Did you know? The Chesapeake Bay Region came about through millions of years of change, with natural forces, and, eventually, human activities playing major roles in creating the diverse aquatic and land-based environments we see in the Bay ecosystem of today.

Things To Do Favorites

Our trail experts have traveled throughout the Captain John Smith Chesapeake Trail and compiled their favorite sites to help guide your journeys. Whether you like fishing, paddling, photography or nature exploration, these expert tips will help you find the best sites along the trail to follow your passion as Captain John Smith did more than 400 years ago.

	Photo Destination: Captain John Smith's Chesapeake Bay Photographer Ian Plant tells you about his favorite sites along the John Smith Trail to photograph the Chesapeake region’s natural wonders. He shows off a few of the shots he’s taken at trail sites such as Calvert Cliffs in Maryland, and includes great tips to help you get the most out of your trips, from keeping the bugs at bay to navigating some of the trail’s most secluded sites.

	Favorites from the Shallop's Voyage on the John Smith Trail Andy Bystrom, a crew member of the 2007 shallop voyage that inaugurated the John Smith Trail, takes you to his favorite places along the trail. He highlights some of his favorite places and memorable experiences from his shallop trip, including running aground near Maryland’s lower Eastern Shore and the best Potomac River water trails.

	Fishing in the Wake of Captain John Smith Naturalist John Page Williams shares his favorite fishing spots along the John Smith Trail. From the Susquehanna to the Rappahannock, Williams tells you about Captain Smith’s wildlife encounters at each site and the types of fish you’ll find there today, plus which types of bait and tackle to use and other useful tips for you to have a successful fishing trip.