Explore

A National Treasure 

At 64,000 square miles, the Chesapeake Bay watershed stretches from New York to Virginia. It is one of the world's largest estuaries - a place where salt and fresh water mix according to the ebb and flow of tides. The region is home to 17 million people, reaching into six states and through the nation's capital in Washington, D.C.

Want to learn more about the Bay and get ideas on how you can explore its rivers, small towns, big cities and historic sites?

Explore the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail

Enjoy the Chesapeake Bay Gateways and Watertrails Network

Check out our guide to the region's watertrails, which includes information on trails in Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania, New York and Delaware

Sign up for our weekly Chesapeake Trips and Tips email, a free guide to what's going on across the Chesapeake each weekend

Participate in our geocaching challenges, including the Star-Spangled Banner Geotrail

Follow in the footsteps of writer Tom Horton and photographer Dave Harp as they explore the Bay by kayak

Chesapeake Conservancy supports Governor’s parks, open space budget

The Chesapeake Conservancy commended Governor Martin O'Malley for his plan to fully fund...

Congress supports Chesapeake Gateways and Watertrails

Joel Dunn, executive director of the Chesapeake Conservancy today commended U.S. Senators and...

Key committee okays Gateways Network

Joel Dunn praised the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee for voting out of committee a...