Missouri: Trail of Tears State Park
Posted on Saturday, January 20 @ 00:17:23 CST by iljiana
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429 Moccasin Springs
Jackson, MO 63755
(573) 334-1711
The tragic history that gives Trail of Tears State Park its
name provides a sharp contrast to the peaceful, serene
setting and the abundance of recreational opportunities
enjoyed by visitors today. The 3,415-acre park is a memorial
to the Cherokee Indians that lost their lives in a forced
relocation, as well as a place for visitors to participate in
a variety of outdoor adventures.
The park is located on the site where nine of 13 groups of
Cherokee Indians crossed the Mississippi River in harsh
winter conditions in 1838-39. Thousands lost their lives on
the trail, including dozens on or near the park’s
grounds. Legend says that Nancy Bushyhead Hildebrand died and
was buried within the park’s boundaries. The Bushyhead
Memorial is a tribute to all the Cherokee who died on the
trail. The park’s visitor center features exhibits that
interpret the forced relocation, as well as the park’s
many natural features.
Today, numerous picnic sites are scattered throughout the
park and campsites are available in a wooded area and near
the river. Anglers can cast their lines in either the
Mississippi River or the 20-acre Lake Boutin, stocked with
bass, bluegill and catfish. The park’s numerous trails
offer opportunities for hiking, backpacking, primitive
camping and equestrian pursuits. In winter, the bluffs and
cliffs along the river are noted as roosting sites for bald
eagles.
Trails
Trail of Tears State Park offers 14.5 miles of trail
within the park's 3415-acres.
Peewah Trail -- 10 miles
Peewah is an Indian word meaning "come follow in this
direction." This trail offers visitors access to the most
remote areas of the park. Winding through Indian Creek Wild
Area, this trail is approximately 10 miles long and is open
to hikers, backpackers and equestrian riders. The trail is
divided into four different sections by following various
loops of the trail. The green section takes visitors to an
overlook located along the Mississippi River and is
approximately 1.5-miles round trip. The yellow loop is 3.4
miles and meanders along the Mississippi for a short
distance. The red loop is a little under six miles.
Sheppard Point Trail -- 2 miles
This trail is a two-mile loop trail that ascends to the top
of a beautiful bluff overlooking the Mississippi River. The
trail is considered difficult and is open only to hikers due
to the rugged terrain.
Lake Trail -- 2 miles
The picturesque Lake Trail winds around the basic campground
and along a portion of Lake Boutin for approximately two
miles.
Nature Trail -- 0.5 miles
Nature Trail is the shortest trail in the park. Visitors have
spotted white-tailed deer, cottontail rabbits and gray
squirrels while hiking along this easy trail.
Directions to Trail of Tears State Park
From St. Louis
Trail of Tears State Park is approximately two to two and
one-half hours from the St. Louis area. Travel south on I-55
to Exit 105 (Fruitland/Jackson). Take Hwy. 61 north for
approximately one mile. Turn right onto Hwy. 177 and continue
for seven miles. At the four-way stop in front of the Proctor
and Gamble Plant, turn right to stay on Hwy. 177. Continue on
Hwy. 177 for another 2.8 miles. The entrance to the state
park will be on the left right before the Hwy. 177/Route V
intersection.
From Jefferson City
Trail of Tears State Park is approximately four hours from
the Jefferson City area. Travel east on U.S. Hwy. 50 until it
ends at I-44 (just past Union). Take I-44 east to Hwy. 141;
proceed south to I-55. Take I-55 south Exit 105
(Fruitland/Jackson). Travel north on Hwy. 61 for
approximately one mile. Turn right onto Hwy. 177 and continue
for seven miles. At the four-way stop in front of the Proctor
and Gamble Plant, turn right to stay on Hwy. 177. Continue on
Hwy. 177 for another 2.8 miles. The entrance to the state
park will be on the left right before the Hwy. 177/Route V
intersection.
From Springfield/Joplin
Trail of Tears State Park is approximately five hours from
the Springfield area. Travel east on I-44 to U.S. Hwy. 65.
Take U.S. Hwy. 64 south to U.S. Hwy. 60. Travel east on U.S.
Hwy. 60 to I-55 near Miner. Take I-55 north to Exit 105
(Fruitland/Jackson). Travel north on Hwy. 61 for
approximately one mile. Turn right onto Hwy. 177 and continue
for seven miles. At the four-way stop in front of the Proctor
and Gamble Plant, turn right to stay on Hwy. 177. Continue on
Hwy. 177 for another 2.8 miles. The entrance to the state
park will be on the left right before the Hwy. 177/Route V
intersection.
From Carbondale, Ill.
Trail of Tears State Park is approximately 2 hours 15
minutes from Carbondale, Ill. Travel south on U.S. Hwy. 51 to
IL 146. Stay on IL 146 as it becomes Hwy. 34/74. Turn right
onto Hwy. 177 and continue for 12.3 miles. At the stop sign
at the junction of Hwy. 177 and Route V, turn right to stay
on Hwy. 177. The entrance to the state park will be on the
right almost immediately after turning onto Hwy. 177.
From Memphis, Tenn.
Trail of Tears State Park is approximately three and
one-half hours from Memphis. Travel west on I-40 to I-55.
Take Exit 277 toward Blytheville/Jonesboro and merge onto
I-55 heading north. Continue on I-55 for 170 miles to Exit
105 (Fruitland/Jackson). Travel north on Hwy. 61 for
approximately one mile. Turn right onto Hwy. 177 and continue
for seven miles. At the four-way stop in front of the Proctor
and Gamble Plant, turn right to stay on Hwy. 177. Continue on
Hwy. 177 for another 2.8 miles. The entrance to the state
park will be on the left right before the Hwy. 177/Route V
intersection.
For more information: http://www.mostateparks.com/trailoftears.htm
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