Trail of Tears historic route showing land and water passages between Alabama and Tennessee to Oklahoma. Using the map, focus on the different trails followed by the tribes moving west. Which answer best explains why there were so many different routes to reservation lands? Tribes were given the freedom to choose their own trails. Tribes moving to reservations had no guides or escorts to lead them. Departures began during different seasons, and guides were incompetent. Tribal leaders wanted their people to enjoy the journey, so side trips were encouraged.