9. The Trail of Tears National Historic Trail
Today, the Trail of Tears National Historic Trail traces a route across the American landscape, commemorating a harrowing chapter in U.S. history. In the 1830s, the U.S. government forced the Cherokee, along with several other tribes, from their ancestral homelands in the Southeast to “Indian Territory” west of the Mississippi. Thousands perished from exposure, disease, and starvation during this grueling journey. Walking this trail is a solemn reminder of the immense suffering, loss, and resilience of Native communities—a legacy that continues to shape America’s conscience.
