Exploring Mantle Rock

Exploring Mantle Rock. Mantle Rock Preserve. , Hiking Trail Map , You are invited to walk along the same path the Cherokee traveled in 1838-1839., Retracing the Trail of Tears , During that harsh winter, 11 detachments containing more than 10,000 Cherokee passed through this area, not even halfway to Indian Territory., One of those groups, the Peter Hildebrand Detachment, was forced to spend two bitterly cold weeks in the Mantle Rock area, encamped for miles along the road. They were waiting for the frozen Ohio River to thaw enough for the ferry to carry people from Berry's Ferry, Kentucky, to Golconda, Illinois. Once across the river, many became trapped again between the frozen Ohio and Mississippi rivers until they could continue traveling west to Indian Territory., These 11 detachments left Tennessee in 1838 with over 10,000 Cherokee, but due to exhaustion, illness and death, they numbered hundreds less when they arrived in Oklahoma., A Safe Visit , The loop trail is 2.75 miles long. The original route (red trail, 1 mile) and the trail between the parking lot and Mantle Rock are easy rated trail segments. The blue trail is a moderately difficult trail., For a safe and enjoyable visit, please: , Share your hiking plans with friends or familY , Wear appropriate shoes and clothes for hiking , Stay on the trail , Be aware of ticks, poison ivy, and snakes , Carry a bottle of water and snacks , Leave no trace, Learn more at tnc.org or nps.gov/trte