Last Updated on December 27, 2024 by Kimberly Stroh
Sitting on the Georgia-Tennessee state line, Lookout Mountain is a treasure trove of attractions, and you’d never know it from the highway. The mountain is minutes from downtown Chattanooga, boasting incredible views, and some of Tennesee’s most iconic attractions call the mountaintop home.
Visitors of all ages love the enchanting mountain that continues to offer more for each generation. Lookout Mountain is a destination that you put on repeat throughout your lifetime. Whether you want the creamiest ice cream you’ll ever taste, hike to a hidden underground waterfall, or take in views of seven states, you can find it all on one mountain.
1. Take In The Enchanting Views Of Rock City Gardens
When you step into Rock City Gardens for the first time, you experience a bit of magic. Rocky City Gardens has been around since the 1930s, wowing generations of guests. Walk through the garden trails as they wind through ancient geological wonders. More than 400 species of plants, trees, and shrubs can be found along the path in Rock City Gardens.
The combination of beautiful scenery and gardens that pay homage to fairy tales is a favorite among children. At the highest point, take in panoramic views of seven states. Seven states can be seen from Lover’s Leap: Georgia, Tennessee, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, Kentucky and Alabama.
It’s a dog-friendly garden and it’s one of my favorite attractions on the mountain for kids. My kids loved the views, the fairytale gardens, and the gnomes. Check out my Tips for visiting Rock City Gardens With Kids.
There’s no bad time to visit the gardens, but their seasonal festivals offer added fun. Seasonal events include Spring Blooms, Mountaintop Summers, Fall Colors, and HoliDAYS, each featuring performances, activities, photo opportunities, and more.
2. See The Underground Waterfall At Ruby Falls
The tallest and deepest underground waterfall, open to the public in the United States, sits deep inside Lookout Mountain. Known as Ruby Falls, this underground waterfall is majestic and mysterious. Descend 260 feet by glass-front elevator to begin a guided tour on the paved half-mile cavern trail leading up to the thundering Ruby Falls. Once you’re done with the waterfall, head to the Lookout Mountain Tower to take in breathtaking views of the Cumberland Plateau and Tennessee River.
3. Zip Line Across The Mountain
The High Point Zip Adventure at Ruby Falls offers an above-ground thrill. Your adrenaline will pump as you zip amongst the treetops, but keep your eyes open for the stunning views. Conquer the 40-foot climbing tower and zip from platform to platform. The course has multiple routes of varying difficulty. An adult must accompany children under 10, but it’s another awesome Ruby Falls attraction that families will love.
4. Sleep In A Treehouse
Photo Credit: Ruby Falls
Sleep amongst the treetops with the unique lodging at Treetop Hideaways at Ruby Falls. These three boutique treehouses immerse guests in nature while providing an intimate retreat. Owners say it combines childhood nostalgia, rustic charm, playful creativity, and luxurious lodging. All of the modern comforts you love combine with the natural ambiance that Lookout Mountain provides. The treehouses are next to the mountain’s attractions, not just Ruby Falls.
5. Experience An Amazing Mile On The Incline Railway
Aptly nicknamed America’s Most Amazing Mile, the Incline Railway on Lookout Mountain carries tourists up (and down) the side of the mountain. Electric power ignites two 100-horsepower motors that power the giant drums that operate the cable. The Incline Railway is a National Historic Site and a relaxing way to experience the mountain views.
At the bottom of Incline station in St. Elmo, you will find a great collection of unique shops, restaurants, and attractions. You’ll discover microbrewery tours, fresh flowers, homemade candlemaking, and a locally-owned coffeehouse at the mountain base. Take advantage of your train ride back up the mountain before the train stops for the day.
6. Enjoy a Scoop At Clumpies Ice Cream
One of the businesses at the mountain base is Clumpies Ice Cream Co. Take the Incline Railway down the mountain and cool off with a scoop of hand-dipped ice cream featuring gourmet flavors. Opened by the son of a third-generation candy maker, Clumpies has sought to create a product as unique and one-of-a-kind as the city where it started. Classic flavors include over sixteen varieties, and seasonal flavors are also scooped—mix-and-match favorites, like Butter Pecan, Cookie Dough, and Chocolate Toffee.
7. See Lookout Mountain From A Riverboat
We can all agree that some of the best views are from the top of the mountain, but if you want views of the whole mountain, you’ll need a different perspective. Book a trip on the Southern Belle Riverboat and cruise along the Tennesee River for views of Lookout Mountain and the Chattanooga skyline. Pick from sunset cruises, dinner cruises, and even seasonal events for holidays. The Sights Cruise is the best pick for those who want a little history mixed with sightseeing. Live narration and an open-air deck make it a beautiful way to experience the area.
8. Watch History Come To Life At The Battles For Chattanooga
Lookout Mountain has a colorful past, as it was a prime location during the Civil War. Head to Battles for Chattanooga Museum for a dose of history and uncover some of the mountain’s secrets you’d never know today. As you walk through the museum’s digital panoramic battle displays, history comes to life. Hear and see about Chattanooga’s Battle Above the Clouds and Sherman’s assault on Missionary Ridge before his historic March to the Sea. After the museum presentations, guests can walk to Point Park, the famous Battle Above the Clouds site. See what it looks like today.
9. Soak Up Some Sun At Point Park Battlefield
Aside from the museum, Point Park Battlefield is a great way to spend the afternoon if you want some green space on the mountain. The battlefield encompasses approximately 3,000 acres of land on the mountainside slopes, but Point Park’s 16 acres provide overlooks, monuments, and cannon positions interpreting the Battle. There is an admission fee, but if you have a National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass, the pass holder and three other adults may enter for free. Bring the dog, experience history, and plan a picnic.
10. Hike Lookout Mountain
One of the hikes on Lookout Mountain is famous for sunset views. Hike from Lookout Mountain’s historic Cravens House to Sunset Rock for views of the sun setting. It’s a well-maintained trail with mild-to-moderate difficulty, and parking is easily accessible. It’s a 3-mile round trip to Sunset Rock and back. The trail is impressively green in the spring and summer and a blur of orange, red, and gold in the autumn. If you’re looking for more strenuous hikes beyond the sunset option, Cravens House is a jumping point for three other trails, the longest being a 10-mile loop.
11. Where To Stay On Lookout Mountain
If you’re looking for a resort stay to balance your vacation, book a room at the new Cloudland at McLemore Resort Lookout Mountain. The new resort is perched atop the mountain and features 245 guest rooms, including 19 suites. Cloudland at McLemore is the first hotel built on Lookout Mountain since the Great Depression. The resort is under the esteemed umbrella of Curio Collection by Hilton brands. With three on-site restaurants and an infinity-edge pool, it’s the perfect way to relax after a day of mountaintop fun.