Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail
MD,VA,DC
Park Alerts (1)
About Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail
The Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail is a collection of sites impacted by the War of 1812. These local, historic sites tell the story of the Chesapeake Campaign, culminating in the writing of our National Anthem. In addition to their historic significance, many of the sites along the trail are fantastic places to go for a walk, explore the outdoors, and access local waterways.
Things To Do
Showing 6 of 18
Paddle the Sassafras River Water Trail
The Sassafras River Water Trail is a 22 mile-long route located in the Upper region of the Chesapeake Bay. The river trail offers several options for paddle trips in beautiful landscapes that are rich in history.
Multi-Park Loop
Park your car and stretch your legs! Visit four different National Parks in Washington, DC and begin logging miles on seven different National Historic or National Scenic trails!
Paddle the Baltimore Blueway
Choose from 30 miles of trails in the Inner Harbor, Outer Harbor, Middle Branch, and Patapsco River. Imagine yourself gliding alongside historic ships, seeing the skyline from the water, and paddling around Fort McHenry. Take a selfie with Mr. Trash Wheel or immerse yourself in nature surrounded by wetlands and wildlife. Nowhere else in the Chesapeake Bay can you find such a diverse range of awe-inspiring paddling experiences within a 3-mile radius.
Watch an Artillery Demonstration at Fort Washington Park
Ever wonder how Civil War cannons were fired? Visit the park the first Sunday of every month from May to November to watch the Fort Washington Guard demonstrate and explain the procedures used during the muzzle-loading era of American Artillery.
Bicycle between Point Lookout and Leonardtown, MD
Bicycling on a section of the Southern Maryland PHT On-Road Bicycling Route between Point Lookout and Leondardtown, MD
Explore by bicycle from Westmoreland State Park
With Westmoreland State Park as a base, ride a loop connected with the Northern Neck Heritage Trail to explore Stratford Hall, the birthplace of George Washington, Colonial Beach, wineries, historic sites and the Potomac River shoreline. A map and more information is available from the Northern Neck Tourism Commission at www.northernneck.org.
Available Activities
Weather
The Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail is made up of parks, museums, outdoor trails, and waterways throughout the Chesapeake Bay region. Weather can effect the hours of operation and access points to many sites along the trail. Exercise caution when exploring the trail outdoors.
Dress appropriately for seasonal conditions such as heat, snow, and ice. Parks, museums, and visitor centers may be impacted by weather conditions year round.
Getting There
The Trail's headquarters is at Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine. The park is three miles southeast of the Baltimore Inner Harbor and just off I-95. Follow the brown Fort McHenry directional signs along all major routes to the park.
From I-95 northbound, take Exit 55 Key Highway and follow Fort McHenry signs. To visit other trail locations, download a trail map.
Plan Your Visit
Let Roamze help you plan the perfect trip to Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail with AI-powered itineraries.
Start PlanningHours
Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail
The Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail is not a clearly marked hiking trail. Instead it is a route that passes through communities, urban areas, and public lands. The route travels across a variety of land ownerships and management, including private land. Each location varies as to the hours of operations and access. Please contact individual trail sites before your visit for more information.
