Scenic Miles Stretch Along the Coast of the Chesapeake Bay on Virginia's National Historic Trail
Exploring the Captain John Smith National Historic Trail: A Blend of History and Nature
The Captain John Smith National Historic Trail, the first water-based national historic trail in the United States, offers a unique opportunity to experience both history and nature. This extensive trail, which stretches over 3,000 miles through the Chesapeake Bay and winds through five states and the District of Columbia, is a must-visit for those seeking an adventure that combines the best of both worlds.
Paddling Highlights
One of the most accessible and striking entry points to the trail is Point Lookout State Park, which offers rugged shoreline, Civil War history, and kayak launches. For a blend of history and nature, paddlers should consider exploring the James River in Virginia, especially around the Jamestown settlement area. Here, you can discover historic Civil War battlefield sites, Richmond, and charming towns along the way. The Chesapeake Bay area, with its thousands of inlets and coastal environments, is another top choice, offering rich natural scenery and historic cultural sites like lighthouses.
The Potomac River section near King George, Virginia, is notable for combining Civil War history with natural landscapes, providing opportunities to paddle while also exploring historic trails related to John Wilkes Booth’s escape route and the Civil War era. The Baltimore Blueway, a 30-mile network of water trails connecting historic ships, Fort McHenry National Monument, the downtown Inner Harbor, and surrounding natural wetlands, offers a unique urban paddling experience with cultural and historic significance right on the water. Lastly, the Susquehanna River petroglyph sites near Safe Harbor Dam in Maryland, featuring ancient Algonquian rock carvings accessible only by kayak or canoe, offer a rare historic and cultural paddling experience combined with wildlife viewing in a largely natural setting.
Exploring the Trail
Visitors should consider going early to beat the tour buses and catch the morning light on the James River. Annapolis, Maryland, and Richmond, Virginia, are both suitable bases for exploring the trail, offering a range of accommodations and easy access to trail segments. Bay Venture Outfitters in Maryland offers kayak rentals and guided eco-tours on the Captain John Smith National Historic Trail, while Burnham Guides Paddling Adventures provides a full-day paddle with camping along the shoreline on the trail.
Planning Your Visit
General admission to Historic Jamestowne is $15 for adults, and it is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The trail was first mapped by John Smith between 1607 and 1609, and exploring it today offers a chance to trace centuries-old exploration routes while enjoying wildlife. The Chesapeake Bay serves as the trail's backbone, with lush shorelines, salt marshes, and tidal rivers teeming with wildlife.
The Captain John Smith National Historic Trail is one of the prettiest places to paddle in America, particularly on the East Coast. Whether you're an experienced paddler or a beginner, the trail offers countless opportunities to engage with the landscape, whether by kayak or sailboat. So, pack your gear, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure that combines history and nature in a way that only the Captain John Smith National Historic Trail can.
For those planning to visit, Baltimore-Washington International Airport (BWI) is the best airport to fly into for accessing the trail. Remember to check the weather forecast and prepare for cooler water and changing weather patterns, especially during the spring and fall, which are the best times to explore the trail.
Travel guides often recommend the Captain John Smith National Historic Trail for those seeking a lifestyle blend of history and travel. This extensive water-based trail, spanning over 3,000 miles and covering five states, offers paddlers a unique opportunity to explore historic sites while enjoying the natural beauty of the Chesapeake Bay, James River, Potomac River, and more. Whether you're an experienced paddler or a beginner, the trail provides countless opportunities for engaging with the landscape and uncovering centuries-old exploration routes.
