activity: RV Camping
InfoAvailable
Activity: Compass and GPS
InfoAvailable
Activity: Geocaching
InfoAvailable
Activity: Fishing
InfoAvailable
Activity: Food
InfoAvailable
Activity: Picnicking
InfoAvailable
Theme: Archeology
InfoFeatured at this park
Theme: Arts
InfoFeatured at this park
Theme: Colonization and Settlement
InfoFeatured at this park
Theme: Commerce
InfoFeatured at this park
Theme: Trade
InfoFeatured at this park
Theme: Dams
InfoFeatured at this park
Theme: Explorers and Expeditions
InfoFeatured at this park
Theme: Farming and Agriculture
InfoFeatured at this park
Weather Info
InfoDuring the summer season, visitors should dress in light, comfortable, moisture-wicking clothing, and use sunscreen. High temperatures and humidity create a higher risk of heat cramps, heat exhaustion
Getting There
InfoThe water trail is 3,000 miles long and there are countless places to explore it. The trail's headquarters and main visitor center is at Colonial National Historical Park - Historic Jamestowne. For an
GPS Coordinates
Info38.9716° N, -76.4834° W
Data from official federal recreation records. Updated periodically. Park conditions change — always verify with the park before visiting. Verify on official park website