Lookout Mountain, located in southeastern Tennessee and Northwest Georgia, is well-known in the south for breathtaking natural attractions, as well as the mountain’s historical and fun sight-seeing attractions. I have lived in the Lookout Mountain area for over eleven years, and I still enjoy exploring and discovering the amazing creation of this glorious mountain.
Rock City
A popular location for hikers to explore since the 1800’s, with incredible large rock formations, Rock City is one infamous, albeit weird attraction that you will not soon forget.
Looking down from top of one of Rock City’s many features, Lover’s Leap, you can take in one of the many beautiful views from the heights of Lookout Mountain. If you can make it to Rock City on a clear day, you can even see seven states from Lover’s Leap; Tennessee, Kentucky, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and Alabama.
Other highlights of Rock City, just to name a few, include the birds of prey shows, Big Rock Grill and the Fairyland Caverns. And I can’t forget the Fat Man’s Squeeze. Which is basically two gigantic rocks in close proximity that form a narrow passage way. Rock City also hosts special events and festivals year round including; the Enchanted corn Maize, the Enchanted Garden of Lights, Rocktoberfest, and Shamrock City. We started a family tradition when my kids were toddlers to go to the Garden of lights at Rock City during the Christmas season. Rock City is located only 6 miles from downtown Chattanooga, TN, so if you have a chance to visit Lookout Mountain, this would be worth a visit. For more information please visit the website seerockcity.com.
The Incline Railway
It would be difficult to recommend sightseeing on Lookout Mountain without mentioning the Incline Railway. You probably remember the popular American song “Chattanooga Choo Choo”. Anyone visiting the area will be thrilled to encounter Chattanooga, TN and all of the area historical train landmarks. The Incline Railway is the world’s steepest passenger railway, which begins in historical St. Elmo at the foot of Lookout Mountain and travels up the incline of the side of the mountain, has been in operation since 1895. This is one attraction that any young family with budding train engineers should not be missed. For more information please visit ridetheincline.com.
Lookout Mountain Flight Park
One of my dreams has always been to be able to fly. Luckily, just around the corner from my house on Lookout Mountain is the Lookout Mountain hang gliding school, which claims to be America’s #1 Hang Gliding school. This is likely due to the fact that the Lookout Mountain Flight Park has trained more pilots than any other hang gliding school in the United States. Students begin learning on solid ground and then work up to taking the Hang Gliders for a ride off of the top of Lookout Mountain. Even if you are not willing to take the flight, just parking and watching the hang gliders take off is an experience not to be missed. Please visit hanglide.com for more information.
Cloudland Canyon State Park
Closer to my home and therefore closer to my heart, is the visually stunning Cloudland Canyon State Park. Have you ever witnessed a hidden waterfall, like the kind from fairytales? The waterfalls at Cloudland are unlike any you have ever seen. Nestled deep within the Canyon, you hike a good distance down the trail to witness the beauty of nature. I should mention that swimming and wading in the water is not allowed for safety reasons, otherwise you may have some disappointed visitors looking to cool off deep in the gorge. I recommend visiting on a slightly rainy summer’s day. The cool mist coming down in the canyon is so refreshing.
If I had the time to hike daily, I would love to spend more of my days at Cloudland Canyon.
For more information on Cloudland Canyon State Park, please visit this website http://www.stateparks.com/cloudland_canyon.html
Part of Lookout Mountain has been named Fairyland, and the entire mountain resembles something out of a J.R.R. Tolkien (the author of the Lord of The Rings series) book. Driving around the area, some of the houses even leave you with the feeling that a hobbit could step out of the door and onto the front porch. If you want to escape the hectic pace of life, then come and experience the other-worldly beauty on Lookout Mountain.
