National Historic Trail

Captain John Smith Chesapeake

A heron at sunset in the waters and marshes of Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge
Many people visit Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge to spot birds, like this heron, that rely the natural resources of the landscape. NPS Photo / Middleton Evans

Overview

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!

States: VA, MD, DE, DC, PA, NY(757) 856-1220

Hours

  • Sunday: All Day
  • Monday: All Day
  • Tuesday: All Day
  • Wednesday: All Day
  • Thursday: All Day
  • Friday: All Day
  • Saturday: All Day

Fees & Passes

    Map

    Things To Do

    Category

    6 Results
      two youth looking at open water from deck of a large boat

      Bicycle to a marina from Reedville, Virginia

      Free

      Description

      Bicycle from Reedville, an historic village at the northeastern part of the Northern Neck of Virginia, to a marina for a fishing trip or charter tour on the Potomac and Chesapeake Bay.

      More info
      Time:1-2 Days
      group of bicyclists on a road in Southern Maryland with a glimpse of the Potomac River

      Bicycle between Point Lookout and Leonardtown, MD

      Free

      Description

      Bicycling on a section of the Southern Maryland PHT On-Road Bicycling Route between Point Lookout and Leondardtown, MD

      More info
      Pet FriendlyTime:4-10 Hours
      two youth leaning on the gunwale of a boat looking at a broad river

      Explore the tidal Potomac from the Northern Neck by boat

      $

      Description

      Through the watermen’s heritage tour program, visitors to Tidewater Virginia, including the Northern Neck, can experience the time-honored history and traditions of working watermen through a customized tour.

      More info

      Fees

      Pet FriendlyTime:2-8 Hours
      view of wide, tidal creek with trees and split rail fence in foreground

      Explore by bicycle from Westmoreland State Park

      Free

      Description

      With Westmoreland State Park as a base, ride a loop connected with the Northern Neck Heritage Trail to explore Stratford Hall, the birthplace of George Washington, Colonial Beach, wineries, historic sites and the Potomac River shoreline. A map and more information is available from the Northern Neck Tourism Commission at www.northernneck.org.

      More info
      Pet FriendlyTime:1 Day
      A color photograph of a man on a blue kayak next to an old sunken ship.

      Paddle the Potomac River

      Free

      Description

      Beginning at Jennings Randolph Lake to the mouth of the Potomac, you may choose to paddle the 355 miles to the Chesapeake Bay or take a single or multi-day trip; all will give you a different view of the ways that previous residents used the river and its banks for their livelihood, transportation and recreation.

      More info
      Pet Friendly
      A person paddles an orange kayak on a river with trees in the background.

      Paddle the Patuxent River Water Trail

      Free

      Description

      The Patuxent River Water Trail offers visitors the opportunity to paddle the river, camp along its banks and visit its numerous parks, historic sites, sanctuaries and wildlife areas. The 110 mile-long river is unique in that it is the longest river that flows entirely within the state of Maryland.

      More info
      Pet Friendly

    More Images

    A heron at sunset in the waters and marshes of Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge
    A heron at sunset in the waters and marshes of Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge
    A re-created American Indian town.
    A re-created American Indian town.
    Many baldcypress trees standing in the Chickahominy River
    Many baldcypress trees standing in the Chickahominy River
    A lone kayaker explores the Patuxent River
    A lone kayaker explores the Patuxent River
    A view of the Susquehanna River and the boat dock at Zimmerman Center for Heritage
    A view of the Susquehanna River and the boat dock at Zimmerman Center for Heritage