Things To Do Near Trail of Tears National Historic Trail
If you want to visit the entire Trail of Tears National Historic Trail, consider starting your trip in Cherokee, North Carolina, where you can visit the Museum of the Cherokee Indian and the Cherokee Indian Reservation Welcome Center and view related exhibits at the Oconaluftee Visitor Center in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Then, head southeast into Georgia to see one of the removal camps at Cedartown and the Chieftains Museum in Rome. Make your way west from there to see the numerous sites in Alabama and Arkansas before ending your tour in Oklahoma. If you are coming from the northern United States, consider starting the trail in Kentucky by visiting Gray’s Inn, Mantle Rock, and Redford Farm before visiting numerous sites in Illinois, Missouri, and Arkansas before ending your visit in Oklahoma.
Hiking Trails
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Lake Trail
The Lake Trail in the Trail of Tears State Park starts near the Boutin Lake Boat Ramp. It is especially a beautiful path to hike in the spring when the tulip poplars and periwinkle are blooming. You can also see the rare pennywort plant along this circular path.
Location
429 Moccasin Springs Road, Jackson, MO 63755
Length
2.25 miles
Intensity
Easy
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Mantle Rock Trail
The Mantle Rock Trail is within the Mantle Rock Nature Preserve, and it is the site where about 1,700 Cherokees waited for the Ohio River’s ice to thaw during the winter of 1838. The trail follows a creek most of the way and crosses a natural rock suspension bridge. There are historical markings along this path related to the Trail of Tears. Call in advance so that nearby staff will unlock the preserve.
Location
Mantle Rock Road, Smithland, KY 42081
Length
2.5 miles
Intensity
Moderate
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Military Road Trail
Walk along the Military Road Trail in Village Creek State Park. This trail that starts at Austell Dam was initially part of the Memphis to Little Rock Road that was constructed expressly for the Trail of Tears forced relocation. The trail snakes around Crowley’s Ridge before reaching a figure 8 section, which you can hike the upper or lower section first. Placards along the route provide more information.
Location
201 County Road 754, Wynne, AR 72396
Length
2.1 miles
Intensity
Moderate
Sightseeing
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Red Clay State Historic Park
Red Clay State Historic Park was the last seat of the Cherokee Native American government before the Trail of Tears began. It was at this site that the people first learned that they had lost their ancestral grounds. Listen to park rangers tell Cherokee legends, learn about some of the historical buildings, and take a medicine plant hike.
Location
1140 Red Clay Park Road Southwest, Cleveland, TN 37311
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Snelson-Brinker House
See the log cabin at Snelson-Brinker House. The nearby cemetery contains several burials from the Trail of Tears. Numerous camps were built at this location during the forced relocation.
Location
Missouri 8, Steelville, MO 65565
Museums
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Museum of the Cherokee Indian
Start your visit by seeing the 26-foot, hand-carved statue of Sequoyah, the inventor of the Cherokee alphabet. Once inside, learn about the 11,000-year history of the Cherokee people in this region through interactive displays. Computer-generated holograms and other imagery, sound, and special effects bring the story to life. Shop in the gift shop for artwork made by the Cherokee people.
Location
589 Tsali Boulevard, Cherokee, NC 28719
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Sequoyah Birthplace Museum
Learn more about the three years that Sequoyah spent in almost total isolation creating the Cherokee language. Despite being uneducated, he used his artistic abilities to develop a writing system that the Cherokee people started using almost overnight to communicate with each other. Learn more about his life and time in isolation through this museum’s exhibits.
Location
576 Tennessee 360, Vonore, TN 37885
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Tennessee River Museum
The Tennessee River Museum offers visitors the chance to learn more about the ancient tools used by people living along the river. There are also exhibits related to the river's role during the Trail of Tears as some people were transported down the river before being forced to walk over land. Steamboats and the Civil War are also covered in exhibits at this museum.
Location
435 Main Street, Savannah, TN 38372
Nearby Shops and Restaurants
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Rabbit Studios
Select from artwork featuring Native American symbolism and events at Rabbit Studios. The originals are hand-painted by Tammi Roberts, but she also sells reproductions. You can also find some gifts at this store.
Location
231 South Taylor, Pryor, OK 74361
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The Sky Gallery
Check out the artwork by many Oklahoma artists. For example, one artist whose work you will want to see is Cherokee Copper’s, who fashions jewelry out of copper with Native American symbolism on it. Other items are made with seeds and other natural objects.
Location
1401 East 11th Street, Tulsa, OK 74120
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The Standard at the Smith House
Enjoy dining in the historic dining room at The Standard at the Smith House. Start your meal with a delicious green tomato appetizer. Then, move on to an outstanding steak or a chicken entrée.
Location
167 Rosa Parks Boulevard, Nashville, TN 37203
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Kitchen 66
You are never sure what restaurant will have taken over Kitchen 66 because they allow start-up restaurants to impress customers with the quality of their food while they are earning money to open their location. Therefore, you will want to visit this location often.
Location
1124 South Lewis Avenue, Tulsa, OK 74104