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.
Quick Facts
Operating Hours
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.
Activities
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.
View Official DirectionsContact & Address
Topics & Themes
Things To Do
Multi-Park Loop
Park your car and stretch your legs! Visit four different National Parks in Washington, DC and begin logging miles on…
Paddle the Baltimore Blueway
Choose from 30 miles of trails in the Inner Harbor, Outer Harbor, Middle Branch, and Patapsco River. Imagine yourself gliding…
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…
The Fort Washington Guard in period uniforms will demonstrate and explain the procedures used during the muzzle-loading era of American…
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
On-road bicycling for approxim, with stops at Historic Saint Mary's City, Piney Point and other points of interest.
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…
Riding is mostly on secondary roads. Using loops off of the Northern Neck Heritage Trail Bicycling Route, riders can avoid…
Paddle the Potomac River
Beginning at Jennings Randolph Lake to the mouth of the Potomac, you may choose to paddle the 355 miles to…
Visitor Centers
Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine
The trail has many points of entry and exploration along its auto route and water route. The visitor center at Fort McHenry serves as the…
Hours: The trail's headquarters and visitor center is located at Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine.
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