Chesapeake Country All-American Road
Details
- DesignationAll-American Road (2002/2021)
- Intrinsic QualitiesCultural, Recreation
- LocationMD
- Length419 miles

Overview
Find your Chesapeake along the Chesapeake Country All American Road which offers an epic journey in one of the last truly special landscapes in the Mid-Atlantic Region. The Byway links together the Eastern Shore's most unique resources – its working landscapes and waterfronts, historic town centers, recreation sites, and pristine natural areas – and provides travelers with opportunities to enjoy and understand the area’s rich history and culture while gaining appreciation for the traditions and working life of local watermen, farmers, and merchants.
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Kent County Tourism
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Beach to Bay Heritage Area
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Stories of the Chesapeake Heritage Area
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Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum
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Chesapeake Heritage and Visitor Center
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Pemberton Historical Park
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Sumner Hall
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Kent Narrows Development Foundation
Story of the Byway
The Chesapeake Country All American Road experience stretches from its upper Eastern Shore terminus, the picturesque Chesapeake and Delaware Canal, an engineering marvel and cultural boundary, to its lower shore recreational terminus at Smith Island, where on foot, by bike, or by boat, it is easy to absorb the essence of where "life flows gently with the tide". In between, it meanders along its spine of winding roads and collection of sidetracks that lead to pristine views of the Bay and its tributaries. The pleasures of the Byway unfold in towns such as Chestertown, Easton and Salisbury that reflect early colonial settlements and their role as the country's crucible of 19th century African-American leadership. The Byway's abundant beauty remains much as it was when the "Nanticoke peoples", descendant groups of the Nanticoke tribe, roamed over land and water prior to British colonization.
The National Park Service's Chesapeake Bay Special Resource Study describes the cultural context of the CCSB landscape as, "The Chesapeake Bay is nationally significant in part because it possesses exceptional value or quality in illustrating or interpreting the themes of our nation's natural and cultural heritage. The Bay provides an exceptional opportunity for interpreting the interdependence of cultural and natural resources, both in its modern condition and its nearly 300-year history". Exemplifying this significance are CCSB working waterfronts, such as Rock Hall, Kent Narrows, Cambridge, and Crisfield, where watermen, the unique term for those making their living from the Bay, hold a prominent place in the region's culture, economy, and mystique. Working year-round, watermen harvest rockfish, oysters, and crabs and many still use the Chesapeake dialect that evolved from the Eastern Shore's near-isolation prior to the 1950 construction of the Bay Bridge. Some of these watermen have become Certified Chesapeake Bay Storytellers© offering guided-tour excursions on authentic "deadrises" where visitors can work the Bay by boat, capture its bounty and have their meal served "dock to table". Iconic skipjacks, a tribute to the age of sail with their "long lifting bowsprit, raked wooden mast and sweeping sheer lines" and a collection of "screwpile" lighthouses designed specifically for the sandy bottom of the Chesapeake Bay are other unique nautical symbols accessed on the Byway. Throughout the year, events such as Downrigging Weekend, the Waterfowl Festival, and the Nanticoke Indian Pow Wow bring to life the distinctive cultural heritage of Chesapeake Country.
Chesapeake Country All American Road offers superlative opportunities for recreation. The Bay's open waters, tidal rivers, and shorelines, as well as dozens of parks and refuges and an extensive system of land and water trails, provide excellent opportunities for public use, enjoyment, education, and scientific study. From birdwatching on the Atlantic Flyway, sailing, fishing, hiking, and pedaling land-trails, paddling water-trails, the CCSB is an outdoor adventurer's dream.
The Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail, the first historic national water trail, with access points all along the Byway, combined with the connecting Maryland system of water trails, provides world-class on-the-water recreational experiences second-to-none. Each trail is a window into the indigenous cultural landscape that existed before British colonization. It is where visitors feel "Chesepiooc", an Algonquian word meaning "great water". The trails are easily accessible from dozens of locations along the Byway and visitors may experience the trails independently or utilize local guides and outfitters. The exceptional recreational activities on the water trails are both passive and active. They include paddling, power-boating, cruising, jet-skiing, sailing, canoeing, floating, fishing, birdwatching, oystering, crabbing, and swimming. One of the most unique features of the water trail system is the "one-of-a-kind" smart buoys that are designed to deliver near real-time information on weather and water conditions, provide trail users with navigational information, and interpret that specific location on the Chesapeake Bay 400 years ago. Visitors can also follow the Captain John Smith Geotrail to explore nearly 50 places associated with the adventures of Captain Smith and his crew. Water trail maps are distributed at many of the trail access points and by the NPS and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources.
