Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail
Hours
See this week's hours below.
- Entrance fee
- The Park Service lists no entrance fee for this site.
- Address
- 1368 Colonial Parkway, Jamestown, VA 23081
About Captain John Smith Chesapeake
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. Today, sites on his map are archeological treasures and sacred sites for tribal citizens. Come join us on the shores of the Chesapeake Bay!
Hours
Trail 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 and coastlines. Local boat launches, state parks, and other locations have specific operating hours and seasons. Always check weather and conditions before going out on the water - take care during the winter months to dress appropriately for the weather and the possibility of submersion in cold water.
| Monday | Open 24 hours |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | Open 24 hours |
| Wednesday | Open 24 hours |
| Thursday | Open 24 hours |
| Friday | Open 24 hours |
| Saturday | Open 24 hours |
| Sunday | Open 24 hours |
Getting there
The water trail is 3,000 miles long and there are countless places to explore it. The trail's headquarters and main visitor center is at Colonial National Historical Park - Historic Jamestowne. For an internet map search or GPS, use the following: Historic Jamestowne Visitor Center, 1368 Colonial Parkway, Jamestown, Virginia 23081.
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. We strongly recommended you carry a bottle of water with you and wear a life jacket at all times. During the winter, be aware that submersion in freezing cold water can be deadly. If you are going out, bring safety gear such as a wetsuit and practice techniques to avoid tipping over.
Things to do
Arts and Crafts, Arts and Culture, Birdwatching, Boat Tour, Boating, Camping, Canoe or Kayak Camping, Canoeing, Car or Front Country Camping, Compass and GPS, Craft Demonstrations, Cultural Demonstrations, Fishing, Food, Front-Country Hiking, Geocaching, Guided Tours, Hands-On, Hiking, Junior Ranger Program, Kayaking, Museum Exhibits, Paddling, Picnicking, RV Camping, River Tubing, Sailing, Stand Up Paddleboarding, Swimming, Tubing, Whitewater Rafting, Wildlife Watching.
Source: National Park Service data feed, checked September 24, 2026. Hours shown are the Park Service's posted standard hours plus any date changes it lists. Official page for Captain John Smith Chesapeake ↗