Cherokee Hills Byway
The Cherokee Heritage & Culture Trail

Departure: Tahlonteeskee Cherokee Museum, Oklahoma
Destination: Natural Falls State Park, Oklahoma
Time to allow: 2 days

Take the opportunity to learn many aspects of the culture and traditions of the Cherokee people as you hear the language spoken, or get hands-on experience making traditional baskets or pottery. The Tsa La Gi Ancient Village will take you back to the pre-European era for the Cherokee people. Learn about the dug-out canoes of yesterday and then try your hand at modern-day canoeing down the Illinois River. Historic downtown Tahlequah affords the visitor trips to the Cherokee buildings still in existence today, such as the Capitol Building, the Supreme Court Building and the Cherokee National Jail. The drive up Scenic Highway 10 along the Illinois River gives a glimpse into not only the beauty of the river but the necessity it was as the Cherokees arrived from the Southeastern US. Finally, take in Natural Falls, the highest waterfall in Oklahoma.

Day 1

  • Start: Tahlonteeskee Cherokee Museum

    Suggested time at this stop: 45 minutes

    Named for Chief Tahlonteeskee, this is the reconstructed site of the Cherokee Nation’s former capital during 1828-39, including a council house, courthouse and log cabin. It is now a museum representing the history of the Cherokees who came before the Trail of Tears. Experience the architecture of the period for the public buildings as well as the style of home they lived in.

  • End: Cherokee National Holiday

    From previous stop: 1 hour / 41 mi (65.6 km)
    Directions:

    Take OK-100 from Gore north to Jct. 100/82. Continue on OK-82 through Cookson and Keys until Jct. 82/62. Turn south on OK-62 to the Cherokee Nation Tribal Complex or north on OK-62 to downtown Tahlequah.

    In this one weekend, visitors can experience all the Cherokee culture has to offer. The Traditional Foods Cook-Off shows how the meal is prepared and then after the judging it is available for the crowd to enjoy. Lively games of Stickball, Cherokee Marbles, and Chunky are thrilling to watch as the Traditional Games Championships are decided.

    Everywhere you look, ladies and gentlemen are dressed in traditional clothing, especially at the Cherokee National Holiday Parade in historic downtown Tahlequah. For the art lover's delight, the Cherokee National Holiday Art Show is a must as visitors will experience arts created specifically for the show as they compete for prize money. The evening will end with an inter-tribal Pow Wow that is sure to amaze. During the Cherokee National Holiday, many activities take place at the Cherokee Heritage Center. Spend some time in the Tsa La Gi Ancient Village and Adams Corner Rural Village. Arts and Crafts are plentiful throughout the grounds of the Cherokee Heritage Center.

Totals for Day 1

Total Distance Traveled: 41 miles / 65.6 km
Total Travel Time: 1 hour
Total Stopping Time: 45 minutes

Day 2

  • Stop 1: Scenic Illinois River

    From previous stop: 20 minutes / 15 mi (24.0 km)
    Directions:

    Follow OK-51 East from Tahlequah to OK-10 North.
    Suggested time at this stop: 4 hours

    While in Tahlequah for the Holiday, you will have had the opportunity to visit the Tsa La Gi Ancient Village to see how primitive canoes were made before European contact. A nice leisurely float down the Illinois River will allow you to understand how the Cherokee people once utilized the river for their daily routines.

  • End: Natural Falls State Park

    From previous stop: 25 minutes / 17 mi (27.2 km)
    Directions:

    Follow OK-10 north to US 412-A East. Directional signage to the park is located on the highway.
    Suggested time at this stop: 2 hours

    On territory that was part of the Cherokee Nation at the end of the Trail of Tears, the Natural Falls have attracted visitors since at least the 1800s. It was formerly known as Dripping Springs by the Indians but when the State of Oklahoma acquired the property they changed the name due to there being other Dripping Springs in Oklahoma. Natural Falls State Park features a 77-foot waterfall cascading through rock formations, creating a hidden, serene atmosphere at the bottom of a narrow V-shaped valley. A one-and-a-half mile hiking and nature trail reveals this oasis. Visitors can try their hand at catch-and-release fishing, which is completely different than in yesteryear when Cherokees were avid fishermen for food. Ever wonder “Where the Red Fern Grows”? See for yourself why this beautiful natural wonder was chosen as the setting for the delightful movie. Visitors should definitely plan a picnic lunch which can be enjoyed on the ground or under a shelter.

Totals for Day 2

Total Distance Traveled: 32 miles / 51.2 km
Total Travel Time: 45 minutes
Total Stopping Time: 6 hours