The National Park Service (NPS) is responsible for planning, developing and maintaining the Trail in partnership with other Federal, state and local governments, landowners, volunteer groups, and residents. The National Park Service will administer the trail in coordination with the existing Chesapeake Bay Gateways and Watertrails Network and the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail, which overlaps with the water trail segments of the Star-Spangled Banner Trail.

According to the National Trails System Act, the NPS is responsible for:

1. Encouraging communities, land owners, and volunteers to participate in planning, development and maintenance of the Trail
2. Consulting with landowners and federal, state and local agencies in administration of the Trail
3. Subject to funding, providing interpretive programs and service and technical assistance to carry out preservation and development of the Trail and to provide education relating to the War of 1812.

These responsibilities are initiated through a comprehensive management planning process that includes agencies, partners and the public in defining visitor experiences, interpretive themes and trail conservation and development priorities. Trail planning will continue through 2011.

The NPS receives funding from Congress to staff the Trail, to develop a management plan, and to administer the Trail. Partners provide matching funding to carry out plan priorities and to develop interpretive programs, conserve land, and encourage and undertake research and other priorities. The Trail is jointly coordinated by staff at Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine and the Chesapeake Bay Office in Annapolis.