Lookout Mountain
Lookout Mountain
4.5
About
This mountain ridge is home to three scenic attractions: Ruby Falls, Rock City, and the Incline Railway. Ruby Falls is the country’s tallest and deepest underground waterfall at 260 feet, while Rock City is where you can supposedly see seven states at the iconic Lover’s Leap. Then, brace yourself as you hop on the Incline Railway—the steepest passenger railway in the world. We recommend you spend at least 4 hours at Lookout Mountain to experience the highlights. Each attraction is priced separately and tickets sell out fast, so book early to secure your spot. – Tripadvisor
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Best nearby
Restaurants
24 within 3 miles
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105 within 6 miles
See what travelers are saying
- Teri STemple, Georgia151 contributionsSpend as much or little as you wantBeautiful area, you can spend as much or as little as you want. Tons of touristy areas to pay for or drive around and explore for the free stuff. We did a little of both. Was a great anniversary weekend.Visited March 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten March 19, 2023
- Lisa RHarrison Township, Michigan25 contributionsThis is a most see when spending time in ChattanoogaThis was an amazing place to visit. The rock formations the trails the views were amazing and then the extra fairy tail land WOW... and then the swinging bridge. I would recommend this place to every one young and old .Visited May 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten May 10, 2023
- poukalaMacomb, Michigan1,027 contributionsGorgeous Views, Great TrailWe did the Bluff Tail to Sunset Rock. The trail was great, moderate climb, one small spot we took a wrong turn, but after backtracking, we saw the correct trail. The views were beautiful. The drive up to the Craven House to start the trail was terrifying! Single lane, S-shaped, straight up hill, no idea if it was one way or not, so thankful no one was heading in the other direction!!Visited May 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten May 20, 2023
- Bob and Sandy B7 contributionsSee 7 states at once. Definitely for kidsIt is a self guided tour. You can not go up to the mountain without paying to see it. It was worth it though. It is great for kids also. It was a beautiful day to see it. The people that you had to work with were awesome. One thing that didn't happen was when we bought the tickets they didn't tell us where to go. So we started walking the wrong way. We ran into a worker, she was great, helped us get started on the tour.Visited June 2023Traveled with familyWritten June 4, 2023
- Bowmanator22Charlotte, North Carolina5,046 contributionsBeautiful overlookLove the overlooks from Point Park. Is it worth $10 per person to enter? No. It was free with a national park pass for my daughter and me. Parking can be a fiasco. Meter was down so we didn’t have to pay for that either.Visited June 2023Traveled with familyWritten June 25, 2023
- Jignesh PandyaAlpharetta, Georgia2 contributionsFirst place to visit in local area !!We visited Lookout Mountain / Rockcity last weekend. It was a awesome visit .. but it was a hot weather. So plan plants of water with you.. I mainly enjoyed narrow passes and rope bridge 😀😀Visited July 2023Traveled with friendsWritten July 31, 2023
- Verne KSilver Spring, Maryland432 contributionsIsolatedThis is only hotel at this exit. Evening food available at a weak Chinese restaurant in the adjacent nearly vacant mall and at two adjacent gas stations. One ice machine in the whole hotel. Our second floor hallway was very warm in the afternoon/evening. Several pieces of furniture, one in our room and others in the dining room were in need of repair. For breakfast pancakes were substituted for the standard waffles. Nice switch.Visited August 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten August 22, 2023
- gradstudent10The Villages, Florida34 contributionsgreat way to start our daytook the incline railway - beautiful views - got tickets online for the first train at 9 am. it was the perfect start for our day before heading home. after breakfast at our hotel we headed for the train. we spent time taking in the view and learning about the history and made it back to hotel long before checkout.Visited September 2023Traveled with familyWritten September 3, 2023
- VeLu R2 contributionsPerfect for a night stay.I stayed in this hotel 3 times and only for the night because it is half way through my destination and home. I did not use the amenities - I arrived late and left early. You have a view of the mountains but the area is outside of downtown, not walkable. The room was clean, cozy, comfortable and quiet.Visited September 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten October 19, 2023
- Wendy KBaldwin, Wisconsin388 contributionsSpectacular View!Spectacular view! I can’t imagine the beauty during peak fall season! For $26 for an adult, you can purchase a ticket for Rock City which will give you access to the rock gardens and lookout mountain. It took us about 90 minutes to walk the entire garden. We did stop for several photos so you wouldn’t have to spend that much time here. Grab a map so you don’t miss out on any of the paths/gardens. We were here the first part of November, my guess is that we missed the peak fall colors by 7-10 days. The colors we saw were beautiful, but nothing compared to what we could have seen had our trip been earlier. Take a walk out to lovers leap where on a clear day, you can see 7 states.Visited November 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten November 11, 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Karyn D
West Haven, CT16 contributions
Feb 2020
We did the Rock City and Ruby Falls combo on a cooler day that rained in afternoon. What an adventure to behold. Both were spectacular, each in their own unique way. Fortunately we timed it perfect. Although it was a cooler day the sights at Rock City were amazing and just the trek to the lookout, swing bridge, waterfall, Gnomes, you name it. As we left it began to drizzle. Off to Ruby Falls and this was simply spectacular. Could not imagine being Lambert and team as I would have backed off long before finding the falls. My husband was in absolute aw and cannot stop speaking about "how my wife can find an underground waterfall the size of the Empire State and it was spectacular". Well, well worth the time, money and adventure. Truly glad we were off peak but know it would be worth the wait in Peak season.
