Exciting Incline Railway at Lookout Mountain, Tennessee

Above photos via

Lookout Mountain Incline Railway in Chattanooga, Tennessee

 We recently took our train-loving kids to visit Chattanooga and our first stop was the Incline Railway (Okay, their dad and I also love trains. Don’t even get me started on the hubs model train collection!). It was a really fun day and the Incline Railway was a really unique experience. We had a great time! 

There are two ways to access the Incline Railway – from the top of Lookout Mountain or at the bottom on St. Elmo Avenue. We started at the bottom train station.

You could honestly spend all day at Lookout Mountain. Besides riding the incline railway, there are many other activities in this area. At the top of the incline is Lookout Mountain. This area includes a souvenir shop, an observation deck, Point Park, Ruby Falls, and Rock City.

At the bottom of the incline, there are several restaurants and shops to visit. There is a souvenir shop and an ice cream shop at the train depot at the bottom of the Incline.

Waiting for the Train

The trains are fun, trolley-style cars. There are windows on the sides and the top of the car which makes for some amazing views. The seats are always facing in the same direction so that you can see the city of Chattanooga whether riding the car up or down.

We rode the train backward, which makes for some amazing views as you ride. The ride goes up the side of the mountain and it is about a mile long. This train ride lasts about 10 minutes and the trains run every 30 minutes or so.

Above photo via

There are two railways – one that rides to the top and one that rides back down to the bottom. The trains synchronize their trips so that they meet and pass each other in the middle of the track. It’s called “The Switch”.  It was fun to meet up with the other train and wave at all of its passengers. 

The climb seemed very gradual for most of the trip. I could really feel the steepness of the incline during the last 1/4 mile.

Above: Our view from the front-row seat of the trolley/train car. We also had HUGE windows on both sides and the roof of the train car.

On The Way Back Down

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Above: Loading back onto the train for the ride back down.

Photo Above: From the observation deck.

Things to Do:

 

At the bottom of the Lookout Mountain Incline Railway

The train station at the bottom of Lookout Mountain has a souvenir store and an ice cream shop. There are other shops and restaurants within walking distance of the Incline Railway Train Depot. If you are in the mood for Mexican food, Mojo Burrito is located across the street from the Incline Railway. St. Elmo Avenue Deli & Grill is also located right next to the Railway.

 

At the Top of the Lookout Mountain Incline Railway

 

1. Observation Deck & Souvenir/Snack Shop

At the top of the inline is the Lookout Mountain observation deck. From here, you will get a gorgeous panorama view of the city of Chattanooga.  The observation deck is actually the highest overlook point on lookout mountain. You can enjoy the beautiful views and then visit the gift shop and snack area. We got the kids some fudge and little souvenirs while we waited for the next train. They also have popcorn, pizza, and other snacks and drinks in this area.

 

2. Point Park

Point Park is a Civil War historical site in Chattanooga. This park is part of the Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park. There are monuments, plaques, and a museum at the park. These are meant to commemorate the “Battle Above The Clouds” fought here in 1863. There are also cannons placed on the edge of the cliffs. These show where the Confederate army fought during the Civil War. You can even stand on the bluff where General Ulysses S. Grant stood at one time. 

This park offers some amazing views of Chattanooga and the Tennessee River. There are also some walking trails that visitors can enjoy.

You can drive to the park, and there is a parking fee at the parking lot. The Chattanooga Incline Railway is another way to get to Point Park.

Point Park // Highway 148 – Lookout Mountain, Tennessee

WEBSITE

2. Ruby Falls

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There are three different tours at Ruby Falls-

• The Classic Waterfall Tour – Guided tour of the cave, waterfall, and geological formations
• Lantern Tour- January through November. Tour the cavern and trail by the light of a lantern.
• Extended Cavern Experience – An extended tour, additional time, and more information from senior-level guides

The temperature remains at about 60 degrees and you might want to bring a sweater or light jacket.

Ruby Falls  //  1720 South Scenic Highway – Chattanooga, TN

WEBSITE

4. Rock City

Above photo via

Although Rock City is technically located in Georgia, it is part of Lookout Mountain and I felt it should be included. For many people, visiting Rock City is a highlight of their trip to Chattanooga/Lookout Mountain.

From Rock City, you can see seven states (or at least that’s what they claim):

• Tennessee
• Georgia
• Alabama
• Kentucky
• Virginia
• South Carolina
• North Carolina

The whole family will enjoy visiting the gardens at Rock City. You will also love walking through the pathways. Here you can see all of the interesting natural rock formations. The kids will especially enjoy the decorations and craftsmanship featured at Fairyland Caverns.

Some of the other highlights of Rock City are the bridge, waterfall, and stunning views. Learning about the history of this area is also very interesting.

In this area, there is a restaurant, candy shop, gift shop, and Starbucks. There are some narrow paths, several steps, and a lot of walking involved in this visit, but kiddos should be able to handle it. This is a popular attraction and can get crowded. I recommend visiting early in the day.

P.S. There’s a Starbucks right near Rock City! It is a lifesaver for tired mommas and daddies!

Rock City  //  1400 Patton Road – Lookout Mountain, GA 30750  //  706.820.2531

WEBSITE

Lookout Mountain Incline Railway Information

Bottom Station:

The Lookout Mountain Incline Railway //  3917 St Elmo Avenue, Chattanooga, TN 37409

Top Station:

The Lookout Mountain Incline Railway  // 827 E. Brow Road – Chattanooga, TN 37350  //  423.821.4224

WEBSITE

Have you been to Lookout Mountain in Chattanooga? Did you ride the Incline Railway? What did you think?

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