Motorcyclists from across the Nation will come together September 18, 2026, for a scenic ride from Cherokee, North Carolina through the Nantahala Gorge then the Ocoee River Gorge to Bridgeport in honor of Native American Indians.
Now in its 33rd year, the Trail of Tears Commemorative Motorcycle Ride travels from the home of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians in Cherokee, North Carolina, with a stop at Ross’ Landing in Chattanooga and will be joined by riders from all over the nation to continue from there to Downtown Bridgeport.
Along with the commemorative ride, there is a kick-off rally in Bridgeport Friday, September 18 and also a three-day Indian Festival in Waterloo running from Friday, September 18 through Sunday, September 20 for the public to take part in.
The kick-off rally offering children’s activities, live music, a fireworks show and other free family fun for the public to enjoy is scheduled in downtown Bridgeport, beginning at 4 p.m.
when the bikes will arrive. The official opening ceremony gets underway at 5 p.m.
Music begins at 7 p.m. with live music. Slated to perform for the special 33rd anniversary are Alabama Sunset – A tribute to Alabama at 7 p.m. and Eagle Sunrise – A tribute to The Eagles at 9 p.m., followed by a fireworks show.
The Trail of Tears Commemorative Motorcycle Ride will begin on Saturday at the Alabama/Tennessee state line off U. S. Highway
72 in Downtown Bridgeport with riders departing at 8 a.m.
The ride travels U.S. Highway 72 West to I-565 West arriving at Redstone Harley-Davidson at approximately 10:30 a.m. for an official rest and lunch stop.
The public is invited to welcome riders while enjoying lunch and special entertainment.
At 12 p.m. riders will depart and head west through Florence arriving in Waterloo at approximately 2:00 p.m.
The town of Waterloo will host a free Indian Festival in remembrance of all those who walked the Trail of Tears.
Presented by the Alabama Indian Affairs Commission, the three-day event offers live music on Saturday night, flute and drum music and displays from Native American artisans and other vendors.
A River Walk Dedication Ceremony is scheduled for Saturday at 10 a.m. to honor those who experienced the forced journey with the grand entry slated for 1 p.m. and bikes arriving around 2:00 p.m.
The ride is held rain or shine.
For more information on the Trail of Tears Commemorative Motorcycle Ride including a map of the route and a schedule of events, like them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Trailoftearsmotorcycle
A Ride continuation to Ft. Smith, Ark. will leave from Spring Park in Tuscumbia at 8 a.m. Sunday morning.