Written March 2, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sir911
Atlanta, USA38 contributions
Aug 2020
If you care about mask wearing and social distancing, you should postpone your visit to Rock City. They said on their website and signs at the park that masks must be worn indoors. Lots of people were not wearing masks. And no staff commented. NO enforcement of mask wearing. So frustrating. This ruined what would have otherwise been a nice visit.
The views and gardens are lovely. The gnomes were cute. The fairyland garden was dated and creepy.
Definitely worth a visit, but if I had known how lax they were being about COVID precautions, I would have skipped.
The views and gardens are lovely. The gnomes were cute. The fairyland garden was dated and creepy.
Definitely worth a visit, but if I had known how lax they were being about COVID precautions, I would have skipped.
Written August 25, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KOoosh
Chattanooga, TN2 contributions
Jun 2020
There are other free hikes and view points, which are equivalent or better than this one...Here there are amenities like restaurant, free parking etc which makes it more convenient. Paid (Expensive) Guided tour is good if you didnt read much online or research on Chattanooga and its history.
Written July 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
danrobin2017
Florida Panhandle, FL105 contributions
Jul 2020 • Couples
The view from Lookout Mountain is great but with the $25 admission charge to walk through a maze of boulders and rocks was not.
We could have done the same in many areas across America for free walking though the woods. The only good part about Rock City was the view but not worth $25.
This was a one-time visit for us. Not a reasonable charge for what they offer.
We could have done the same in many areas across America for free walking though the woods. The only good part about Rock City was the view but not worth $25.
This was a one-time visit for us. Not a reasonable charge for what they offer.
Written July 25, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jbwhitehouse
Dallas, TX1,861 contributions
Nov 2020
To get our bearings, we weren't quite sure where to head on Lookout Mountain. My suggestion for anyone driving: follow signs either to Point Park or the Incline Railway. They both lead to the top of Lookout Mountain.
If you want to take the Incline Railway, you must buy tickets and depart from the bottom of Lookout Mountain. At the top at Point Park one can view the Incline Railroad and for free walk to a wonderful observation deck where one can "see forever." Great views. The area is residential, so all parking availability is pay to park. Also on Point Park is the Civil War battlefield Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Park. The office closes at 3 pm, but the grounds are open until dusk.
The road up Lookout Mountain is quite twisty with lots of tight turns.
If you want to take the Incline Railway, you must buy tickets and depart from the bottom of Lookout Mountain. At the top at Point Park one can view the Incline Railroad and for free walk to a wonderful observation deck where one can "see forever." Great views. The area is residential, so all parking availability is pay to park. Also on Point Park is the Civil War battlefield Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Park. The office closes at 3 pm, but the grounds are open until dusk.
The road up Lookout Mountain is quite twisty with lots of tight turns.
Written November 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
tthornton23
8 contributions
Oct 2020
Had a great time. Great for the family. Especially if you have small kids. The COVID spacing of entrance into Rock City is a waste of time. Everybody still gets grouped together on the trail because some people take longer to look at individual scenes.
Written October 17, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cheryl G
Franklin, TN84 contributions
Oct 2020
First time to Rock City and we plan on going back. We traveled from Franklin, TN which is about a 2 hour drive. I recommend going in the fall to see the changing colors of the trees. Lookout Mountain has beautiful views and a nice way to get outdoors. They also have a cafe for drinks and food which is nice to sit and enjoy the view while sipping on a cocktail/beer.
