This is a guest post by Chris Shea of Tourist With Tots.
Atop Lookout Mountain, Tennessee, located just outside of Downtown Chattanooga, and within a hop, skip and a jump from Georgia, one can stand in one spot and see seven states! It’s kind of hard to fathom but you can actually see Tennessee, Kentucky, Virgina, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Alabama at the same time! However, a visit to Lookout Mountain isn’t complete if you don’t visit Ruby Falls, Rock City, and the Incline Railway all on the mountain and all family friendly!
Seven states as seen from Lookout Mountain
Ruby Falls
The nation’s tallest and deepest underground waterfall, Ruby Falls, is one of the attractions located on Lookout Mountain. Founded by Leo Lambert in 1928, the falls can be seen only after traversing a cave system including cave formations that have been growing for millions of years. Marvel at the tunnel in which Leo crawled to discover Ruby Falls, named for his wife.
Ruby Falls in Lookout Mountain
The tour is led by a guide who will point out cave formations and regale you with the unbelievable history and discovery of the beautiful Falls. The tour culminates at Ruby Falls with a magical light show.
Before or after your tour, climb to the observation deck of the castle like structure and take a view from Lookout Mountain. Make sure to purchase your Ruby Falls tickets online to reserve a time slot for entry into the cave system. Tickets to Ruby Falls start at $23 for adults and $13 for children and the Ruby Falls hours are from 8:00AM to 8:00PM.
Rock City
Rock City is another fun attraction for kids located on Lookout Mountain. Just a few minutes drive from Ruby Falls, this self-guided walking tour includes a look at fantastic gardens, mesmerizing rock formations, and an amazing panoramic view of the seven states that can be seen from Lookout Mountain.
Kids will be excited to squeeze between incredible boulders on the path called, “Needles Eye” and the comical spot called “Fat Man’s Squeeze”. Take a breathtaking photo at Lovers Leap which includes views of a gorgeous waterfall.
Lovers Leap
Have lunch, or even just a cocktail at the summit and take in the stunning views, or do some shopping and grab some sweet treats from the Fudge Kitchen as well as the gift shop. Spend as little time or as long as you wish exploring the gardens which include Fairyland Caverns and Mother Goose Village.
Again, I recommend purchasing a combo ticket to save some money and also guarantee entry. However individual Rock City tickets can be purchased for approximately $22 per person.
Incline Railway
Known as “America’s Most Amazing Mile”, The Incline Railway is open seasonally and closes as the weather gets too cold. Opened in 1895 and powered only by two winches, the mile long ride will take you and your family to the top of Lookout Mountain. As you climb to the top of the mountain, kids will revel with the views of mountains and valleys from the observation windows on the train and you’ll see why the Incline Railway is known as the world’s steepest passenger railway. The panoramic views from the observation tower in the top station of the Incline Railway are breathtaking! Make sure to visit the Machine Room to get a behind the scenes view of the machinery that keeps the Incline Railway running up and down Lookout Mountain.
Incline Railway on Lookout Mountain
Again, I would recommend purchasing combo tickets to see all three attractions, but if you wish to purchase an Incline Railway ticket, prices are $15 for adults and $7 for children. The Incline Railway is open seven days a week from 10:00AM to 6:00PM.
Do you have more than one day to explore?
If you have more than one day to explore the area of Lookout Mountain Tennessee and Chattanooga you’ll find many other fun things to see and do. Here’s a list of some of the amazing kid-friendly adventures in the area:
Haven’t had your fill of caves and cave formations? In addition to Ruby Falls, you can see Raccoon Mountain Caverns. Take the Crystal Palace Walking tour, and for those who are a bit more adventurous, they have the Wild Cave Expedition Tour.
Located on Chattanooga’s riverfront, the Tennessee Aquarium, is a must see for visiting families. The aquarium is home to a variety of species such as otters, trout, gators, catfish, turtle, and other freshwater animals. Make sure to put aside at least two hours to take in all the Tennessee Aquarium has to offer.
Are you an animal lover? Visit the c to see and learn a lot about all of the animals that they currently house. Kids can take part in Keeper Chats where they engage with zookeepers and talk about the animals there, or take in a fascinating story during Zoo Tales.
Visit the Creative Discovery Museum, a hands-on children’s museum. This one of a kind children’s museum has tons of exhibits, educational programs, a science theater, play gym, as well as a host of temporary and permanent exhibits sure to thrill parents and youngsters alike.
Hike the trails of the Reflection Riding Arboretum and Nature Center. Check out over 140 identified and labeled tree species as well as visit animal ambassadors such as the bobcat, lynx, owl, and reptiles.
In summary
If you only have one day to spend on Lookout Mountain, you will not be disappointed in visiting Ruby Falls, Rock City, and the Incline Railway. These three attractions can easily be done in a day. Make sure to purchase a combo ticket to see all three and maximize your savings. If you have additional time in the area, there are a host of other exciting, fun, kid-friendly attractions that will thrill you and your children alike.
Have you been to Lookout Mountain in Chattanooga, Tennessee? Is so, leave a comment below and let me know what was your favorite part.
If you’d like to follow along with Chris and her family adventures head over to her site ‘Tourist With Tots‘, a blog that provides recommendation and advice to parents traveling with children. You can also follow along with her on Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest.
