Annapolis, MD - The National Park Service released "Chesapeake Explorer", a mobile application designed to help visitors discover and enjoy fun and inspiring places and activities in the Chesapeake region.

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Chesapeake Explorer aggregates information about national parks, state parks, Chesapeake Bay Gateways and Watertrails Network sites, and sites along three national historic and scenic trails in the watershed. It provides information about the locations, hours, activities and fees of these places. The app's geo-location feature will identify nearby national parks and trails that suit particular interests, and allows the explorer to tag favorites and log sites visited. The device also sorts locations by activity so someone can easily identify places to see waterfowl, go bicycling, or launch a kayak, and plan trips accordingly.

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Chesapeake Explorer can suggest thematic tours to explore, whether by bike, car or on foot, and can build customized tours. It also includes historical information and helps travelers plan their visit along the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail, the Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail, and the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail.

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Superintendent John Maounis of the National Park Service, Chesapeake Bay Office said, "Chesapeake Explorer allows visitors and residents to carry detailed information with them as they explore parks, museums and historic sites along the region's trails, byways and water routes."

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The app is free and available now for iPhones and soon on Android devices. To download Chesapeake Explorer, visit www.chesapeakeexplorerapp.com.

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UPDATE: The National Park Service Chesapeake Bay Office later discontinued this app.