State Park · Tennessee

Red Clay State Park

Location: Bradley County, Tennessee
Nearest town: 4.8 miles southeast of Apison
Type: State Park

About Red Clay State Park

The council grounds here served as the last seat of Cherokee government in the eastern United States, used from 1832 to 1838 before federal removal policy forced most of the Cherokee people west to Oklahoma. Tribal leaders made repeated appeals from this location asking to stay on their homeland, and the grounds are regarded as sacred to the Cherokee. A large natural spring called Blue Hole Spring sits on the property, and the park serves as an interpretive stop along the Trail of Tears National Historic Trail.

Hours, fees, camping, reservations and closures are set by the park and change often. Check the official park site before you go.

Getting there

Red Clay State Park is in Bradley County, Tennessee, 4.8 miles southeast of Apison. The Directions button takes you to the park's mapped location; the entrance may be elsewhere, so check the official site for the address to use.

State parks near Red Clay State Park

Within 60 miles, closest first, straight-line. All 53 in Tennessee →

Towns near Red Clay State Park

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Facts from Wikidata, checked September 25, 2026. Distances are straight-line.