The Trail of Tears National Historic Trail commemorates the removal of the Cherokee and the paths that 17 Cherokee detachments followed westward. Today the trail encompasses about 4,900 miles of land and water routes, and traverses portions of nine states.

The National Park Service, in partnership with other federal, state, and local agencies, nonprofit organizations, and private landowners, administers the Trail of Tears National Historic Trail. Participating national historic trail sites display the official trail logo.

Certification 

Challenge Cost Share 

National Trails System
The National Historic Trails System, established by the National Trails System Act of 1968, commemorates historic routes and promotes their preservation, and development for public use. National Historic Trails recognize diverse facets of history such as prominent past routes of exploration, migration, trade, communication and military action. The historic trails generally consist of remnant sites and trail segments, and thus are not necessarily contiguous. Although National Historic Trails are administered by federal agencies, land ownership may be in public or private hands.