The byway route itself, with gently rolling hills, tidewater flatlands and wide, paved shoulders, draws cyclists from around the world. "This is a trip to relish! Imagine pedaling along the coast of the Chesapeake Bay, through the farmlands of the Eastern Shore, around historic towns, relaxing on the coast, and dining on fresh oysters and crab cakes, all while enjoying the ease of riding the flat coastal terrain".
The Byways scenic resources – its rural landscapes, historic townscapes, natural and working waterfronts with their unusual level of integrity and coherence are representative of the Eastern Shore's unique heritage and culture. The overall scenic experience can be described as traveling through wide-open landscape spaces, alternating with brief periods of enclosed corridor like forested spaces. Punctuating this overall experience are distinct or special scenic episodes, including historic towns and villages, broad view-sheds of the Chesapeake Bay, rivers, fishing wharves, and large farmsteads.
Chesapeake Country Scenic Byway's concentration of and abundant access to the Chesapeake Bay's recreational and scenic features, coupled with its culture and history, no doubt makes it a destination not to be missed.
Driving Directions
The northern gateway is Rt. 213 at Rt. 285, north of the C&D Canal Bridge and follows Route 213 through Chestertown crossing Rt. 50 taking spurs to Mt. Harmon, Betterton, Rock Hall, Eastern Neck Island, Kent Narrows, Stevensville and the Old Wye Mill. Follow Route 50 through Easton with spurs to Denton, St. Michaels, Oxford, and Tilghman Island. Follow Route 50 through Cambridge to Salisbury with spurs to Blackwater, Vienna, Pemberton Historical Park, Whitehaven, and the Ward Museum. Follow signs to Crisfield and take the ferry to Smith Island. Head north on Rt. 413 to Pocomoke City.
Points of Interest
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C and D Canal at Chesapeake City/ Canal Museum
Known as the "Gateway to the World" the canal is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and a National Civil Engineering Landmark. Chesapeake City offers historic inns, restaurants, boat rides, a recreational trail and annual events.
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Chestertown National Historic Landmark District/Historic sites
The Riverside town of Chestertown, with its vast collection of historic sites, provides evidence and expression of early American life and the many ways our forefathers sought freedom. Chestertown includes the GAR Hall, Schooner Sultana, boat rides, restaurants, inns and shops.
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Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuge
A feature of international significance on the Atlantic Flyway, the 2,285 acre island refuge is a major feeding and resting place for migratory and wintering waterfowl. The refuge offers trails, a visitor center, public landing, scenic views and opportunities for birding and fishing.
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Old Wye Mill
Founded in 1682 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Old Wye Mill is one of the oldest continuously operating water-powered grist mills in the United States and is an exceptional representation of American ingenuity exemplifying early colonial life and farming culture on the Delmarva Peninsula. The mill is located in a park and includes a store where customers can buy local grains.
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Museum of Rural Life
The Museum of Rural Life shares the Chesapeake Country story through exhibits that depict hundreds of years of rural and agricultural life on Maryland’s once isolated Eastern Shore.
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Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum
The Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum's 18-acre waterfront campus sits on Navy Point, overlooking the Miles River in the historic waterfront town of St. Michaels. The museum includes hands-on exhibits that provide an overview of Chesapeake Bay culture, history and nature, and the interdependence of humans with the Bay. Boat tours, a lighthouse, museum store, shipbuilding, and programs and lectures are available on site.
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Long Wharf on the Choptank River
Chesapeake maritime culture is still evident today at Long Wharf, a working waterfront where Watermen and Waterwomen embark to dredge for oysters and catch crabs in much the same manner as their predecessors. Sailing tours, a replica lighthouse and public dock are available at the wharf.
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Ward Museum of Waterfowl Art
Surrounded by wildlife in the heart of the Atlantic Flyway, the Ward Museum of Wildfowl Art features the world’s largest and finest public collection of decorative and antique decoys. The museum includes waterfowl carvings, a museum store and interactive puppet theater.
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Delmarva Discovery Museum
The Delmarva Discovery Museum on the Pocomoke River serves as a source of learning and discovery through the preservation and interpretation of its cultural and natural heritage. The museum includes exhibits with river otters, a children's play room and a museum store and offers field trips.
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The Outdoor Adventures of Smith Island
A true island community twelve miles west in the heart of the Chesapeake Bay, Smith Island is Maryland’s sole inhabited island, accessible only by a 45-minute boat ride and is a paddlers', bikers' and birders' paradise. On the island you will find restaurants, inns, and the famous Smith Island Cake.
