Captain John Smith Historic Trail
The first all water National Historic Trail for paddlers is created
Retrace Capt John Smith's voyages of Chesapeake Bay. Celebrate the 400th anniversary of Jamestown by paddling the new Captain John Smith National Historic Trail
Four hundred years following the founding of Jamestown and the early exploration of Chesapeake Bay by Captain John Smith, Congress has established the Captain John Smith National Historic Trail (NHT). The trail is now part of the National Trails System and has one unique difference compared to all the others – you can't walk on it. The Captain John Smith NHT is the nation's first all-water historic trail.
"What would this trail accomplish? It would allow Americans to retrace the paddle strokes and footsteps of Captain Smith, to gain a better understanding of the perils he and his fellow settlers faced during the voyages they took to better understand the New World," states United States Senator John Warner. "Ultimately, this proposed trail seeks to celebrate Captain Smith's foresight, the founding steps of America, and the bounty of the Chesapeake Bay."
The new trail will allow paddlers to retrace John Smith's voyages of exploration that occurred between 1607 and 1709. Smith and his crew sailed and rowed over 3,000 miles exploring Chesapeake Bay and rivers leading into it. The National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) will begin to install informational buoys to mark points of interest for boaters traveling the trail. The buoys will provide interpretive information and scientific data on currents and tides in the Bay.
In an effort to preserve the unique environment of Chesapeake Bay and the waterborne experiences enjoyed while exploring the trail, the friends of Captain John Smith NHT encourage a certain bit of etiquette be exercised while on the trail.
- Plan and research your route of travel ahead of time. Trail maps can be ordered from Virgingia State Parks for very nominal cost. Ascertain egress and evacuation points that might be required for use in your trip.
- Be prepared to safely navigate Chesapeake Bay. This would include carrying current nautical charts, tide books, having an accurate compass, and possibly using a portable GPS chartplotter.
- Keep a weather eye out. Monitor National Weather Service (NWS) marine forecasts for your route of travel. Carry a handheld marine VHF radio to monitor weather broadcasts by the NWS.
- Anticipate and plan for tides. Chesapeake Bay and its coastal rivers are influenced by tidal currents. Visit the Chesapeake Bay Coastal Prediction Center website for more information.
- Boat safety, use an approved personal floatation device while on the water and be prepared for emergencies. Carry a marine survival kit.
- Use "Leave No Trace" camping techniques. Avoid disturbing the natural surrounding, cultural artifacts, and respect private property that lies along the trail.
- View wildlife responsibly. Cache your food supply in bear proof containers. Don't feed animals along the trail. Consider leaving pets at home.
- Camp only in designated areas. Limit use of open fires to approved locations.
- Pack your trash out with you. Clean dishes away from the water and use biodegradable soap. Dispose of human and pet waste responsibly.
