National Historic Trail

Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail

Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail is a National Historic Trail in Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, District of Columbia, Pennsylvania, New York. The NPS currently lists 0 active alerts, 0 campgrounds and 2 visitor centers, and no entrance fee.

VirginiaMarylandDelawareDistrict of ColumbiaPennsylvaniaNew York National Historic Trail No entrance fee

Updated · NPS Data API

A heron at sunset in the waters and marshes of Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge
Heron at sunset at Blackwater NWR · Photo: NPS Photo / Middleton Evans (via nps.gov)

About the park

“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.”

Active alerts

0

Closures

0

Campgrounds

0

Visitor centers

2

Current alerts and closures

The NPS listed no active alerts for this park in the Oct 28, 2026 snapshot. Conditions can change; check current conditions on nps.gov before you go.

Entrance fees and passes

This site has no entrance fee, according to NPS fee data.

Things to do

brightly colored kayaks, canoes and paddle boards are neatly stacked
Photo: NPS Photo/ K. Cain

Boating in Rock Creek Park

Rent kayaks, canoes and stand up paddle boards from one of two boat houses along the Potomac River.

Reservation required Fee applies

Boating

A medium sized, white bird with a long S-shaped neck and orange bill stands on a branch.
Photo: NPS/ B.Poffenberger

Go Birding at Patuxent River Park

A short drive from Washington DC and Baltimore, Patuxent River Park boasts more than 7,000 acres of parkland along the Patuxent River.

Year-round Pets allowed

Birdwatching

water tumbles over rocks
Photo: NPS Photo

Multi-Park Loop

Park your car and stretch your legs! Visit four different National Parks in Washington, DC and begin logging miles on seven different National Historic or National Scenic trails!

Year-round Pets allowed

Hiking

See all 25 things to do in Captain John Smith Chesapeake →

Activities the NPS lists for Captain John Smith Chesapeake.

Arts and CultureCraft DemonstrationsCultural DemonstrationsBoatingSailingBoat TourCampingCanoe or Kayak CampingCar or Front Country CampingRV CampingCompass and GPSGeocachingFishingFoodPicnickingGuided ToursHands-OnArts and CraftsHikingFront-Country HikingPaddlingCanoeingKayakingStand Up PaddleboardingWhitewater RaftingJunior Ranger ProgramTubingRiver TubingSwimmingWildlife WatchingBirdwatchingMuseum Exhibits

Operating hours

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…

Trail Operating Hours
DayHours
MondayAll Day
TuesdayAll Day
WednesdayAll Day
ThursdayAll Day
FridayAll Day
SaturdayAll Day
SundayAll Day

Weather: During the summer season, visitors should dress in light, comfortable, moisture-wicking clothing, and use sunscreen. High temperatures and humidity create a higher risk of heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heatstroke.

Contact and directions

Email
[email protected]
Address
1368 Colonial Parkway, Jamestown, VA 23081
Coordinates
38.9716, -76.4834· View on OpenStreetMap

Official park page on nps.gov Directions

Visitor centers

Visitor centerStandard hoursPhonePassport stamp
Historic Jamestowne - Trail HeadquartersMon 9:00AM - 5:00PM · Tue 9:00AM - 5:00PM · Wed 9:00AM - 5:00PM · Thu 9:00AM - 5:00PM · Fri 9:00AM - 5:00PM · Sat Closes at 5:00PM · Sun 9:00AM - 5:00PM7578983400Yes
Zimmerman Center for HeritageMon Closed · Tue 10:00AM - 4:00PM · Wed 10:00AM - 4:00PM · Thu 10:00AM - 4:00PM · Fri 10:00AM - 4:00PM · Sat 10:00AM - 4:00PM · Sun 10:00AM - 4:00PM7172520229Yes

Campgrounds

No NPS campgrounds are listed for this site. Nearby national forests or state parks may offer camping.

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More parks in Virginia

Appalachian National Scenic TrailAppomattox Court House National Historical ParkArlington House, The Robert E. Lee MemorialAssateague Island National SeashoreBlue Ridge ParkwayBooker T. Washington National MonumentCape Henry Memorial Part of Colonial National Historical ParkCedar Creek & Belle Grove National Historical ParkChesapeake BayCivil War Defenses of WashingtonColonial National Historical ParkCumberland Gap National Historical ParkAll in Virginia

Nearest other NPS sites

Sources

  • Park details, alerts, fees and passes, visitor centers and campgrounds: National Park Service Data API, snapshot of Oct 28, 2026.
  • Official park page: https://www.nps.gov/cajo/index.htm
  • Data: National Park Service (NPS) Data API, U.S. Department of the Interior (developer.nps.gov). This product uses the NPS Data API but is not endorsed or certified by the National Park Service. The National Park Service and the U.S. Department of the Interior do not endorse OpenParks. Photos are NPS images shown with their original credits; park descriptions are short excerpts credited to the NPS. Always confirm current conditions on nps.gov before you travel.