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Eastern Neck Island
Scenic overlook
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Kent Narrows Waterfront Heritage Sites - The Chesapeake Heritage & Visitors Center, Ferry Point Park, Cross Island Trail, Cross County Connector Trail, & the Maryland Watermen's Monument.
The Chesapeake Heritage and Visitors Center, Ferry Point Park, The Cross Island Trail and the Cross County Connector Trail, and the Maryland Watermen's Monument all have signs to guide you. The Waterman's Boat Basin at Heritage Harbor is also an important feature of the area. It is home to many of the work boats and vessels run by the Queen Anne's County Watermen and the Black Captains of the Chesepeake. The Kent Narrows Development Foundation keeps an inventory of all heritage markets and heritage sites in the region. It publishes itineraries and the Watermen's Way Heritage Trail maps and brochures. The Harris Seafood shucking house is also here.
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Oxford - Bellevue Ferry
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Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge
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Smith Island
Itinerary
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Chesapeake Country: A day from Chesapeake City to Kent Island
Beginning in Chesapeake City, you can look out over the 14-mile-long Chesapeake and Delaware Canal to see modern-day ships dwarfing Victorian homes and shops along the banks. The C&D Canal Museum captures the history of the 165-year-old waterway. Walk or bike along the Ben Cardin C&D Canal Trail, to experience scenic views and the natural history of the area.
Head south along winding roads that lead past spectacular scenery. Then, as you enter Cecilton, plan a stop at Crystal Beach, a summer town on the Elk River that is popular with swimmers and anglers. Nearby is the Stemmers Run Managed Hunting Area, which, outside of hunting season, is known for its hiking and fishing.
Across the Sassafras River is Georgetown, which the British burned during the War of 1812 but has been rebuilt and is a popular place for dining and entertainment. Continue toward Galena and on to Kennedyville, where you will find Crow Farm Vineyard and Winery. Stop at the Kent Museum to see displays of antique tractors, horse-drawn sleds and household equipment.
Veer southwest to Rock Hall, which has more than a dozen marinas offering mooring and charter services. The town also prides itself on excellent seafood dining, a homemade ice cream shop and a small, maritime-oriented museum.
The area that extends from Chestertown through Centreville and into Queenstown is famous for its large number of fine antiques shops.Along the way, make a stop at the Museum of Eastern Shore Life to admire an eclectic collection of artifacts ranging from a log canoe to early hand tools. From Queenstown, make your way to Kent Island, featuring a number of options for dining and lodging.
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Chesapeake Country: A day from Wye Mills to Vienna
Tour the OLD WYE GRIST MILL, to witness the oldest continuously working water-powered grist mill in the country. During the American Revolution, the Wye Grist Mill shipped barrels of flour via the Chesapeake Bay to the Continental Army, commanded by General George Washington. Historians dubbed the Eastern Shore the “Breadbasket of the Revolution." Tour the OLD WYE GRIST MILL, to witness the oldest continuously working water-powered grist mill in the country. During the American Revolution, the Wye Grist Mill shipped barrels of flour via the Chesapeake Bay to the Continental Army, commanded by General George Washington. Historians dubbed the Eastern Shore the “Breadbasket of the Revolution." A sidetrack to the charming town of Denton leads to the Choptank River waterfront and theMUSEUM OF RURAL LIFE. Exhibits of four historic dwellings inside the museum provide a rare glimpse into the lifestyles of residents who, for 300 years, solely depended upon agriculture to earn a living. Back on the main route, travel to Easton and beyond to the Tilghman Island peninsula. This area, with its bayside beauty and more than 350 years of history, inspired James Michener to write the epic novel Chesapeake. In EASTON, the restored, art deco AVALON THEATRE hosts nationally known performing artists, while crafters display their wares at nearby specialty shops. You can also tour a winery, get a taste of the dining scene or enjoy outdoor activities ranging from hiking and canoeing to championship golf. St. Michaels, a former shipbuilding center now popular among pleasure boaters, features the CHESAPEAKE BAY MARITIME MUSEUM with its working boatyard and restored 1879 lighthouse. Just down the road is TILGHMAN ISLAND, which offers skipjack cruises and fine local cuisine. Head to Bellevue, where a historic ferry crosses the Tred Avon River to reach Oxford, another boating town with its own museum. Bike routes throughout the flat land, such as the Oxford - St Michaels Bike Trail, have wide-open country views. Also in the area are the captivating colonial town of