Things To Do

With nearly 3,000 miles of trail route there are countless things to see and do along the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail. The trail combines history, the natural environment, and outdoor recreation in a myriad of ways and places throughout much of the Chesapeake watershed.

The trail takes you to authentic places to learn the history and meaning of Smith’s journeys. It takes you to authentic places to learn about the Native Americans and their descendant communities today. It takes you into natural areas to see the Bay’s rich diversity of plants and wildlife and learn how the environment has changed over time. The trail offers new ways to discover the Chesapeake Bay and what makes the Bay a national treasure.

Here are a few ideas for experiencing the Chesapeake Bay through adventures along the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail. Check this trail website often as you plan your own trail adventures:

• Follow the official Boater’s Guide to the Captain John Smith trail to see the Bay and rivers as Smith did—by water.
• Paddle, boat, or drive to learn about John Smith’s Adventures on the James River or on the rivers he called the Pamaunk Flu.
• Visit Historic Jamestown Island and see the history of the colony John Smith helped to found.
• Kayak or canoe along one of the many water trails associated with the trail.
• Visit the many parks, historic walks and trails at Baltimore’s inner harbor and learn how it has changed over time.
• Go sailing near America’s sailing capitol, Annapolis, Maryland.
• See recreated American Indian houses at First Landing State Park in Virginia or Jefferson Patterson Park and Museum in Maryland.
• Visit the Pamunkey Indian Reservation in Virginia and see monuments to times past as well as the living artistry of the tribe today.
• Take your camera for a photo tour of the Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge.
• Take the ferry to Tangier Island in Virginia or Smith Island in Maryland to see island communities today.
• Join a Bay restoration project and meet other people who care about the Bay.

Visit places in the Chesapeake Bay Gateways and Watertrails Network for authentic Chesapeake experiences. Check Visit the Trail or www.baygateways.net to find out more.