Rapids to Railroads: Adventure Through the Tanasi Trail

Start your journey through time in historic Chattanooga at Ross's Landing, situated along the Chattanooga Riverwalk. "The Passage" at Ross's Landing marks the beginning of the Trail of Tears and is ornately designed to pay permanent homage to the Cherokee Nation and their forced removal from Tennessee. The outdoor exhibit includes a waterfall stairway and "weeping wall" to symbolize the tears shed during the Native American Removal. Water from both installations gathers in a reflecting pool before returning to the Tennessee River via cannon. The Riverwalk itself spans over 16 miles and is completely free to access at any of the 26 access points. 

In additional to waterways and the Riverwalk, Chattanooga is a city marked by a long history with locomotion. Explore the railways onboard vintage trains that serve as rolling time machines with Tennessee Valley Railroad or the famed Chattanooga Choo Choo.

Only steps from "The Passage" lies a hub of Tennessee's natural history, the Tennessee Aquarium. Long before locomotives carved through the southeast regions of Tennessee, resident aquatic critters had their own railways of water. Explore the largest freshwater aquarium in the world, where playful otters and giant stingrays trace the path of water from mountains to sea. 

30 Miles outside of Chattanooga lies Cleveland, Tennessee. With humble beginnings, Cleveland began as a small log cabin in the heart of the Cherokee Nation. Visit Red Clay State Historic Park, which served as the Cherokee's last Eastern Council Grounds. It was here Chief John Ross and the tribe unanimously rejected the proposed removal treaty in 1835. Three years later, the forced removal began. Ranger tours and demonstrations are engaging and rich with history, listen to living history guides and immerse yourself in the testimonies of the past. Afterwards, don't miss the opportunity to see Blue Hole Spring-- a natural landmark that is a sight to behold.

Experience the mighty, Olympic-level rapids of Ocoee River State Park and learn of the river's collaborative history. Long before the Ocoee hosted the 1996 Summer Olympics, the river served as the source of life for the Cherokee people who lived near its banks. Now, visitors can float, kayak and canoe it's expanses. Nestled within the Cherokee National Forest, adventurers of all ages can enjoy the waterfall hikes, picnic locations, fishing spots, and swimming holes within the trees.

An hour drive northeast of Cleveland sits the scenic and must-visit-hidden-gem of Tellico Plains. Once the site of the Overhill Cherokee town of Great Tellico, this beautiful community sits in the valley where the Tellico River meets the Little Tennessee River. The creative community features multiple galleries and shops including Scott Street Gallery & Studios with more than 70 local artisans. The Charles Hall Museum showcases a huge collection of local memorabilia, guns, Native American artifacts and historic photos. 

Get your map at the Cherohala Skyway Visitor Center, fill up at the classic Tellico Beach Drive-In, and pick-up a treat at Tellico Grains Bakery before hitting the iconic Cherohala Skyway National Scenic Byway that weaves through the Cherokee National Forest.

The Sequoyah Birthplace Museum, operated by the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, tells Sequoyah's story and highlights the customs, beliefs and family life of the Overhill Cherokees, along with the sadness that accompanied the Trail of Tears. Trace Sequoyah's life and learn the details of the revolutionary Cherokee Syllabary with a reclaimed printing press. On-site at the museum are the Chota/Tanasi Memorials and a burial mound that pays tribute to burials that were discovered before the nearby land of Chota and Tanasi was inundated with water in 1979 by the TVA.

Named after a historic Cherokee Leader, Tsali Notch Vineyard is nestled with in the Tennessee Overhill Heritage Area. Taste the unique flavor of "America's Wild Grape," the muscadine, which is native to the southeast region. The Vineyard Tasting Room is open Wednesday and Thursday from noon to 6 p.m., and Friday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Experience the award-winning wines and honor the land and heritage that inspires their winemaking.

Sweetwater, Tennessee is home to America's largest underground lake, the Lost Sea. Located within the Craighead Caverns, The Lost Sea Adventure takes you through a rich geological and anthropic history-- far beyond what meets the eye. Nearly a mile from the Cavern's opening, sits a room known as "The Council Room," where an array of artifacts testifies to the Cherokee's use of caves. Since the days of early white settlers, the cave has been used for storing potatoes, saltpeter mining during the Civil War, moonshine making, and so much more. Take a glass-bottom boat ride and guided tour of the lake and gain insight to the captivating history.

Known for its Trail of Tears history, Birchwood's Cherokee Removal Memorial Park features outdoor exhibits chronicling the Native American experience during the 1838 forced removal. The Blythe Ferry Site was the final point of departure for an estimated 9,000 Cherokees driven from their ancestral land. In additional to the removal, the park aims to educate visitors about the unique wildlife in the habitat around and in the Hiwassee Wildlife Refuge.

The scenic Harrison, Tennessee, named for President William Henry Harrison, is home to the 1,200 acre Harrison Bay State Park with 40 miles of Chickamauga Lake Shoreline. Harrison Bay holds the distinction of becoming the first Tennessee State Park in 1937. Today, the many amenities include marina facilities, a restaurant, pool, hiking and biking trails, and the 18-hole Bear Trace Golf Course designed by Jack Nicklaus.