Lookout Mountain in Chattanooga, TN

1. About Lookout Mountain

Lookout Mountain includes three attractions, each with their own hours of operations, meal options and pricing: Ruby Falls, Rock City, and The Incline Railway. The suggested allotted time for each attraction is 1.5 hours; however, each attraction does offer special events seasonally that could add to your time at each location. These times do also not allow for eating, shopping or wait times.

There are hotel and ticket combination packages offered through Lookout Mountain website with over 24 hotel partners to choose from.

When visiting Lookout Mountain, you should dress is weather appropriate layers and walking shoes. The average temperature at Ruby Falls is 59 degrees but with high humidity which makes it feel warmer and Rock City is located on top of the mountain where it is slightly cooler than in the valley. The Ruby Falls trail is approximately one mile long with many stairs throughout all three attractions. Not all parts of the attractions are handicap accessible.

Ruby Falls- Visiting Ruby Falls is an experience of a lifetime where you can explore America’s deepest commercial cave featuring the largest waterfall found underground. This waterfall has been named in the top 10 most Incredible Cave Waterfalls on Earth at 145 feet. The entrance is designed as a castle with panoramic views of Lookout Mountain from the towers while underground is lit up with LED lights shows. There are weekly lantern tours and a brand new Ruby Falls Zipstream Aerial Adventure that is open seasonally as well as special events.

Lantern Tours are for ages 5 and up and depart at 5pm on Friday nights. These tours are a storytelling experience with no lighting save for select group members being lantern lighters.

Battle Below the Clouds- Come to Ruby Falls hungry during this new annual event that benefits Lana’s Love. This BBQ competition is for amateurs and requires registration.

This attraction is open year around from 8am to 8pm and only closed on Christmas Day.

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

2. Rock City (Lookout Mountain)

Go 1700 feet above sea level to the top of Lookout Mountain and only 6 miles from downtown Chattanooga to visit Rock City. Visitors can see another waterfall that flows down the mountain 100 feet, a 200 feet infamous swing-a-long bridge and hike self-guided tours on the mountain top. There is also a climbing wall where adventurers can see 7 states from the lookout point called Lovers Leap, watch seasonal Birds of Prey shows featuring predatory birds like osprey and raptors or enjoy the numerous festivals that take place in the Rock City Gardens.

Rock City hosts special events such as:

Fairytale Nights- this Annual event spans nearly one month where favorite fairytale characters like Cinderella, Merlin, Prince Charming, dashing Knights, and more join guests in the gardens for a evening of music, magic and combat training.

Earth Dayz- Earth Day weekend annually at Rock City is an outdoor event with animal encounters, conservation projects and crafts.

Southern Blooms Festival- For two weekends every May, Rock City celebrates its founding gardener Frieda with activities and crafts for kids and families that educate on gardening and plants.

Shamrock City- Long Live Ireland! See if luck is on your side at the annual Irish festival at Rock City featuring music, food and beer from the emerald isle. There are vendors, dancing, several live bands, tons of food and drinks and the event has been ticketed as a TOP 20 Event by the Southeast Tourism Society in recent years.

Rock City hours vary seasonally and according to special events. More information can be found on their website at seerockcity.com or through Lookout Mountain Website.

1400 Patten Road, Lookout Mountain, GA 30750, Phone: 706.820.2531

3. The Incline Railway (Lookout Mountain)

For over 100 years the Incline Railway has taken passengers up the mile trek of the mountain. Now designated as a National Historic Site and Mechanical Engineering Landmark, visitors can ride the mile long track in a passenger car from station to station and see the machine room.

hours vary seasonally and according to special events. More information can be found on their website at ridetheincline.com or through Lookout Mountain Website. Last round trip must be boarded one hour before closing time.

3917 St Elmo Avenue, Chattanooga, TN 37409, Phone: 423-821-4224, (website link)