• A kayaker paddles on the Patuxent River at the Jug Bay Natural Area. Photo by Middleton Evans.

    Captain John Smith Chesapeake

    National Historic Trail VA,MD,DE,DC

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have a question that is not answered here, Contact Us.

General Questions

What is the trail?
Why did Congress establish the trail?
Who is Captain John Smith?
When did Captain Smith explore the Chesapeake Bay?
How did Captain John Smith and his men explore the Chesapeake Bay?
Why are Smith’s explorations significant?
What does it take to establish a national historic trail?
What is the Captain John Smith Chesapeake NHT Feasibility Study?
How much will the trail cost?
Who will manage the trail?
Why are Indians of the Chesapeake region interested in the trail?
Will the national historic trail designation restrict current land/water use?
Did John Smith come by my house/town?
What are the Chesapeake Bay Interpretive Buoys and how do they relate to the trail?
Do I have a voice in developing the new trail?

Trail Use and Access

How do I get on the trail?
Where does the trail start?
How will the trail be marked?
What if I don’t have a boat?
Can I visit the trail in a car?
Where can I get a map and guide to the trail?
Can I camp overnight along the trail?
Does it cost anything to use the trail?
Will you need volunteers for the trail?
How else can I get involved in the trail?
Is there a cancellation stamp for the trail?
Is there a scout merit badge for the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail?

Did You Know?

Native American canoe

Native canoes could carry huge loads of cargo and large numbers of people. A 45-foot canoe was measured in 1607; most canoes could carry 10-20 people plus their luggage.