You’ve, no doubt, seen barns with painted signs telling you to “See Rock City.” You’ll find legendary Rock City atop Lookout Mountain, six miles from downtown Chattanooga. Rock City boasts gigantic rock formations, estimated to be 200 million years old, panoramic views of seven states and gardens with more than 400 different species of native plants. Walk across the breathtaking Swing-A-Long Bridge and snap some spectacular pictures. See a 100-foot waterfall, a 1,000-ton balanced rock, Fairyland Caverns and Mother Goose Village.
Ruby Falls astounds with a 145-foot waterfall located deep inside the mountain! Ride an elevator into the mountain and travel along a lighted path as you marvel at natural rock formations, stalactites, and stalagmites. Then, it’s into the "cathedral" to experience the magnificent spectacle of Ruby Falls.
The Incline Railway, opened in 1895, is known as “America’s Most Amazing Mile.” The world's steepest passenger railway travels on a 72.7% grade for an exhilarating ride up historic Lookout Mountain. Windows offer a bird’s-eye view of the surrounding mountains, valleys and the city below.
Point Park, the site of the November 1863 “Battle Above the Clouds” is preserved as part of the Chattanooga and Chickamauga National Military Park. In addition to the beautiful grounds and fantastic views of the valley, the Battles for Chattanooga Electric Map and other Civil War interpretive exhibits are nearby.
Dare to take flight above the valley. On the back side of Lookout, you can do just that at Hang Glide Lookout Mountain, the largest hang gliding school and resort in the nation. They’ve been teaching people to fly since 1978, and the grounds offer camping and lodging as well as lessons.
