Lookout Mountain offers a clear focus on nature and sightseeing. Rock City is located in Lookout Mountain, in the U.S. state of Georgia, just across the border from Tennessee. It is about a 10-minute drive from downtown Chattanooga, Tennessee. The drive time is an approximate guide; road conditions and transport availability may change. Distinctive highlights include unusual sandstone formations, a named viewpoint, a winding woodland trail and visits to Lula Lake, which are subject to specific access dates.
Rock Formations and Views at Rock City
Rock City sits 1,700 feet above sea level and was built around unusual rock formations created by the erosion of native sandstone over millions of years. Lover’s Leap offers the viewpoint known as “See Seven States.” Rock City’s Swing-A-Long Bridge is nearly 200 feet long. The landform, viewpoint and bridge are distinct reasons to visit this location.
Fairy-Tale Themes and Woodland Nature
Fairyland Caverns features dioramas of classic fairy tales. Mother Goose Village presents an imaginative world drawn from children’s stories. Visitors choosing between the themes will find fairy-tale scenes in dioramas at one, and a more broadly conceived story world at the other.
Woodland Trail and Nature Activities
The Fairy Trail Garden features a winding woodland trail. It also adds one acre, or 43,560 square feet, of pollinator habitat to the mountain and serves as a refuge for pollinators and wildlife. Popular activities in and around Lookout Mountain include hiking, biking and sightseeing.
Lula Lake: Access and Planning
The Core Preserve at Lula Lake is located at 5000 Lula Lake Road, Lookout Mountain, Georgia. Lula Lake is open to the public on the designated Public Access Dates on the first and last weekends of each month; dates may change. Reservations are required for visits. Check the current Public Access Dates before your trip and make a reservation accordingly. The out-and-back route from the parking lot to the falls is approximately 4.2 miles long and takes two to three hours. This estimate applies to the specific round-trip route to the falls.
Events and Local History
Rock City hosts numerous special events and festivals throughout the year; dates may change. If a particular festival is a deciding factor for you, check the specific event dates in advance. The area’s hospitality history includes the Fairyland Inn, which Garnet Carter opened in 1925. Rock City first opened to the public on May 21, 1932. Joe Wilson Park was dedicated in November 2016 in honor of Joe Wilson. Walkways along Lula Lake Road lead to Joe Wilson Park.
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