FOLLOW THE LANDSCAPE. DISCOVER THE STORY.

Trail of Tears National Historic Trail

America’s stories are written into its landscapes.
Header: The museum tells the story of Major Ridge, the influential Ridge family including prominent son John Ridge, Cherokee history, and the Trail of Tears, as well as subsequent history of the home and region. · NPS · Public domain, NPS · Photo credits
PLACES THAT KEEP THE PAST CLOSE

A story worth following.

Learn about the forced removal of Cherokee people from their homelands and the endurance of communities who survived. Museums, memorials and historic sites interpret multiple removal routes and personal experiences.

large white house, green lawn, two trees in front
The museum tells the story of Major Ridge, the influential Ridge family including prominent son John Ridge, Cherokee history, and the Trail of Tears, as well as subsequent history of the home and region.
NPS · Public domain, NPS
structure in the background with large chimney on the end; signs saying Brown's Ferry Tavern
Cherokee leader John Brown, who owned 640 acres in this area, ordered the construction of Browns Ferry Tavern in 1803. In 1838, the road running past this structure was the route by which several Cherokee detachments were removed to present-day Oklahoma.
NPS · Public domain, NPS
BUILD YOUR OWN CHAPTER

Places to begin

  • New Echota
  • Red Clay
  • Cherokee National History Museum in Tahlequah

Suggested starting points, not a turn-by-turn route. Choose a manageable local section; stops may be far apart.

Make the visit work for you

Approach the route as a place of remembrance. Use official site information and include Cherokee perspectives in your planning.

Give the story time

Allow time for interpretation, a short walk and conversations. One well-chosen historic place can be more rewarding than a rushed list of stops.

Bring your group comfortably

Confirm parking, restrooms, walking surfaces and group reservations with each site. A historic trail designation does not guarantee coach access.

Official visitor information ↗

U.S. visits only. Historic routes may cross private property or have disconnected public sections. Official links provide current maps, access and operating information. Photographs may show earlier conditions.