The Trail of Tears National Historic Trail commemorates the removal of the Cherokee and the paths that 17 Cherokee detachments followed westward. Today the trail encompasses about 2,200 miles of land and water routes, and traverses portions of nine states.

The National Park Service, in partnership with other federal agencies, state and local agencies, non-profit organizations, and private landowners, administers the Trail of Tears National Historic Trail. Participating national historic trail sites display the official trail logo.

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Trail of Tears NHT Logo

The National Historic Trails System, established by the National Trails System Act of 1968, commemorates historic routes and promotes their preservation, and development for public use. National Historic Trails recognize diverse facets of history such as prominent past routes of exploration, migration, trade, communication and military action. The historic trails generally consist of remnant sites and trail segments, and thus are not necessarily contiguous.

Although National Historic Trails are administered by federal agencies, land ownership may be in public or private hands. Of the 18 National Historic Trails, 14 are administered by the National Park Service, one by the USDA Forest Service, one by the Bureau of Land Management, and two jointly by the National Park Service and the Bureau of Land Management. Learn more about the National Trails System, including National Historic, Scenic, and Recreation Trails. View the National Trails System map.