A tall ship sails on the water.

Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail

National Historic Trail ยท Maryland, Virginia, District of Columbia

Pride of Baltimore, Inc.

๐Ÿ“ StateMaryland, Virginia, District of Columbia
๐Ÿ›๏ธ TypeNational Historic Trail
๐ŸŽŸ๏ธ EntryFree
๐Ÿƒ Activities41
Official NPS Website โ†’
Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail

Trail that commemorates the Chesapeake Campaign of the War of 1812

The Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail is a National Historic Trail that commemorates the Chesapeake Campaign of the War of 1812. The 560-mile (900ย km) trail was named after "The Star-Spangled Banner," the national anthem of the United States. Consisting of water and overland routes, the trail extends from Tangier Island, Virginia, through southern Maryland, the District of Columbia, the Chesapeake Bay, and Baltimore, Maryland. The trail also contains sites on Maryland's Eastern shore.

WikipediaWikidataSource: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA)

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.

Park Photos

A tall ship sails on the water.
Image of a large historic house with green lawn in foreground.
A close-up of the White House portico.
A person in a yellow kayak paddles through lotus blossoms.
People in 18th century period clothing standing in a line and firing muskets.

Activities

Operating Hours

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.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to enter Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail?

Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail is free to enter.

What are the best activities at Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail?

Popular activities at Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail include: Arts and Culture, Cultural Demonstrations, Live Music, Biking, Mountain Biking, Road Biking, Boating, Sailing.

What is the weather like at Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail?

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. Please call ahead to your planned trail stop for updates on

How do I get to Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail?

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.

Entrance Fees

Free Admission

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. Please call ahead to your planned trail stop for updates on

Directions

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.

๐Ÿ“ View on Google Maps โ†’

Location

Coordinates39.2873, -76.6034

Official Resources

NPS Official Website