Sign for the Brown’s Ferry Federal Road Trail in the Moccasin Bend National Archeological District
The Browns Ferry Federal Road Trail is part the Trail of Tears National Historic Trail and the Moccasin Bend National Archeological District, which is a sub unit of Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park. The trail is located on the small, northern parcel of land at Moccasin Bend. If you come in on Hamm Road, turn right on Moccasin Bend Road and the small parking lot is a minute or two down the road and on the left. The park is marked with a large sign. (A map of the location is at the bottom of this page.)
This trail is the one to hike on your visit to Moccasin Bend. It has history, both of the Civil War and of the Trail of Tears, and a good, unobstructed view of the Tennessee River. It is well marked and follows flat ground. It is an out-and-back trail, so you will see the same things twice.
Map of Brown’s Ferry Federal Road Trail
The trail follows the original Brown’s Ferry Federal Road until it hits the park boundary, then veers towards the river. The actual Browns Ferry site, on both sides of the river, is privately owned. Archeologists had to use modern techniques and period maps to figure out where the road was, seeing that the area was completely overgrown until the trail was cut. There is an interpretive panel along the trail that explains the process.
How the Federal Road was rediscovered
As you hike the trail you will be walking on two segments of the actual path taken by the Cherokee Indians during their removal from the land. These sections are marked.
Certified segment of the Trail of Tears on the Brown’s Ferry Federal Road Trail in the Moccasin Bend National Archeological District
The trail is easy to follow and there is no chance of getting lost or confused. Brown trail markers point the way. The trail is a mixture of wooded and open segments, so wear sunscreen if the weather calls for it.
Wooded section of the Brown’s Ferry Federal Road Trail in the Moccasin Bend National Archeological District
Open terrain makes up much of the Brown’s Ferry Federal Road Trail in the Moccasin Bend National Archeological District
From the parking lot you will see the trail beyond a wooden fence. You can get to it from either side of the lot, though the intended entrance is from the right (where the information board is). From there, just cut across the field to the gap in the fence and start the hike.
Start your hike on Brown’s Ferry Federal Road Trail on the right side of the parking lot and then walk across the field to the trailhead, Moccasin Bend National Archeological District
At the end of the trail is the Tennessee River. One landing of the original Browns Ferry can be seen on the opposite side. Once done, turn around and head back. The hike, along with stops to read the wayside exhibits and to take photos, shouldn’t take much longer than 45 minutes.
Tennessee River with one side of the Brown’s Ferry site visible across the river, Moccasin Bend National Archeological District
Information panel at the Tennessee River
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Last updated on July 1, 2024
