Fort McHenry Seawall Trail

This pin marks the named paved trail segment beside the Visitor Center. Follow the signed loop around the park rather than navigating to a single waterfront photo point.

Use the free main or overflow visitor lot and join the trail near the Visitor Center. Do not park on service roads or assume the lot remains open after park gates close.

The trail follows park-ground hours: summer 7:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. weekdays and 7:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. weekends, with shorter seasonal hours. All visitors must exit before gates close.

Use accessible restrooms at the Visitor Center or Star Fort while those buildings are open. There are no continuously open facilities around the waterfront loop.

The Seawall Trail is free; a Star Fort ticket is not required. Parking is also free for park visitors.

NPS identifies the paved trail as wheelchair accessible and lists benches along the route. Wind, debris, snow, ice or temporary work can still affect an individual segment.

Leashed pets are allowed on the trail with a leash no longer than six feet. Bring waste bags, keep pets away from wildlife and remember that pets cannot enter the historic zone or buildings.

The flat loop offers a lower-cost, flexible family visit with harbor views and room to walk, run or bike. Bring water and keep children away from the seawall edge and roadway crossings.

The route is about one mile, with roughly three-quarters of a mile along the river. Harbor wind and limited shade can make it feel longer in heat or cold.

MTA bus service reaches the Locust Point area, but the final walk can be substantial. Bicycles are allowed on paved park areas but not inside the historic zone.