Beginning at Jennings Randolph Lake to the mouth of the Potomac, you may choose to paddle the 355 miles to the Chesapeake Bay or take a single or multi-day trip; all will give you a different view of the ways that previous residents used the river and its banks for their livelihood, transportation and recreation.
The Patuxent River Water Trail offers visitors the opportunity to paddle the river, camp along its banks and visit its numerous parks, historic sites, sanctuaries and wildlife areas. The 110 mile-long river is unique in that it is the longest river that flows entirely within the state of Maryland.
Discover the natural abundance of the Anacostia River as it threads through the heart of Washington, DC. Watch birds on Kingman Island or dock at the National Arboretum and roam the forest. The Anacostia River corridor has lots of options for outdoor fun and the Anacostia Water Trail can help you find them.
1-6 Hours
A short drive from Washington DC and Baltimore, Patuxent River Park boasts more than 7,000 acres of parkland along the Patuxent River. It boasts some of the best birding in the state, along with trails, a boat launch, museums of rural life, and a replica American Indian village.
Discover thousands of years of archeology at Jefferson Patterson Park & Museum. Over 65 archeological sites tell the story of American Indian technology, innovation, and craft within the Chesapeake Bay landscape. Take an audio Tour the museum, laboratory, and woodland village, walk the park trails, and paddle the Patuxent river.
Several Trail partner locations are part of the Passport To Your National Parks® program. When you travel the Star-Spangled Banner Trail, preserve memories of your visit by collecting free ink cancellations at each participating Trail location.
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!
Take tour around the City of Baltimore following the Star-Spangled National Historic Trail!
3-8 Hours
Gain access to Hampton's interactive app to take a self-guided tour of the plantation!
45 Minutes
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.
15-90 Minutes
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.
1 Day
Explore the Chesapeake Bay region as a modern day treasure hunter. All you need is a smartphone and a sense of adventure! Just download a geocaching app, and soon you’ll be following a trail of clues to a hidden treasure, called a cache.
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.
Kids of all ages can participate in the Star-Spangled Banner Trail Junior Ranger program. The Junior Ranger booklet is full of activities that can be completed to earn a Junior Ranger badge.
30-60 Minutes
The Star-Spangled Banner Geotrail is a unique journey through American history and across the landscapes of the Chesapeake Bay. It follows the Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail and commemorates the dramatic chain of events, people and places that led to the birth of our national anthem during the War of 1812.
Information on how to become a Fort McHenry Junior Ranger!
1 Hour
Paddle approximately 12 miles from Leonardtown to Colton's Point via kayak or canoe, stopping at Newtowne Neck State Park. The trip is mostly on Breton Bay, but joins the Potomac and the mouth of St. Clement's Bay near Colton's Point.
1-2 Days
Bicycling on a section of the Southern Maryland PHT On-Road Bicycling Route between Point Lookout and Leondardtown, MD
4-10 Hours