Stand in one spot and see seven states. Sound impossible? Not when you visit Rock City. Located atop Lookout Mountain, six miles from Downtown Chattanooga, Rock City has been tempting people with natural beauty since it opened to the public in 1932. Today you can see the same massive rock formations explored by Native Americans centuries ago. Planning a visit to Rock City? Here’s what you need to know before you go.
History of Rock City:
Native Americans roamed the area for years before the arrival of two missionaries in 1823 who described the space as “a citadel of rocks” which appeared to be designed in a way to make streets and lanes. By the Civil War Era people had discovered “the rock city” atop the mountain, but it wasn’t until 1924 when the present vision began. Property on the mountain was purchased by Garnet Carter to create an exclusive new neighborhood and golf community. While Mr. Carter worked on the development of the neighborhood, his wife Frieda began to create a rock garden. She marked a trail through the area and imported native plants and statuary and the vision for Rock City began. Today, visitors can wind their way through the 4,100 feet Enchanted Trail planted with over 400 native species of wildflowers, shrubs, and trees. Of course, there is plenty to see when you visit.
Highlights of Rock City:
1. Lover’s Leap- The tragic legend behind Lover’s Leap is a tale worthy of a romantic novel and reminiscent of Romeo and Juliet. A young brave, Sautee, fell in love with the beautiful Nacoochee, a maiden from a rival tribe. They met secretly but they eventually discovered. Sautee was captured and the brave was tossed from the cliff. His lover, heartbroken at the loss, jumped from the cliff to share his fate.
2. See Seven States- Standing atop Lover’s Leap you can see the same views afforded to Civil War officers from both the Union and Confederate armies. Reports from both sides indicated they were able to see Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia from the site. Today you can try your luck at spotting the states through panoramic viewfinders.
3. Fairyland Caverns- One of the fascinating parts of Rock City, Fairyland Caverns is a tribute to Frieda Carter’s love of European Folklore and Fairy Tales. Sculptured Scenes from classic fairy tales are placed inside of hollowed rock inside the cave and backlit with lights. It’s a classic favorite of adults and children.
4. Mother Goose Village – Located inside Fairyland Caverns, this experience offers a walk around view of scenes from classic nursery rhymes like Little Boy Blue, Little Bo-Peep, Humpty-Dumpty and more. This will fascinate the kids so you’ll want to plan extra time to spend in this area. *Note: Because this is a popular attraction, plan for crowds.
5. Swing-A-Long Bridge- An 180 feet bridge swinging bridge offers a thrill to children and impressive views of the Chattanooga Valley region. For those afraid of heights, an alternative route featuring a stone bridge is available.
6. Seasonal Activities- Rock City offers activities for every season of the year. Perhaps the most famous are the Enchanted Garden of Lights, a beautiful array of Christmas lights which runs from mid-November until early January. Held at night, this spectacular light display is a favorite of local residents. Optional activities include kids’ activities and visits with Santa. *Note: Winter on the mountain top can be extremely chilly. Dress warmly.
Start out the year with Spring activities including Shamrock City, celebrating St. Patrick’s Day with live Irish music, Irish dance lessons and Irish food and beer. You’ll also be able to see the Falls from Lover’s Leap running green! March and April are perfect to bring the little princes and princesses to Fairy Tale Nights. There are opportunities to meet favorite Fairy Tale Characters. The kids will have an opportunity to meet Snow White, Peter Pan, Wendy Darling, Cinderella, Prince Charming and much more. There are also opportunities to train to be a night or have tea with Alice in Wonderland. April brings EarthDayz with fun crafts for the kids made with recycled materials and an opportunity to learn about birds of prey. For the gardeners, May features the Southern Blooms Festival, a tribute to founder Frieda Carter, including garden tours and make and take crafts for kids.
During the summer, you can enjoy Summer Music Weekends, featuring a variety of bluegrass and old and new country music. Kids activities, including a Rock Climbing Walk and Mining for Gems, are open seasonally. Fall brings Rocktoberfest, a celebration of Frieda Carter’s German Heritage. You’ll experience authentic German food and drink, live German Music and Polka lessons.
*Note: Some activities during these events cost extra and/or need advance registration.
Tips To Know Before You Go:
*Wear Comfortable Walking Shoes. Be aware there are a few tight squeezes between some of the rocks and the floor on the inside of the caverns can be damp. The caverns are dimly lit as well.
*Bring a Stroller or a carrier for small children as they will probably tire of walking.
