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Incline Railway

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willow
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5 out of 5
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Editor Pick

Fun Way to Get to the Top of Lookout Mountain

Fun Way to Get to the Top of Lookout Mountain

Although it has been around since the turn of the last century, not too many visitors to Chattanooga, TN. know about one of the most unique forms of transportation in the area. The Incline Railway is a fun (and slightly scary if you are afraid of heights) way to get to the top of the mountain. It is not expensive ($14/round trip) and it takes you through some of the most picturesque forestry in an unusual fashion,

On the ride up, you are traveling backward. The station falls away from you and the town of St. Elmo is revealed at the base of the mountain. The roof of the incline car is transparent for a good reason. As you rise through the trees and rocks, the car tilts to a more upright position and the roof acts a another window - one that shows the panorama of Chattanooga at it's best. But the view through the roof is not the only one to watch. The forest envelopes you and the rocks seem close enough to touch. Kudzu, sweet gum, maples and other flora act as a natural canopy to shade the tracks. Water trickles from the shale side walls to form small waterfalls.

When you reach the summit and disembark, you can climb up another level to get a better view or descend a level to see the spinning gears, wheels and cables that are the bones of the incline system. You can also walk about three blocks east to Point Park ($3/person) to see the view of Chattanooga that influenced the outcome of the Civil War. The centerpiece New York monument is imposing and was erected to cement the reunion of the northern and southern states. Cannons aim toward the city and the walkway is smooth enough so that a stroller can easily be rolled around for families. No picnicking is allowed in the park, but there are several benches for relaxation.

There is also a visitor center with an electric map of the different battles that took place in the area. We did not go in, but tickets are available at the top of the incline in the gift shop or at the door of the visitor center.

The ride back down is reminiscent of a roller coaster, but without the speed factor. The drop is almost straight down! The cable car is on rails and is one of the quietest rides I've ever been on. The only unusual noise was the scraping of the second cable against the open vents of our car ( we were told by our conductor that it was nothing to worry about - nothing for HER, she's used to it).

This is an attraction that I would definitely recommend to families. The kids are sure to enjoy the ride and they might even be impressed by the mechanisms and the view.

Beware of Long Lines

The wife and I arrived mid-day to find there was a two (2) hour wait. You had to stand in line while you waited. This fact ruled the ride out for us as the wife could not have stood for anywhere that long and it would have taken a toll on me also. Maybe another time when we can catch it with the line a lot shorter.

Lookout Mountain Incline Railway

  • October 26, 2005
  • Rated 4 of 5 by vickiburton from Chattanooga, Tennessee
This exciting rail ride takes you up and down the side of Lookout Mountain, in some places at as much as a 72% angle. From the station's observation area at the top of the mountain, you can see all of Chattanooga.

From journal Chattanooga, TN: Come See Us!

Editor Pick

Lookout Mountain Incline Railway

  • May 31, 2005
  • Rated 5 of 5 by MCJ graduate from German Valley, Illinois
One of Lookout Mountain’s attractions is the Incline Railway. I recommend this trip for people who aren’t afraid of heights and who don’t get sick easily. It is a scary train ride but worth the teeth-clinching experience.

This train has been climbing up Lookout Mountain since 1895. At that time, it has asserted that it is the steepest passenger train in the world. It possesses panoramic views because of its maximum grade of 72.7 percent gaining an overall altitude of almost 1,500 feet (or 450 meters).

Once the train takes you to the top of Lookout Mountain you are able to tour other attractions. These are the following: lovely, expensive homes, shops and historical sites like the Lookout Mountain Battlefield, Point Park, Cravens House, etc. Therefore, this train ride provides more than just breathtaking views of Chattanooga landscape. It allows a visitor to see the other attractions on Lookout Mountain.

After disembarking from the train, you could visit the Tennessee Civil War Museum that is in the same location, except it is at the bottom of the mountain. There are exhibits there that are created by Smithsonian designers and films made by History Channel documentarians. This museum has a million-dollar collection of artifacts and authentic letters/journals that are firsthand accounts of the lives of soldiers and their loved ones during the Civil War era.

The cost of an adult combo attraction ticket (includes Ruby Falls, Rock City and the Incline Railway) is $33, and if you buy a child’s (age 3-12) combo ticket, the cost is $16.50.

From journal Chattanooga and Surrounding Attractions

Chattanooga Incline Railway

  • July 2, 2004
  • Rated 5 of 5 by tina Haflett from Indianapolis, Indiana
This is called "America's Most Amazing Mile." The trolley like rail car climbs Lookout Mountain. It is the steepest passenger railway in the world. The free observation deck at the Lookout Mountain Station is the highest overlook on the mountain. There is something for everyone! My kids loved the Candy Connection and the Snack Bar. They bought souvenirs from the Gift Shops at both stations. They played in the Mile High Arcade at the Lookout Mountain station observation deck, and had hand-dipped ice cream from the Ice Cream Depot at the St. Elmo station.

From journal Road Trip to Florida

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