Trail of Tears State Forest

Trail of Tears State Forest covers more than 5,000 acres in southern Illinois’ Union County. The forest name is a memorial to the tragic event that occurred during the winter of 1838-39. Cherokee, Chickasaw, and Creek Indians were forced by the U.S. Army to move to reservations in Oklahoma. They stopped their trek to winter just four miles south of the forest. Hundreds of Indians lost their lives due to cold weather and lack of food.

Oak, maple, elm, sycamore, hickory, and beech are just a handful of the tree varieties found at the Trail of Tears State Forest. There are also more than 600 species of flowering plants that add to the natural beauty of the forest. The forest has a 120-acre nursery that produces three million seedlings each year for commercial and private use.

The forest is a recreation hotspot as well. Guests enjoy picnicking, hiking, camping, and hunting. There are also equestrian trails and campgrounds for park guests and their horses.

For more information about Trail of Tears State Forest, write or call:

Trail of Tears State Forest
3240 State Forest Road
Jonesboro, IL 62952
(618) 833-4910

Directions:
From Marion, take Interstate 57 south 23 miles to exit 30. Go west on Highway 146 for 11 miles and follow the signs to Trail of Tears State Forest.

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