Following the Trail of Tears Across the United States
The Trail of Tears marks one of the most significant and difficult chapters in American history.
Between 1838 and 1839, thousands of Cherokee were forced from their ancestral lands in the southeastern United States and moved west to present-day Oklahoma.
Today, this journey is remembered through the Trail of Tears National Historic Trail, which spans multiple states and follows several different routes.
This page brings together the maps, routes, and stops we’ve explored to help you follow this historic path.
Main Trail of Tears Routes
There was not just one route—there were several.
Some of the primary routes include:
- Northern Route (through Tennessee → Illinois → Missouri)
- Water Routes (using rivers like the Tennessee, Ohio, and Mississippi)
- Southern Routes (through Alabama and Arkansas)
Each route tells part of the story and passes through different landscapes and historic locations.
Tennessee
Tennessee includes some of the earliest and most important sites along the trail.
- Red Clay State Historic Park – Native American Heritage and the Trail of Tears
- Cherokee Removal Memorial Park in Tennessee – A Trail of Tears Site at Blythe Ferry
- On the Trail in Dayton, Tennessee – Historic Downtown & Trail of Tears at Blythe Ferry
- On the Trail in McMinnville, Tennessee – A Preserved Historic Downtown Along the Trail of Tears Route
Kentucky
Kentucky represents part of the northern route as groups moved west.
Illinois
Illinois represents part of the northern route as groups moved west.
- Lincoln Memorial Picnic Grounds in Illinois – A Historic Stop Along the Trail of Tears
- Kincaid Mounds Historic Site – Hidden Native American Mounds Near the Ohio River
Missouri
Missouri contains key crossings and travel routes as the journey continued west.
What You’ll Experience Along the Trail
Traveling the Trail of Tears today is very different from what it was in the 1800s—but many locations still help tell the story.
You’ll find:
- Historic markers and memorial parks
- River crossings and ferry sites
- Museums and interpretive centers
- Scenic landscapes that remain largely unchanged
Each stop adds a deeper understanding of the journey.
Planning Your Trail of Tears Road Trip
If you’re planning to follow part of the trail:
- Allow extra time at major historic sites
- Many locations are rural with limited services
- Some roads may be gravel or lightly maintained
- Combine stops into regional trips (by state)
Why This Journey Matters
The Trail of Tears is more than a travel route—it’s a reminder of the lives affected and the history that shaped this country.
Visiting these locations helps keep those stories alive.
