Plan Your Visit

The sites on Trail of Tears National Historic Trail, stretching 5,043 miles across nine states, together form a journey of compassion and understanding. The trail commemorates the forced removal of Cherokee from their homelands; the paths that 17 Cherokee detachments followed westward; and the revival of the Cherokee Nation. We encourage you to retrace the trail on foot, by vehicle, over water, by bicycle or horse—to sacred sites that tell the story of suffering and intolerance, but just as important, one of survival.
 
A brown sign "Trail of Tears, Original route," next to a dirt road.
Basic Info

Find info about fees & passes, FAQs, special alerts, how to see ruts & swales, and more.

A large brown sign indicating the presence of a historic plantation.
Directions

Navigate the trail miles with maps, interactive GIS maps, sign info and more.

A group of people stand in a row, straddling their bicycles.
Things To Do

Bike, hike, run, horseback ride, paddle, birdwatch, climb, camp, RV, photograph - there are countless ways to explore your historic trails!

A few wayside signs sit on a cement river overlook.
Places to Go

Where can you visit the trail? Use the interactive map to find places to visit.

A small log cabin with a large covered front porch.
Trip Ideas

Follow a travel itinerary to explore multiple trail sites in one region.

 

Trip Planning

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. Due to the trail's length, you may decide to travel its entirety or just one or two sites. Take time to plan your trip to meet your needs.

Publications

Read / print / order trail brochures.

Trail of Tears Guidebooks

Find a bibliography of guidebooks for the Trail of Tears.

Travel and Tourism Contacts by State

Contact travel and tourism bureaus for various states.

Visiting the Cherokee Nation

Learn more about the Cherokee Nation.

Last updated: July 14, 2022

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Contact Info

Mailing Address:

National Trails Office Regions 6|7|8
Trail of Tears National Historic Trail
1100 Old Santa Fe Trail

Santa Fe, NM 87505

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