Chattanooga

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1 Mile High in Chatanooga

A June 2000 trip to Chattanooga by Christian

Lookout Mountain which is located in Chatanooga, Tennesse and is home to the historical Incline Railway. Take the mile high journey to the top of the mountain and you can view the Great Smoky Mountains 100 miles away.

  • 6 reviews

1 Mile High in ChatanoogaBest of IgoUgo

Overview

Once you are in the heart of Chatanooga, Tennesse you can't miss the distinct observation of Lookout Mountain. Lookout Mountain is home to the mile high Incline Railway and has been deemed as one of America's safest rides. It took me 30 minutes to decide to take the train straight up the face of the mountain. Once aboard, a recording comes on to explain in detail how safe the train is. As reassuring as the recording is, it's the last leg of the trip that is the most alarming. Once on top of the mountain, enjoy the splendid view of Chatanooga and the Tennessee River down below. Visit the location of the 1863 Civil War conflict known as the 'Battle Above the Clouds'. Don't forget to stop in the food court for a delicious handmade candy red apple.

Quick Tips:

Plan ahead and purchase your Incline Railway tickets as a package with the other area attractions located on Lookout Mountain.

Best Way To Get Around:

There is ample parking located at the lower station to leave your car with a security guard present during operational hours.

Raccoon MountainBest of IgoUgo

Hotel | "Racoon Mountain"

Racoon Moutain campground is named after the mountain it sits on. Not only is there a nice grassy hill on which to park your camper or pop your tent, there are numerous attractions located here as well. The campground is equipped with its own cave and provides gem mining. Down below the camp sites there is a go cart track and a mountain slide with a chair lift to take you to the top. We had plenty of things to do while we visited Racoon Mountain.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by Christian on July 10, 2000

Raccoon Mountain
319 West Hills Road Chattanooga, Tennessee 37419
(423) 821-9403

Chattanooga Choo ChooBest of IgoUgo

Attraction | "Chatanooga Choo Choo"

I first visited the Chatanooga Choo Choo when I was a young girl with my grandfather. He has always been fascinated with trains. Visiting this larger than life and famously known, 'Chatanooga Choo Choo' seemed so thrilling to me as a child. I had to share this same excitement with my own children and returned to the train station for another visit as an adult. To my surprise (perhaps my age)not only did I enjoy the trains, but now I enjoyed the beautiful gardens on the property as well. I was looking over the numerous species of roses while my children were climbing all over the trains. They were tugging at my pant leg, begging to eat at one of the restaurants now located on the train cars. But I could not take my eyes away from the beautiful gardens. There are over 800 species of roses, a water garden, butterfly garden and a herb garden all located on the premises. But being the mom that I am, I gave into the children.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by Christian on July 11, 2000

Chattanooga Choo Choo
1400 Market St Chattanooga, Tennessee 37402
(423) 266-5000

Point Park and Ochs MuseumBest of IgoUgo

Attraction | "Point Park"

Access to Point Park is through the Incline Railway. Once you have reached the top of Lookout Mountain by train, take the short walk down to Point Park. While walking, notice the lovely homes with a backyard view of Chatanooga down below. It's hard to believe that these homes with their perfectly manicured lawns and well preserved homes are located near and on a bloody battlefield. The last Civil War battle was fought way on top of Lookout Mountain in the fall of 1863. The battle was known as 'The Battle Above the Clouds'. Point Park is home to the memory of this battle. This park's unique feature is that you need plenty of crisp one dollar bills to put into an automatic money taking machine to gain access into the park. After your stroll through the park and viewing of monuments, cross the street for Civil War memorabilia and a movie.
  • Member Rating 2 out of 5 by Christian on July 12, 2000

Point Park and Ochs Museum
1 East Brow Road Chattanooga, Tennessee 37350
+1 423 821 7786

Ruby FallsBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

Ruby Falls known as 'The Jewel of Lookout Mountain' has its own natural beauty. Once you get past the man-made tower the beauty below the surface could be one of the natural wonders of the world. You will travel through a cool cave with its calcite formations and possibly bats among the mist. Once you have reached your destination, the 145 foot waterfall beneath the earth is near breath-taking. The entrance fee is very minimal and this attraction is worthwhile.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by Christian on July 10, 2000

Ruby Falls
1720 Scenic Hwy Chattanooga, Tennessee 37409
423/821-2544

Rock City GardensBest of IgoUgo

Attraction | "See Rock City"

Have you ever come across a red barn with 'See Rock City' painted on it along roadsides or across highways? Well if you have, you are within driving distance of the famous gardens known as 'Rock City'. On top of Lookout Mountain, sits a private estate with a beautiful rock garden, waterfall, 400 varieties of plants and caves. The highlight of the day is the spectacular view of 'seven states'. Tennesse, Kentucky, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and Alabama can all be viewed from the highest point of Rock City. You will enjoy this adventure.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by Christian on July 10, 2000

Rock City Gardens
1400 Patten Road Chattanooga, Tennessee 37350
(423) 820-2531

About the Writer

Christian
Christian
West Palm Beach, Florida

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