144 views • posted 08/19/2020 • updated 08/15/2023
The Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail joined the National Trails System following designation by Congress in 2006. The trail helps visitors experience, envision, understand, and protect what the explorers and inhabitants of the region encountered 400 years ago.
Given the 3,000 mile scope and diverse resources, the trail is being developed and managed in segments. Managed by the National Park Service in collaboration with many partners, this 3000 mile water trail follows the routes of Captain John Smith’s exploration of the Chesapeake in 1607‐ 1609.
The tidal James River is the first stretch of the trail for which a segment plan is being developed. This plan outlines how the trail could be enhanced along the James – from Richmond to the route 17 bridge near Newport News – over the next few years.
This plan describes a core approach in some depth. The approach, and a draft of the plan, were also discussed in depth at a stakeholder workshop held in July 2011. The pages that follow provide:
• An introduction to the trail’s foundation – its significance, resources and themes (Section 1);
• A description of the five initial focus areas and the concepts for enhancing them (Section 2);
• A discussion of overarching strategies for supporting and linking the trail (Section 3); and
• An outline of potential trail partnerships and actions for implementation (Section 4).
Attached document published December 2011
The National Park Service (NPS) was created in 1916 and today manages over 390 units found in all 50 states and some of the U.S. territories. NPS supports and operates trails in three interlocking arenas: trails in parks, technical assistance to States and communities, and administration of much of the National Trails System.
posted Aug 23, 2023
What would it take for all Americans to be able to go out their front doors and within fifteen minutes be on trails that wind through their cities, towns or villages and bring them back without retracing steps?
Envisioning a Statewide Connection Mass Central Rail Trail Benefits Study
posted Jun 14, 2023
Study shows completion of the Massachusetts Central Rail Trail System would bring significant health and economic benefits to the commonwealth.
posted May 15, 2023
Mountain Bike Trail Development: Guidelines for Successfully Managing the Process,” a 242-page “how to” manual covers modern trail development from trail types, to landscape analysis and design, to environmental and construction considerations, cost implications and more.
Public Lands and the Continental Divide Trail Study
posted Feb 14, 2023
The primary goal of this study was to understand who uses the Continental Divide Trail (CDT), how they use it, their preferences, and the economic impact of the CDT in the region. Additional data were also collected regarding protecting public lands and using the Continental Divide Trail in Colorado.
