Please No Pets, Skateboards, Scooters, Bikes, Solicitors or Unauthorized Vendors

The Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Water Trail retraces the historic routes taken by John Smith and his crew from 1607 to 1608. Today the trail traverses nearly 3,000 miles of waterways within Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, and Washington, D.C. The trail commemorates Smith’s extraordinary voyages and provides opportunities to learn about Native American societies and cultures and the unique natural history of the Chesapeake Bay. The Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Water Trail provides countless opportunities to experience and learn about the Chesapeake Bay its tributaries, and the many places touched by Smith’s explorations.

Designated as a Chesapeake Bay Gateways Network site, the Nanticoke River Water Trail provides a regional component to the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail. Stretching approximately 26 miles through Sussex County Delaware, the Nanticoke Water Trail begins at Seashore Highway above the city of Seaford and follows the mainstem of the Nanticoke River to the Maryland State Line. The water trail also offers paddler the chance to explore Broad Creek and Deep Creek, both tributaries of the Nanticoke River.

Explorers of the water trail will experience one of healthiest rivers on the Delmarva Peninsula and the largest watershed in Delaware. Draining almost 318,000 acres in Kent and Sussex counties, the upper reach of the Nanticoke River Watershed covers approximately 25% of Delaware’s land area.

Not only is the Nanticoke River one of the healthiest on Delmarva, it is also one of the most diverse. Ecosystems ranging from upland forests to estuarine salt marsh provide habitat for rare species such as the endangered Delmarva fox squirrel and support the highest concentration of Bald Eagles in the Northeastern United States. Explorers of the Nanticoke River Water Trail can see where history unfolded and where wildlife and native plants still thrive today.

Would you like to be a Part of the Nanticoke Riverfest 2011?
The Riverfest committee is seeking volunteers to help with the event before, during and after the festivities. Specific duties include helping with the children’s programs, setting-up and taking-down equipment, to work the information booths, serving on the trash crew and in many other capacities. Many positions are available depending on your abilities and time constraints. Contact the Nanticoke Riverfest for more details.