The Chesapeake Bay continually draws wonder from locals and tourists alike. The Bay itself covers 4,480 square miles from its mouth near Virginia Beach, Virginia, to its head near Havre De Grace, Maryland. While it would be quite the challenge to visit its vast entirety, there are fortunately several featured “water trails” that make up the Chesapeake Water Trail group, offering glimpses to the Bay’s natural beauty. These trails weave through wetlands, marshlands, rivers, around islands, and more habitat, all of which nestle up to the shore, creating a prime experience for both seasoned and beginner kayakers, paddleboarders, sailors, and boaters alike. Let’s review a few water trails!
The Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail spans—believe or not—3,000 miles across five states and Washington, D.C. The route was established by the National Park Service as a National Historic Trail, from the Bay’s Susquehanna headwaters in Cooperstown, New York, south through Pennsylvania, D.C., Delaware, and Maryland onward to Jamestown Colony in Virginia. An Englishman, Captain John Smith was the first European to explore the bay, beginning in 1608, creating maps which documented locations and information about different Native American tribes and communities. Whether you want to sail, powerboat, kayak or canoe, these Maryland portion of this water trail allows you to relive Smith’s voyages while learning more about the historical significance of the bay. Many historic lighthouses, maritime centers, and small towns that dot the Bay’s shores serve as starting and stopping points along the expansive trail network. For more details about this water trail, visit: nps.gov/cajo
For both paddleboard beginners and seasoned lovers, the Janes Island State Park Water Trails system offers seven different journeys, all in one location. Spanning a large portion of the lower Eastern Shore, Janes Island (near Crisfield, Maryland) includes renown saltmarshes, creating a safe haven for wildlife of the bay, such as birds, crabs, fish, and more. Visitors can also powerboat, fish, and crab at the state park, with no fee required to enter. For more information, visit: dnr.maryland.gov/publiclands/pages/eastern/janesisland
The Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1933 as a sanctuary for the migratory birds that travel along the Atlantic Flyway. For those looking to explore on foot, the refuge offers five miles of hiking trails, with an additional 17 miles of paddling trails for water fans. Looking to stay in the comfort of your own car? There is also a 3.6-mile Wildlife Drive, giving you all the sights and sounds while staying in air conditioning. Blackwater is highlighted by its pine forests, tidal marsh, and freshwater wetlands, serving as a critical spot for birds to both rest and feed before migrating further. In the wintertime, the refuge also serves as a primary spot for Canadian geese, while consistently offering a home to one of the highest amounts of nesting bald eagles on the Atlantic coast. More information: fws.gov/refuge/blackwater
Located in Dorchester County, the Fishing Bay Trail offers a river loop alongside several Island Creek trails, perfect for kayaking and paddling. This trail is the largest parcel of publicly owned tidal wetlands in the state, offering a remote experience across 28,500 acres. The marsh is home to a host of animals, such as herons, egrets, ibises, raptors, rails, and waterfowl. Camping at this site is only open to educational groups and Nause-Waiwash tribe members, however, there are overnight accommodations of both hotels and campgrounds close by. More information: dnr.maryland.gov/wildlife/pages/publiclands/eastern/fishingbay
A former Civil War prison camp, the Point Lookout Water Trails system sits at the intersection of the Chesapeake Bay and Potomac River, creating an immersive spot with different wildlife and gorgeous views. Offering three trails/routes of about three miles, it’s the perfect way to spend an hour on the paddleboard. Point Lookout State Park also offers overnight camping in the park, for those looking for a weekend getaway. More information: dnr.maryland.gov/publiclands/pages/southern/pointlookout.aspx
The Nanticoke Water Trail, a U.S. National Park, holds over 25 public boat launches and piers. Whether you’re boating, paddling, or kayaking and canoeing, this trail will take you along the historic routes of the Nanticoke tribe, with a visit to the chief’s town, formerly called “Kuskarawaok”—today known as Vienna. This trail is part of the formerly mentioned Captain John Smith Historic Trail group. Specific information here: nps.gov/thingstodo/nanticoke-water-trail.htm
Another U.S. National Park, the Corsica River Water Trails are an easily accessible group of trails that create opportunities to observe wildlife, take in history, and kayak/canoe to your heart’s desire. All of the trails connect to the Centreville Wharf, an 18th and 19th centuries hub for trading. The park features three different trails that are considered beginner level. All trails can be done in one day, with an expected four-hour timeframe to complete the trio. More information: nps.gov/articles/000/paddling-the-corsica-river-water-trails.htm
The Chesapeake Bay Environmental Center (CBEC) in Grasonville has three water trails spanning distances from one mile to 2.8 miles, which offer the chance to kayak, canoe, or paddleboard. The three-plus miles of shoreline along the routes hosts 259 different species of birds. CBEC has also restored 445 acres of marsh, 55 acres of forestland, and 13 million oysters. For those looking to explore via walking, the property also offers six miles of hiking trails. More information: bayrestoration.org
Six separate water trail routes combine to form the Kent Island Water Trails. These trails range from larger waters to smaller, more concealed trails. Creating views of wildlife, nature, and more, these waterways are perfect for beginner explorers, while also being a relaxing journey for the more experienced. More information: visitqueenannes.com/business/kent-island-water-trails
While Smith Island may be known for its infamous cake, the Smith Island Water Trails are also well loved in the community. The seven marked water trails, which range from one mile to 4.4 miles cover over 8,000 acres of marshland, while also accessing the island’s three villages. More information: visitsomerset.com/listing/smith-island-water-trails
There are so many different trails, routes, parks, and wildlife refuges throughout the Chesapeake Bay to explore. The only thing left is to pick where to start your adventure!
