Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail

The Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail is a series of water routes extending approximately 3,000 miles along the Chesapeake Bay, the nation's largest estuary. These historic routes trace the 1607 to 1609 voyages of Captain John Smith as he charted the land and waterways of the 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 Chesapeake Bay in 1608, he documented hundreds of American Indian communities and created a map of the Chesapeake Bay region. Today, dozens of sites on his map are archeological treasures and sacred sites for tribal citizens. Come join us on the shores of the Chesapeake Bay! 

Douglas Point is a water stop for this water trail at Blue Bay. The shoreline provides access to the +2 miles of trails including the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail and the historic Chiles Homesite with interpretive signage. There are picnic facilities at Blue Bay overlook, with a stunning view of the Potomac River. During your stop at the Blue Banks shoreline, test your luck at finding shark teeth and other fossils.  

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Douglas Point has two parking lots, North Trailhead and South Trailhead. The two parking lots are about 1 mile apart and are connected by Cal Posey Trail. 

From Interstate Highway 95/495 in Maryland: Take Exit 3 for Hwy 210 South to Hwy 225, connecting with Hwy 224. Take 224 for about 14 miles. You should see signs for Nanjemoy and the Purse State Park. The parking lot is on the right side. 

 
From US-301 N: Turn left onto MD-6 (Port Tabacco Rd). Take MD-6 for about 15 miles. Turn right onto Greenleek Hill Rd and in 0.2 miles keep right to continue on Greenleek Hill/Jacksontown Rd for 2.3 miles. At the end of the road take a right onto Liverpool Point Rd, and at the stop sign (400 feet ahead) take a left on MD-224 S. The parking lot will be on the right in 1 mile.  

Trailhead Address: 

• North Trailhead – 9275 Riverside Rd, Nanjemoy, MD 

• Chiles Homesite Trailhead – 9699 Riverside Rd, Nanjemoy, MD