"Some see the sun setting on the bay. I see it rising. A place this spectacular deserves everything we can give it.

--Charlie Stek

Chairman, Friends of John Smith Chesapeake Trail

Join the Adventure

Capt. John Smith called his crew "adventurers." And they were.  They were never sure what they might meet around the next river bend -- A new people, an amazing sight, a frightening storm.

Today's Chesapeake is a better known place, to be sure. Tamer, maybe. Certainly there are more people about. Still, the modern adventurer on the John Smith Chesapeake Trail will find many surprises and many rewards.

The National Park Service is still in the early stages of planning the trail. Still, the path of Smith's voyage is known and there are books, maps and guides available to help you plan your trip.

The John Smith trail offers quiet day paddles on protected, flat water. And it offers challenging days-long adventures on big water. You choose.

Check out our Featured Trip and the our planning resources. Get out on the trail!

And we wonder-who will be the first to through-paddle the Captain John Smith National Historic Trail?