Written October 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
stacyandryan2008
Taylor, Michigan, United States296 contributions
Sep 2020
Was really impressed with this attraction. The spa type music as you walk through the mountain is so relaxing. Great way to unwind. Lots of walking involved. When you get to fat mans cave i think they called it?? I was a bit concerned i could not handle the enclosed feeling with so many people beside us . My husband was worried he also wouldn’t fit and get stuck lol. Thankfully its not as bad as it is, when you are looking down from the top. I love the fact you could see 7 states from the top of the mountain. Though i was disappointed their binocular machine was not in use for people. Not sure if they removed these or if its due to covid. Cause who knows at what point it spreads through eyes looking out and another person looking in the same spot. ( aggregated sigh ). so if going anytime soon be sure to bring your own binoculars. They also offer things to eat up at the top of the mountain. That’s a nice touch. Nice way to sit on the mountain top and look out and enjoy lunch. The people who work here put a lot of time into this. So much to see It will def take you awhile to get through it. We did ruby falls and lookout mountain in the same day but thats about all you would have time for.
Written September 30, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rich S
Mukilteo, WA318 contributions
Apr 2021
A friend recommended we go here while we were in the Colorado Springs area. But after going, I can confidently say that it would probably be better in the evening or even nighttime when the city lights come on. During the day, everything just looked a little bland. If you're short on time, I would skip this one and visit any one of the other more interesting attractions in the area.
Written May 2, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ELKW
United States11,866 contributions
Jun 2021
We went to the Point park, but not much to see, we also went to the Rock City garden, which is much more expensive for the admission fee, but there is some view you can't see without entering the Rock city garden. If you just want to see the Tennessee river, or you want to see some battle-related things, you can go to Point park or even some place without admission fee. But if you look for some attractions/sight-seeing or things for visitors, then need to pay more
Written May 6, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Is the tour difficult for someone with COPD?
gradstudent10
The Villages, FL34 contributions
Depending on how your breathing is at this point my 91 year old mother with COPD has weakness issues as well so as long as you go slow and take any aids you might need cane walker etc I think its doable - slow and steady with elevators at the top.
T O
Philadelphia, PA
I'm wondering from the area u can park to the Lookout Point for the 7 States is there a path for a wheelchair or Rollator? And if so is it far?
Thanks in advance for any information
TYR Biker Chick
Bullard, TX58 contributions
While we were there, another person in wheel chair visited. They began at same entrance and I saw them at the top of lookout so I believe the elevator was in the vicinity.
Barbara W
5 contributions
Can you hike to lookout mountain
Jon_Smith610
Allentown, PA87 contributions
You can but its a long one. Use Google maps or a hiking map site of your choice. I went to the state park at the top and it was good exercise just walking around the park to all the lookouts. It is quite steep
Are there quided tours?
NSouth
Gretna, LA478 contributions
I'm sorry I can't answer your question. My girl scout troop and I did a tour with the tour company that we purchased as a package trip.
How old are these answers? I just emailed them yesterday to ask about bundles and they said they don't offer any. 12/7/21
Karin S
Bemidji, MN163 contributions
I don't think they offer bundles. I inquired on-site and was told no.
Lori
Illinois31 contributions
Can we visit Lookout Mountain and not pay for anything extra and still have a great experience?
Jsmittie
2 contributions
Any help will be greatly appreciated. I will be visiting Lookout Mountain soon, mainly for Rock City. I am confused about the starting point and parking. Please note, I will NOT be going to Ruby Falls(been there done that), but I definitely want to go to Point Park, and so my questions are...
1. Is Lover's Leap and Point Park the same, or different? If they are different are they in the same area?
2. Should I park at Point Park and then make my way to Rock City, or vice-versa and can this be done on foot? OR,
2a. Would I need to leave Park Point via car and go to another location to park for Rock City(vice-versa)?
I also plan to go to the Incline which I read is closer to Point Park.
Thank you for your time!!!
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Claim your listingLookout Mountain - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)
Frequently Asked Questions about Lookout Mountain
- Hotels near Lookout Mountain:
- (0.19 mi) Chanticleer Inn Bed and Breakfast
- (0.14 mi) Lookout Mountain Retro Pad - mountain home getaway
- (0.63 mi) The Garden Walk Bed and Breakfast Inn
- (0.58 mi) Modern Home Beside Rock City
- (0.56 mi) Lookout Mountain Brow Home With A View, 10 Minutes To Downtown, Next To RockCity
- Restaurants near Lookout Mountain:
- (0.03 mi) Cafe 7
- (0.16 mi) Starbucks
- (0.14 mi) Rock City's Fudge Kitchen
- (0.13 mi) The Cliff Terrace Restaurant
- (0.14 mi) Big Rock Grill
- Attractions near Lookout Mountain:
- (0.01 mi) Seven States
- (0.03 mi) Swing-A-Long Bridge
- (0.05 mi) Rock City Gardens
- (0.05 mi) Rock City
- (0.05 mi) Rocky Top Guides LLC