*Plan 2 to 3 hours for your visit.
*During the summer months temperatures will usually be warm and humid. Take a water bottle for hydration.
*During the winter months temperatures range from cool to COLD. Dress warmly and in layers.
*Rock City is Pet-Friendly– Leashed animals are welcome on the terrace of Café 7 or to walk along the Enchanted Trail.
*The hours of operation change seasonally so check the website before you go. Typical summer hours are 8:30 AM to 8:00 PM.
*Several dining options are available, including the seasonal Café 7 and Dippin’ Dots. Year round options include the Big Rock Grill, a short order restaurant serving traditional dishes like hot dogs, hamburgers and chicken, Starbucks and the Fudge Kitchen.
Rock City truly lives up to their motto to “create memories worth repeating.” Have you visited Rock City? What was your favorite exhibit?
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This seems like a really cool place to visit! I’ve never been to this area of Tennessee before, and I’m always looking for new places to take my family. I’ll have to add this to the list!
Wow how beautiful these places are.
We’ve been talking about a trip to Tennessee. I love visiting things that are not the top tourists attractions, and these look so fun.
That looks like so much fun! We are always on the hunt for family friendly outings. Bonus points for it being pet friendly.
What a cool place to visit. I love that swing-a-long bridge. All pictures shared looks great.
Thanks for letting me know about this wonderful place. I did not know there were so many places to explore in this part of Tennessee. Hopefully we can get to visit before summer ends.
What an awesome place to visit with my hubby we love to explore new place and to have an information and stories on that places.
Lover’s Leap has such a sweetly sad story behind it. I would love to go and check out this place, but that bridge is quite scary!
That sounds like such a fun place! I just love your picture of the bridge – it looks like it came out of a fairy tale!
I have not been to Rock City in ages. I need to plan a weekend to take the family. It is a long time overdue.
It looks so fun! I would love to visit here with the family!
I went to Chattanooga a few months ago. Didnt get a chance to visit this but looks really nice.
This looks like a beautiful destination. Iwould love to visit this place with my family. The caverns look so beautifully enchanting.
So many places to explore, so little time! I haven’t ventured out to Tennessee, but I would really love to! I am a little afraid of heights but Lover’s Leap is an interesting place to visit, especially if you can see 7 states from there.
The fairyland caverns sound so cool! I can imagine how magical it would be to take your kids there. Definitely something I would love to do once my little one is a bit older.
This looks like the perfect place to take the kids! We are always looking for places to take the kids on a mini vacation.
Sounds like a very interesting place! I’m sure my kids would love to explore, and it looks like a nice place to bring the whole family to go on some adventures.
Well darnit! We just went to TN and I didn’t know about this place. This gives me another reason to go back soon. I want to walk that bridge!
I love places like this. History has always fascinated me and I love learning about a place’s past.
This is such a beautiful place. The story about the Lover’s Leap is sad but what a neat history.
The history in this area is phenomenal. That’s my favorite part about an area is learning its background.
I actually didn’t know a city was named this outside of Tennessee. Very cool to learn about new places.
Wow, the landscapes are incredibly impressive and it’s really cool that you can try seeing the seven states from up high! It would be fun to visit during one of the seasonal events.
Oh wow, what a gorgeous area. That Lover’s Lane area is stunning. I would love to go here some day.
Last year my family and I visited Rock City and we had such an amazing time. My girls and I was a little scared crossing that bridge.
It sounds like the fall would be the best time to visit since it’s not too hot or cold! We had a Mother Goose Land here when I was a little girl, but it closed down. I’d love to visit Rock City!
Fairyland Gardens is TOTALLY up my alley! What a beautiful, whimsical place to visit with friends and family.
I love that place to take a historic hike and see seven states at once. I would try that swinging bridge but I don’t know if I could take the dogs with me on it.
We have been once. But it was too windy for the bridge, so we plan on heading back soon!
It is been such a long time since I’ve been to Rock City. I’m actually planning a trip out to Tennessee and Georgia in the next couple of years and this one is very high on our hit list. I love Rock City is such a great place.
What a beautiful place to visit if your in the Tennessee area. Never been but love the scenery, those flowers are fun. We would visit if in the area.
Rock City is the best! We went there a few years ago, and it is absolutely beautiful. Fat Man Squeeze and Ruby Falls were fantastic.
This brings back great memories. We went to Rock City Gardens years ago when our son was little and really enjoyed it. I would love to go back one day.