| Not all Chesapeake places are alike. The Bay and its watershed are too big for that, and the area's human stories are too diverse. Each of the regions of the Bay has a distinct natural and cultural identity, reflecting the different ways powerful Bay influences show up in different places and among different peoples. |
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The Susquehanna River
and Northern Bay
The storied Susquehanna is the biggest single source of fresh water to the
Chesapeake Bay. It’s also a vital natural link connecting the scenic
shores of the upper Bay with lands and people hundreds of miles away. |
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The Eastern Shore
When people think of classic Chesapeake landscapes, they’re usually
thinking about the Eastern Shore. Here are the meandering rivers and lush
wetlands, the roadside farm stands and moving maritime scenes. |
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The Mouth of the Bay, Hampton Roads
and the James River
Near the famed Jamestown settlement, Chesapeake traditions continue to thrive
in modern-day urban environments. Once fishing fleets head out of the snug
harbors here, they pass alongside monumental Navy and cargo ships in Norfolk
harbor. |
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Northern Neck, Middle Peninsula and
the York River
As timeless as they are scenic, the two Virginia peninsulas perched north
of the York River are filled with winding rivers, gentle hills, and rural
landscapes. The Chesapeake’s maritime traditions run as strong here
today as they do anywhere on the Bay. |
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The Potomac River
At the mouth of the Potomac is Point Lookout, one of the most spectacular
of Chesapeake vistas. That marks the end of the river’s 400-mile journey,
which starts in the West Virginia mountains and passes the capital city
of Washington, D.C. |
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Maryland's Western Shore
The Bay’s “other” shore offers its own generous share
of natural attractions and cultural gems. Big-city Baltimore and maritime
Annapolis are its best-known destinations. But plenty of rural farmland,
forested parks, and scenic rivers await as well. |