East New Market and the tiny fishing village of Secretary. Cross the wide Choptank River and enter the city of CAMBRIDGE. On the waterfront at Long Wharf, the CHOPTANK RIVER LIGHTHOUSE creates an idyllic scene that belies the busy port that once existed here. Experience the scenic view aboard the SKIPJACK NATHAN. In its historic downtown, Cambridge’s active arts scene and a large maritime museum add to the cultural fabric of the city. Learn about Harriet Tubman's daring rescue missions at the HARRIET TUBMAN UNDERGROUND RAILROAD SCENIC BYWAY. Natural splendor is found at sites such as the BLACKWATER NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE, which hosts the East Coast’s largest nesting population of bald eagles.A sidetrack to the charming town of Denton leads to the Choptank River waterfront and theMUSEUM OF RURAL LIFE. Exhibits of four historic dwellings inside the museum provide a rare glimpse into the lifestyles of residents who, for 300 years, solely depended upon agriculture to earn a living. Back on the main route, travel to Easton and beyond to the Tilghman Island peninsula. This area, with its bayside beauty and more than 350 years of history, inspired James Michener to write the epic novel Chesapeake. In EASTON, the restored, art deco AVALON THEATRE hosts nationally known performing artists, while crafters display their wares at nearby specialty shops. You can also tour a winery, get a taste of the dining scene or enjoy outdoor activities ranging from hiking and canoeing to championship golf. St. Michaels, a former shipbuilding center now popular among pleasure boaters, features the CHESAPEAKE BAY MARITIME MUSEUM with its working boatyard and restored 1879 lighthouse. Just down the road is TILGHMAN ISLAND, which offers skipjack cruises and fine local cuisine. Head to Bellevue, where a historic ferry crosses the Tred Avon River to reach Oxford, another boating town with its own museum. Bike routes throughout the flat land, such as the Oxford - St Michaels Bike Trail, have wide-open country views. Also in the area are the captivating colonial town of East New Market and the tiny fishing village of Secretary. Cross the wide Choptank River and enter the city of CAMBRIDGE. On the waterfront at Long Wharf, the CHOPTANK RIVER LIGHTHOUSE creates an idyllic scene that belies the busy port that once existed here. Experience the scenic view aboard the SKIPJACK NATHAN. In its historic downtown, Cambridge’s active arts scene and a large maritime museum add to the cultural fabric of the city. Learn about Harriet Tubman's daring rescue missions at the HARRIET TUBMAN UNDERGROUND RAILROAD SCENIC BYWAY. Natural splendor is found at sites such as the BLACKWATER NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE, which hosts the East Coast’s largest nesting population of bald eagles.
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Chesapeake Country: Two days from Vienna to Crisfield
From Vienna, known for its rich Nanticoke River and Chesapeake Bay legacy, this section of the byway has two travel options. One travels north to Federalsburg, where a scenic creek flows from the Idylwild Wildlife Management Area and winds through town. The other heads east toward the urban center of the region, SALISBURY. History and culture mingle here with a pedestrian-friendly shopping plaza, a zoo, minor-league baseball, and the WARD MUSEUM OF WILDFOWL ART, featuring the world’s largest and finest collection of decorative and antique decoys. Nearby is the PEMBERTON HISTORICAL PARK, which was once home to a thriving 18th-century plantation along the Wicomico River. Tour Pemberton Hall, furnished to reflect the pre-Revolutionary period, and explore trails to view marshlands, waterfowl, cypress trees and historic sites. In Whitehaven, a rural village below Salisbury, the historic WHITEHAVEN FERRY runs on the Wicomico River. Then, in Princess Anne, the 200-year-old, neoclassical TEACKLE MANSION rests among 300 Federal-style and Victorian structures. West of town, the DEAL ISLAND WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA is one of the state’s finest places to view ducks and geese, as well as skipjacks, an historic sailing vessel used for dredging oysters. Continue to Pocomoke City and the DELMARVA DISCOVERY MUSEUM to explore how people’s lives have been shaped by the water and land. Get up-close with Diamondback Terrapins, Horseshoe Crabs, North American River Otters and more through hands-on exhibits about the Chesapeake’s habitats. Follow the byway to one of the southernmost spots in Maryland - CRISFIELD - famous for its local seafood, peaceful water trails and annual Hard Crab Derby. Kayak or canoe among towering loblolly pine forests and tidal marshes with sandy beaches at JANES ISLAND STATE PARK - a nature lover’s paradise. Cruises and ferries run from Crisfield to nearby SMITH ISLAND, Maryland’s only inhabited island accessible only by boat. Here visitors can see the Chesapeake watermen’s life in action at its docks, villages and at the Smith Island Crabmeat Coop. Don’t miss having a piece of SMITH ISLAND CAKE, Maryland’s official state dessert.
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