National Park Service LogoU.S. Department of the InteriorNational Park ServiceNational Park Service
National Park Service:  U.S. Department of the InteriorNational Park Service Arrowhead
Trail of Tears National Historic TrailTrees line edge of body of water, Bell detachment route and Water Route, Pularm Park, Faulkner County, Arkansas
view map
text size:largestlargernormal
printer friendly
Trail of Tears National Historic Trail
Directions

Getting to the Trail of Tears National Historic Trail

The Trail of Tears National Historic Trail passes through the present-day states of Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Missouri, North Carolina, Oklahoma, and Tennessee.

Plane

You can reach the national historic trail by flying into a number of airports, including Huntsville, Alabama; Fayetteville/Springdale and Little Rock, Arkansas; Atlanta, Georgia; Springfield/Branson and St. Louis, Missouri; Asheville, North Carolina; Tulsa, Oklahoma; and Knoxville, Nashville, and Memphis, Tennesee. Trail-related sites can be reached from these cities.

Car

You can reach most trail sites by auto. Some sites are along unpaved roads or along river corridors. Keep a look out for the auto route signs.

Bus

Commercial bus service is available to many cities and towns along the trail. Check local guide books and Internet sources.

Site-specific Directions

Due to the variety of site locations along the Trail of Tears National Historic Trail, you can reference directions organized by state and site at Plan Your Visit or Passport Program.

Elkhorn Tavern at Pea Ridge, Arkansas, on Trail of Tears National Historic Trail  

Did You Know?
In 1838 U.S. Army troops under General Winfield Scott's command rounded up Cherokee people and moved them to forts in North Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, and Tennessee, prior to their removal west. Thirty-one forts were built for this purpose on the Trail of Tears National Historic Trail.

Last Updated: October 28, 2009 at 12:50 EST