What is a National Historic Trail?

National trails cover a diversity of landscapes and vast distances across the continental United States, Alaska, and Hawaii. Where will you #FindYourTrail?

"A national trail is a gateway into nature’s secret beauties, a portal to the past, a way into solitude and community. It is also an inroad to our national character. Our trails are both irresistible and indispensable."

—STEWART UDALL, US Secretary of the Interior (1961–69); 1920–2010

A National Historic Trail is a long-distance route that follows and commemorates a path of travel that changed the history and character of the United States. These trails paint a colorful picture of our nation’s diverse history. They follow routes of exploration, migration, struggle, trade, and military action. National Historic Trails offer the opportunity to re-trace these past events through historic sites, points of interests, trail segments, and waterways.

National Historic Trails belong to the broader National Trails System, which also includes Scenic Trails, Recreation Trails, and Water Trails. Learn more about the National Trails System >

 

Learn More About National Trails

Native Lands, National Trails

Native Lands, National Trails is an Indigenous mapping and research project of the Partnership for the National Trails System (PNTS). It aims to show how National Trails pass through traditional Native territories. 

"Many of these trails were used previously by Indigenous cultures that continue to have ancestral ties to the current landscapes. The intent of this map is to provide a broad perspective of just how many communities the NTS crosses and to start crucial conversations about the impacts, engagement, and inclusivity of their stories."

View the interactive map here: NLNT Map | Native Lands National Trails - IMRP official (arcgis.com)

National Trails Interactive Map

National Scenic and National Historic Trail Webmap (arcgis.com)

Use the link above to view an interactive map of the National Trails System!

 

How do I visit the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail?

The Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail follows the route undertaken by members of the Jamestown colony throughout the Chesapeake Bay in 1608. In a small boat outfitted with oars and a sail, they sailed along most of the Chesapeake's major tributaries, interacting extensively with Indigenous peoples along the way. The trail's route also follows important Indigenous trade routes, such as those along the James and Susquehanna Rivers.

The route of the trail is over water, and can traveled by kayak, canoe, paddleboard, or boat. However, the trail can also be explored from the shore by visiting a visitor center, museum, park, and beyond. Online resources also connect you to the history and natural world of the Chesapeake through articles, photographs, and videos. Follow the links below to choose your journey on the Chesapeake!