Lookout Mountain in Chattanooga, TN

Discover the magic of Lookout Mountain, where three iconic attractions—Ruby Falls, Rock City, and the Incline Railway—offer a blend of natural wonders, family fun, and panoramic views. Just six miles from downtown Chattanooga, Lookout Mountain is a must-visit destination packed with unique geological formations, thrilling events, and unforgettable sights that make it one of the Southeast’s top travel experiences.

Recommended For

Nature Enthusiasts: Explore waterfalls, mountain vistas, and scenic hiking trails atop the mountain.

Families: Enjoy self-guided adventures, seasonal festivals, zipline fun, and interactive exhibits for all ages.

Adventurers: Brave the Swing-A-Long Bridge, zipline through treetops, or climb to Lovers Leap with views of seven states.

History & Engineering Fans: Ride the Incline Railway and visit one of America’s most fascinating historical cable car systems.

What to Expect

Three Attractions: Ruby Falls, Rock City, and The Incline Railway—each requiring around 1.5 hours, excluding dining, shopping, and wait times.
Hotel Packages: Bundle your experience with lodging through the Lookout Mountain website—choose from 24+ hotel partners.
Prepare to Walk: Wear comfortable shoes and dress in layers. Expect stairs and moderate hiking trails. Not all areas are fully accessible.
Weather Tips: Ruby Falls cave is 59°F with high humidity year-round. Rock City sits at a higher elevation and may feel cooler.

Attractions

Ruby Falls

Venture 1,120 feet beneath the surface to see America’s deepest commercial cave and home to the tallest underground waterfall open to the public—Ruby Falls. This 145-foot natural wonder is enhanced with LED light shows and castle-like views from the entrance tower. Don’t miss the seasonal Zipstream Aerial Adventure or Friday night Lantern Tours.

Lantern Tours: Ages 5+, Fridays at 5 p.m. for a guided storytelling cave tour by lantern light.
Special Event – Battle Below the Clouds: A mouthwatering amateur BBQ competition benefiting Lana’s Love, held annually.
Hours: Open daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. (closed Christmas Day).

1720 South Scenic Hwy, Chattanooga, TN 37409 | Phone: 423-821-2544

Rock City

Perched 1,700 feet above sea level, Rock City dazzles with its famous 100-foot waterfall, enchanted walking trails, and a 200-foot Swing-A-Long Bridge. Stand at Lovers Leap and see seven states on a clear day, enjoy Birds of Prey shows, climb on the adventure wall, or attend one of Rock City’s many immersive festivals.

Seasonal Events:

Fairytale Nights: Meet classic storybook characters and enjoy music, games, and magic in the gardens.
Earth Dayz: Celebrate Earth Day with animal encounters, crafts, and eco-friendly fun.
Southern Blooms Festival: A springtime event honoring founder Frieda with gardening workshops and kids’ crafts.
Shamrock City: An award-winning Irish festival with Celtic music, dancing, food, and drinks.

Hours: Vary seasonally and during special events. Visit seerockcity.com for details.

1400 Patten Road, Lookout Mountain, GA 30750 | Phone: 706-820-2531

The Incline Railway

Ride one of the steepest passenger railways in the world as the Incline Railway takes you up Lookout Mountain’s historic mile-long track. This engineering marvel is a National Historic Site and offers unmatched views and a peek into the workings of a century-old funicular system.

Last Boarding: Final round trip must begin one hour before closing.
Hours: Vary by season and event—check the Incline Railway website for current info.

3917 St Elmo Avenue, Chattanooga, TN 37409 | Phone: 423-821-4224

Additional Information

Website: Lookout Mountain Info
Dining & Shopping: Available at all three attractions—perfect for grabbing a bite or souvenir during your adventure.
Accessibility: Some areas of the attractions include stairs or uneven terrain; check individual websites for accessibility information.