Make a Day of It: The Locals Guide to Exploring Lookout Mountain
Located just above 1885 Grill lies beautiful, and historic Lookout Mountain. A popular tourist destination for over a century, the mountain is as abundant in history as it is in is scenery. Here’s our list of must- visit Lookout Mountain attractions:
Rock City Gardens
Start your day with a visit to Rock City Gardens. A favorite among locals and tourists alike, Rock City Gardens features massive ancient rock formations, over 400 native plant species and breathtaking views.
One of the most iconic views of the area can be seen from Lover’s Leap. Cherokee legend states that Sautee and Nacoochee were lovers from two feuding tribes. Sautee was captured and thrown from the overlook. Distraught over her lover’s death, Nacoochee jumped to her death from present day Lover’s Leap.
The same overlook boasts the iconic “See Seven States” claim. The term was coined by both a Union officer and Confederate nurse during the Civil War in separate diary entries. From the summit on a clear day, enjoy views of Tennessee, Georgia, Alabama (25 miles), South Carolina (80 miles), North Carolina (50 miles), Kentucky (120 miles), and Virginia (120 miles).
In addition to the panoramic views, explore the whimsical scenes of Fairyland Caverns and Mother Goose Village. Rock City founders, Garnet and Frieda Utermoehlen Carter loved European folklore and fairytales and hired Atlanta sculptor, Jessie Sanders, to create the scenes that are still on display today.
The Incline Railway
Take a ride down the mountain in a unique ride on the Lookout Mountain Incline Railroad. “Americas Most Amazing Mile” offers fun for the entire family, along with stunning views of the valley.
The first incline up the mountain opened in 1887 near present day 38th Street and operated until 1899. The original throughfare closed due to the popularity of the second incline railway that opened in November 1895 and is still in operation today. The first cars we powered using coal- burning steam engines. In 1911, when electric power was introduced, the engines were converted and are now carried up and down the cable by 2- 100 horsepower motors.
Lunch Break at 1885 Grill
A morning of sightseeing sure works up an appetite! Take a ride down the incline and join us for a memorable meal. Specializing in southern coastal favorites, 1885 Grill offers fresh seafood, southern staples and hearty sides. Dine on the lush, shaded patio or join us at the bar for a cold draft or specialty cocktail. Diners young and old are sure to enjoy lunch or dinner.
Point Park
Located on the northern tip of Lookout Mountain lies Point Park. The entrance to the National Park was constructed by the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers as a replica of the Corps insignia and is part of the Chattanooga Unit of Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park. The park offers scenic views of the Tennessee River, Missionary Ridge and Moccasin Bend, along with artillery displays and historic markers highlighting the Civil War battle.
While there was no fighting on top of the mountain, Point Park was occupied by the Confederate Army. In late November 1863, Confederate troops began their retreat to Missionary Ridge and the Battle for Chattanooga ultimately ended in a Union victory.
Ruby Falls
Chattanooga was booming with expansion at the turn of the century and rail traffic was at an all-time high. To accommodate the population, a new tunnel was being constructed that blocked access to the well-known Lookout Mountain Cave. For centuries the cave was significant to the area, serving as a site for native peoples, destination for clandestine meetings, a Civil War hospital and hideout for moonshine runners. Leo Lambert had plans for the cave sought to open the long-sealed area to the public.
Lambert’s Lookout Mountain Cave Company secured a quarter million dollars to begin constructing an elevator shaft 420 feet through limestone. Progress was slow and crews were able to remove 5-feet of limestone everyday to reach a depth of 260-feet. It was at this depth that they discovered a void leading to underground streams, geological formations and a waterfall.
Named after Lambert’s wife, Ruby Falls opened in 1929 with “the most beautiful cave entrance in the world” created with the excavated limestone.
Experience the natural beauty, rich history and unique attractions of Lookout Mountain in a fun- filled day of adventure. Those adventures can really work up an appetite, so be sure to take a break and join us for lunch, dinner or weekend brunch!