The Passage Trail of Tears
A poignant outdoor memorial honoring the Cherokee people and the Trail of Tears, featuring a unique 'weeping staircase' with cascading water.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Enjoy the water features
The Passage Trail of Tears
Best Time
Enjoy the water features
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A poignant outdoor memorial honoring the Cherokee people and the Trail of Tears, featuring a unique 'weeping staircase' with cascading water.
"A powerful outdoor memorial that marks the beginning of the Trail of Tears, inviting reflection."
Free & Always Open
This memorial is free to visit and accessible 24/7. Perfect for a spontaneous stop! :moneywithwings:
Reflect and Remember
Take time to absorb the history and symbolism. It's a place for quiet contemplation. :pray:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Weeping Staircase
Main water feature
Cascading water flows down stairs, symbolizing tears and loss. A truly moving sight.
Ceramic Murals & Inscriptions
Along the memorial
Art installations and Cherokee alphabet etchings that tell a story of culture and resilience.
Riverfront Views
Adjacent to Tennessee River
Enjoy peaceful views of the Tennessee River, contrasting with the urban surroundings.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
A Place for Reflection
Accessibility and Timing
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Free & Always Open
This memorial is free to visit and accessible 24/7. Perfect for a spontaneous stop! :moneywithwings:
Reflect and Remember
Take time to absorb the history and symbolism. It's a place for quiet contemplation. :pray:
Water Play Potential
On hot days, the water steps are a fun way to cool off. Be mindful of others. :athletic_shoe:
Hidden Gem
Many visitors miss this spot! Ask locals or look for signs near the aquarium. :mag:
Tips
from all over the internet
Free & Always Open
This memorial is free to visit and accessible 24/7. Perfect for a spontaneous stop! :moneywithwings:
Reflect and Remember
Take time to absorb the history and symbolism. It's a place for quiet contemplation. :pray:
Water Play Potential
On hot days, the water steps are a fun way to cool off. Be mindful of others. :athletic_shoe:
Hidden Gem
Many visitors miss this spot! Ask locals or look for signs near the aquarium. :mag:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find The Passage to be a powerful and accessible outdoor memorial that effectively honors the Cherokee people and the Trail of Tears. Its unique water features and artistic elements are praised for their symbolic depth and beauty, offering a space for reflection amidst the city. While some note it's a brief visit, its free and open-access nature makes it a meaningful stop.
"The Passage is a powerful outdoor memorial that marks the beginning of the Trail of Tears. Flowing water cascades down the “weeping staircase,” symbolizing loss, while ceramic murals, Cherokee alphabet inscriptions, and sculptures honor the seven clans and their culture.
What’s striking about The Passage is how accessible it is. It isn’t tucked away in a museum or hidden inside a building—it’s part of the downtown landscape, open 24/7, and free to all. On one side, you have the busy city, and on the other, the calm flow of the Tennessee River, creating a setting that’s both urban and peaceful. It’s not a place you’ll spend hours wandering, but it is a place that invites you to pause, think, and absorb the history it represents."
Megha Aggarwal
"Nice idea to make memorial like this, its simple and attractive at same time. A place to observe and enjoy flowing water through stairs with Nice view of Tennessee river and highway.
It features a stairway waterfall and a weeping wall, symbolizing the forced removal of the Cherokee people."
Avi Kathuria
"Loved this! I enjoy water, doing anything with it that I please. It is under my control, any beckon I call, it answers, and we chat for half an hour or so before parting ways. This staircase was no different. Me and the water spent hours together, reminiscing about the old times and what we left behind by coming here. I walked up its moist steps, and felt the cool touch of concrete that had water on it beneath my feet. When I left, it felt like I had lost part of myself. I'll be back again one day."
Isaiah Folken
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Passage is conveniently located in downtown Chattanooga, adjacent to the Tennessee Aquarium's main building. It's easily accessible by foot from most downtown hotels and attractions. Parking is available in nearby garages and lots.
Yes, Chattanooga's public bus system (CARTA) serves the downtown area, with stops near the Tennessee Aquarium. Check the CARTA website for routes and schedules.
Absolutely! The Passage is a short and pleasant walk from the Chattanooga Convention Center, offering a nice way to experience the riverfront.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, The Passage is a free outdoor memorial and does not require any tickets for entry. It's open to the public 24/7.
The Passage is accessible at all hours, day and night, making it a flexible stop on your itinerary.
There is no admission fee. The memorial is a public space designed for reflection and remembrance.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The most striking feature is the 'weeping staircase,' a series of cascading waterfalls down stairs, symbolizing the tears shed during the Trail of Tears. There are also ceramic murals and inscriptions honoring Cherokee culture.
Yes, on warmer days, visitors often enjoy wading in the water on the steps. The water is described as cold but refreshing.
The unique water feature and artistic elements make it a visually interesting spot for photography, especially with the river backdrop.
Most visitors spend about 15-30 minutes here, using it as a place to pause and reflect rather than a lengthy attraction.
Children often enjoy the water features, but it's important to supervise them closely. The historical significance is also a valuable learning opportunity.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, The Passage is located in the heart of downtown Chattanooga, surrounded by numerous restaurants, cafes, and eateries, many of which offer views of the river.
While there are no dedicated picnic facilities, you can bring your own food and enjoy it in the surrounding public areas, keeping in mind to clean up after yourself.
📸 📸 Photography
Early mornings or late afternoons can offer softer light. The water features are dynamic, so capturing movement can be key.
The 'weeping staircase' itself is the primary subject. Experiment with different angles, including shots that incorporate the river or the urban skyline.
A smartphone with good low-light capabilities or a DSLR camera will work well. Consider a wide-angle lens to capture the full scope of the memorial.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Beyond the water play, it's also an opportunity to introduce children to a significant piece of American history in an accessible way. The visual elements like the murals and inscriptions can spark curiosity. While the historical context is somber, the memorial's design makes it approachable for younger visitors, encouraging a moment of reflection and learning.
🚶 Solo Travelers & Reflective Visitors
The sound of the cascading water and the symbolic nature of the memorial create a serene atmosphere, perfect for clearing your mind or reflecting on history. Many visitors find it a peaceful spot to sit, observe, and absorb the surroundings before continuing their day.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Understanding the History: The Trail of Tears
The Indian Removal Act of 1830, signed by President Andrew Jackson, authorized the president to negotiate removal treaties with Native American tribes living in existing state boundaries. Despite legal challenges and widespread opposition, the government proceeded with the forced displacement. The Cherokee people, in particular, endured immense hardship during their journey, often referred to as the 'Trail of Tears' or 'Nunna daul Isunyi' (the Trail Where They Cried).
By visiting The Passage, you are engaging with a critical piece of American history. The memorial's design, with its flowing water and symbolic art, aims to evoke empathy and understanding for the Cherokee people's experience and the broader injustices faced by Native Americans. It's a space for reflection on the past and a call for continued awareness and reconciliation.
The Art and Symbolism of The Passage
Beyond the water, the memorial incorporates ceramic murals and inscriptions of the Cherokee alphabet. These artistic elements honor the rich culture, heritage, and resilience of the Cherokee people. They serve as a testament to their enduring spirit and a way to educate visitors about their language and traditions. Sculptures also contribute to the narrative, further enriching the visitor's understanding.
The juxtaposition of the memorial with the bustling city on one side and the tranquil Tennessee River on the other creates a powerful contrast. This setting highlights the disruption and displacement experienced by the Cherokee, while also suggesting the continuity of life and the hope for peace and healing. It's a space designed to provoke thought and encourage a deeper connection with the history it represents.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit