Trail of Tears National Historic Trail - things2do (U.S. National Park Service)

A man touches a wall of beads that represent people lost on the Trail of Tears.

An NPS Photo

A visitor touches a tactile exhibit at the Cherokee Heritage Center in Tahlequah, Oklahoma. The exhibit features 16,000 hand-made clay beads representing the numbers of Cherokee people affected by removal.

Numerous programs and activities are available at developed sites and in communities along the Trail of Tears National Historic Trail. Contact individual sites and tourism centers for more information.

Non-federal historic sites, trail segments, and interpretive facilities become part of the Trail of Tears National Historic Trail through certification. This is a voluntary process in which an owner or manager agrees to adhere to National Park Service standards for resource preservation and visitor use. Look for the official trail logo at all certified locations.

Public lands and state, county, and city parks along the trail route preserve trail resources. Although not yet certified, they may be open for public use. Other trail sites are on non-profit or private property and may not be open to the public.