You do not need a permit to boat or paddle the Trail, aside from licenses that may be required by the states of Virginia, Maryland, Delaware or District of Columbia.  There are no fees required to use the Trail.  However, many sites and access points, scattered over approximately 3,000 miles, will make up the John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail.  Sites are owned and managed by many different organizations, including state, federal, local, public and private.  Fees vary from site to site.  Some sites may require advance reservations.

For more information about fees and reservations, please contact the site(s) you plan to visit. Information about many sites along the Trail is available via the Chesapeake Bay Gateways Network at www.baygateways.net.