Agnostik
National Historic Trail · VA, MD, DE, DC, PA, NY

Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic 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.gov ↗

Photos

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.
A re-created American Indian town.
At Jamestown Settlement, trail visitors can view yihakan, the houses seen pictured here, which are constructed from saplings and reed mats.
Many baldcypress trees standing in the Chickahominy River
Some scenes - like this one of cypress trees in the Chickahominy River - look similar to what Captain John Smith would have seen 400 years ago.
A lone kayaker explores the Patuxent River
The upper reaches of the Patuxent River at Jug Bay give visitors a view of the Chesapeake region that feels similar to a time before European settlement.
A view of the Susquehanna River and the boat dock at Zimmerman Center for Heritage
Visitors can use the dock at Zimmerman Center for Heritage to launch canoes and kayaks onto the beautiful Susquehanna River in south central Pennsylvania.

Activities

  • Arts and Culture
  • Craft Demonstrations
  • Cultural Demonstrations
  • Boating
  • Sailing
  • Boat Tour
  • Camping
  • Canoe or Kayak Camping
  • Car or Front Country Camping
  • RV Camping
  • Compass and GPS
  • Geocaching
  • Fishing
  • Food
  • Picnicking
  • Guided Tours
  • Boat Tour
  • Hands-On
  • Arts and Crafts
  • Hiking
  • Front-Country Hiking
  • Paddling
  • Canoeing
  • Canoe or Kayak Camping
  • Kayaking
  • Stand Up Paddleboarding
  • Whitewater Rafting
  • Junior Ranger Program
  • Tubing
  • River Tubing
  • Swimming
  • Wildlife Watching
  • Birdwatching
  • Museum Exhibits