Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail
National Historic Trail · VA, MD, DE, DC, PA, NY · Trail
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!
- NPS site
- nps.gov/cajo
- Location
- Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail (38.972, -76.483)
Track your visit to Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail
NP Tracker keeps a record of every National Park Service unit you visit — all 430-plus of them. Log visits with dates and photos, collect passport stamps, plan trips, and watch your map fill in. It's free.
Passport stamp locations
- Belle Isle State Park
- Caledon State Park
- Chickahominy Riverfront Park
- Chippokes State Park
- Columbia Crossing River Trails Center
- Deltaville Maritime Museum
- First Landing State Park
- Gloucester County Visitor Center
- Havre de Grace Visitor Center
- Henricus Historical Park
- Historic Jamestowne - Trail Headquarters
- Historic St. Mary's City
- James City County Marina
- James River Association
- Ker Place
- Kiptopeke State Park
- Leesylvania State Park
- Machicomoco State Park
- Mason Neck State Park
- Mathews County Visitor & Information Center
- Nanticoke River Discovery Center
- Point Lookout State Park
- Rappahannock River Valley National Wildlife Refuge
Hours
Trail Operating Hourstoday: All Day
- Sat Oct 3All Day
- Sun Oct 4All Day
- Mon Oct 5All Day
- Tue Oct 6All Day
- Wed Oct 7All Day
- Thu Oct 8All Day
- Fri Oct 9All Day
The 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.
Hours are retrieved from the National Park Service and can change without notice — check the official site before you go.
Visitor centers
2
- Historic Jamestowne - Trail Headquarterstoday: Closes at 5:00PMDirections
- Zimmerman Center for Heritagetoday: 10:00AM - 4:00PMDirections
Entrance fees
No entrance fee.