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Road Trips:
The activities along this byway are so varied and abundant, this itinerary is just a sampling of the kinds of things you can do as you travel the area. Whether you like early American history, Revolutionary War battlefields, water recreation, birding and wildlife watching, or exquisitely prepared seafood, you'll find it here.
Chesapeake Country lies along the migratory corridor known as the Atlantic Flyway. It is well known for its migratory long-legged waders, geese, and ducks, as well as numerous resident bird species. This region of the Delmarva Peninsula is home to the largest concentration of nesting ospreys on the Eastern Seaboard and provides winter habitat for Tundra Swans. Birders and nature lovers alike will find the rural landscape, numerous wildlife refuges and management areas ideal for extended birding or nature opportunities by car, foot, bike, kayak, or canoe. Bring your camera and binoculars! The Chesapeake Country offers great opportunities for exploration!
Religious pluralism was an unusual feature of colonial life and early nation building in Chesapeake Country. Four religious denominations flourished during the pre-Revolutionary War period. They included: Anglican/Episcopal, Catholic, Quaker (Society of Friends), and Methodism. Many chapels and churches dot the byway landscape and remain spiritually, historically, and architecturally significant to this day.
A drive along the Chesapeake Country National Scenic Byway will reveal many historic places of worship throughout the byway region. Many remain in active use and are the “tie that binds” many residents of our byway communities. Each site may have hours of operation or be only open for worship or for special events, though the grounds of most sites are open to the public. If adhered to, this itinerary could be completed in a day’s time, though there are many more chapels, churches, and other historical sites along the way.
Imagine…Striped bass, American and hickory shad, largemouth bass, blue gills, perch, bluefish, flounder, Atlantic croaker, spot, and many other species! Crab for fun and for dinner! Chesapeake Country offers some of the most diverse and exciting fishing in the region. There are over 5,000 square miles of prime fishing in the Chesapeake Bay, tidal tributaries, and lakes. Recreational anglers can find fishing spots from shorelines, piers, and boats year round. You will see numerous recreational boats, but a closer look will give you a bird’s eye view of the working boats of the Chesapeake and the harvest locals and visitors alike delight in consuming!
Pick up the “Fish Maryland” Map and Guide at any visitor’s center for more details on finding water access and great fishing spots to try while you’re here! If water is your thing, this is the itinerary for you!
This itinerary takes at least an extended weekend. Depending on your affinity for water, feel free to stay longer and enjoy the bounty of the bay! Pack your fishing gear, waders, canoe, kayak, and don’t forget your sunscreen. Abundant opportunities for leisure, sport, culture, and stewardship exist in Chesapeake Country. This itinerary is just a sampling of what the region has to offer.
Byway Etiquette
The Chesapeake Bay is a living estuary. The bay influences the entire region, and vice versa. We encourage visitors to practice “Low Impact Tourism” by using Chesapeake Country’s cultural and natural resources wisely, to enhance our local economies, and insure the preservation of the quality of life both visitors and residents treasure!
Recreational boaters should respect watermen and commercial vessels. Remember that the Chesapeake Bay and the C&D canal are major commercial waterways. Commercial boats have the right of way over all recreational boats including sailboats. Understand whistle signals – five short blasts on the whistle is the “danger” signal. Designate a lookout, one person to watch for commercial traffic. Respect those whose livelihoods depend on our waterways.
Licenses may be required for some of the ‘working the water’ activities. License information can be found at Maryland's Department of Natural Resources license information page. Recreational crabbing and fishing information for tidal and non-tidal waters can be found at Maryland's Department of Natural Resources fishing rules page.
