General Information - Trail of Tears
Trail of Tears State Park preserves the native woodlands much as they appeared to the Cherokee. Mature forests cover much of the park, which is characterized by sharp ridges and steep ravines. The park is located directly on the Mississippi River, allowing majestic views of the Mississippi River and beyond. Its location right on the river also makes the park one of the best places in Missouri for viewing migratory waterfowl and other wildlife. Species include white-tailed deer, turkeys, hawks and foxes. The large trees on the bluffs and cliffs along the river are noted as winter roosting sites for bald eagles.
Indian Creek Wild Area features hardwood forests of white oak, black oak, tulip poplar and hickory. Flood plain forests along Indian Creek contain large sweetgums and willows. Junglelike areas thick with wild grapevines abound in the lowlands. Nearby, limestone bluffs tower more than 60 feet above the river. Peewah Trail, used by hikers and equestrians, winds through this 1,300-acre wild area. The 300-acre Vancill Hollow Natural Area contains plant communities more common to the eastern United States than the Missouri Ozarks. These forests have characteristically eastern species rare to Missouri. Among these are American beech, tulip poplar and cucumber magnolia. The moist ground is covered with a rich growth of luxurious ferns and wildflowers.
For visitors wishing to spend a night or more, basic campsites are located in the heavily wooded area of the park. Campsites with electrical hookups and electricity and sewer hookups are located in a campground near the river. Campground facilities include modern restrooms, hot showers and a dumping station. For backpackers, a primitive camping area borders a loop of Peewah Trail.
Anglers can cast their luck in the Mississippi River, which offers three catfish species, rare sturgeon species, freshwater drum and American eels, while the 15-acre Lake Boutin is stocked with bass, sunfish, channel catfish and crappie. Popular lake activities, such as boating (electric motors only), canoeing and swimming. Add in the scattered picnic sites and Trail of Tears State Park is an excellent place to come for a day, or more, of relaxation.