The Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail is based on historical events, but it is really about the present and the future. It’s about getting out and experiencing the trail to discover more about the Bay. It’s about understanding changes in the Bay since Smith’s time and what they tell us about the Bay’s future. It’s about learning what we can do as individuals today to improve the future health of the Bay.
Here are some of the ways you can Get Involved in the trail today:
Experience the Trail
With the 3,000 miles of trail route encompassing much of the Chesapeake watershed, chances are you live close to places to access the trail and to learn about the Chesapeake Bay. Get out and explore.
Visit the Trail
Choose places and use the Adventure Planner to plan your own itenerary.
Trail Explorations
See sample iteneraries for visiting land and water sites along the trail.
Public Access
Search through over 500 public access sites in Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania, and D.C. to find opportunities for boating, fishing, wildlife observation, and beach use.
Chesapeake Bay Gateways
Visit the parks, refuges, museums, historic vessels, and other special places in the Gateways Network that connect you with the authentic Chesapeake.
Help Plan the Trail
Become involved in developing the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail by adding your ideas during the planning process now under way. The National Park Service invites your participation at public open houses and through the public comment process. Learn more about the trail planning process and upcoming meetings.
Join with partners involved in helping to develop the first national water trail. Find out more about the Friends of the John Smith Trail and other organizations.
Help the Bay
Look at today’s Chesapeake Bay in the context of Captain John Smith’s time to see how the Bay’s future depends on the help of everyone who lives and visits the watershed. Simple changes in how we treat our environment can help the Bay and its rivers for future generations to enjoy.