Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail (U.S. National Park Service)

QUICKLINKS:

Overview

Imagine a world of deep, ancient forests, strong, proud people and water teeming with life. Such was the Chesapeake that Captain John Smith and his fellow travelers encountered on their journeys through this “goodly bay” and its rivers. Follow in the wake of Smith's journeys on the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail, America's first national water trail.

		Captain John Smith's Chesapeake Voyages The story of John Smith's expeditions around the Chesapeake has become the stuff of legend, lore, and intensive research by scholars. Learn about Smith, his voyages, the boat he used and where to explore and learn about his explorations.

		NOAA’s Chesapeake Bay Interpretive Buoy System Marks Several Trail Locations The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is leading a partnership that has develop "smart buoys" to guide adventurers along the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail. These state-of-the-art, interactive buoys are accessible via web and telephone. The buoys provide important cultural, geographic, and historical information while transmitting real-time meteorological and water-quality data for research and education. Buoys are located in the James River off Jamestown, Virginia; at the mouth of the Potomac River; and at the mouth of the Patapsco River near Baltimore. You can interact with the buoys at www.buoybay.org or by calling 877-BUOY-BAY.

Write to

NPS Chesapeake Bay Program Office
410 Severn Avenue, Suite 109
Annapolis, MD 21403

E-mail Us

Phone

Visitor Information
(410) 267-5720

Climate

The weather on the Bay is hot and humid during summer, temperate in the fall and late spring, and cold in winter. The Chesapeake Bay stretches from the mouth of the Susquehanna River in Eastern Maryland to Norfolk, VA. Therefore, weather can vary greatly from location to location.