Located in the southwest corner of Bradley County – just above the Tennessee-Georgia state line, the park covers 263 acres and contains the natural landmark, the Blue Hole Spring, which rises from beneath a limestone ledge to form a deep pool that flows into Mill Creek. The spring was used by the Cherokee for their water supply during council meetings. The park has a 100-person capacity picnic pavilion and 18 individual picnic tables – available on a first come, first served basis. Behind the Amphitheater near the picnic area is the entrance to a 1.7 mile loop trail to Overlook Tower. The park hosts the Annual Cherokee Days of Recognition Festival each year in early August. Between 1832 and 1838, Red Clay served as the seat of Cherokee government, consisting of 11 general councils and 5,000 people. The Trail of Tears began here, for it was at Red Clay Council Grounds that the Cherokee learned they had lost their lands forever. The park preserves the site of the last Cherokee encampment before their relocation to Oklahoma. The visitor center features 19th century Cherokee artifacts and replicas of a council house, Cherokeefarmhouse, corn crib and barn, as well as the Blue Hole Spring. Red Clay State Historical Park is a certified interpretive site on the Trail of Tears.

1140 Red Clay Park
Cleveland TN 37311
423-478-0339
http://www.thepeoplespaths.net/special/mounds.htm
http://www.tennessee.gov/environment/parks/RedClay/
http://www.tennessee.gov/environment/parks/RedClay/features/historic.shtml
http://www.ohwy.com/tn/r/reclhisp.htm