Trail Overview

A beautiful and leisurely drive through a small section of the eastern side of the Cherokee Nation. This route is approximately 58 miles long and can be completed in 2-5 hours, depending on the speed of travel and any stops along the way. The route is all county roads and can be completed by any 4x4 and most 2WD. Care should be given during inclement weather, especially heavy rain, as flooding and road closures can occur. There are multiple scenic areas for photography and sightseeing along this route. If planning occurs in the summer months, a float trip down the Illinois River is an absolute must! If planned during the fall, check the fall foliage calendar to ensure the best colors!

Photos of Tsalagi Trail East

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Difficulty

Some water crossings have the potential to be several feet deep after heavy rain. Thick mud/clay can be expected as well.

Technical Rating

Chris Taylor

Mar 01, 2026

Open

County gravel roads, creek bottoms and a section that runs along Illinois River for awhile. Scenic country drive through Adair County and NE OK

Tracy Rice

Dec 26, 2025

Open

The easternmost section from Westville back west to the Illinois River is open. Fun afternoon run on well maintained county roads.

Brandon P

Dec 26, 2025

Open

Portion of the trail on Moody’s road is closed, was able to take a detour on 82 and continue

Adam Drumm

Oct 12, 2025

Open

Dusty and dry. Very little water in a few places but other than that very easy. A nice scenic drive for most of it.

Scott Cronister

Sep 11, 2025

Open

Take the time to air down as numerous sections are very rough.

Erick Staton

Jun 06, 2025

Open

Good ride when wet some washed out areas and a few deep water crossings

Thomas Coleman

May 24, 2025

Open

Super fun starter trail! Some pavement parts but mainly dirty roads with no issues.

Rico Tan

May 03, 2025

Open

Nothing challenging but a nice ride nonetheless, especially after lots of rain.

Ryan C

Apr 22, 2025

Open

entered from far north west end of the trail from the Oklahoma Adventure trail, and did not make it far. flooding has eroded the main trail. approx 3' ledge of soft dirt, and swift moving creek. it did look passable if you somewhat left the trail on the side, but I did not want to widen the trail, and did not trust that it was very solid. will come back to try again later in the summer.

Geoff Burns

Apr 20, 2025

Open

Trail was great, but after 3 days of soaking rain, the trail eventually got more challenging than we were willing to try. But the first part was really beautiful, definitely going to go back later this summer and do the whole trail!

Bryan Lopez

Apr 13, 2025

Open

OnX first timer here. I have a stock 05 RAV4 and this was the perfect beginner trail. Mix of pavement and gravel. Many beautiful creeks along the way to stop and explore. There were a few big puddles to play with (1st pic) that were super fun. Nothing challenging at all, could definitely do in a sedan, even. There's a gorgeous straight that takes you by the Illinois River, some bluffs, and a park to swim/cook. 10/10 first experience, took about 6 hours to do, but that was with stopping often to explore and cook food. Could be done in about 2 if you rush.

Doug Pruessner

Mar 22, 2025

Open

Large tree down on the North end of the trail. we almost made it to the end from south to north and had to turn around at the last 2 mile mark. Other than that it was a very nice trail.

Justin Kimbrough

Nov 02, 2024

Open

Lots of back and forth between dirt and pavement.

D & K

Oct 26, 2024

Open

David Jones

Oct 20, 2024

Open