Visiting Rock City at Lookout Mountain was far from the experience that we expected. It was so much better! We prepared ourselves for a day of hiking with littles, good wet/dry climbing shoes and a backpack full of waters and snackage included. Upon arrival, we realized we were far over prepared and a tad underdressed. This was fancy people hiking!
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Dragging me past the Starbucks and on towards the trails, The Mister was a tad surprised to see the various shops positioned right by the gates. Big Rock Grill, featuring burgers, hot dogs, and other similar items smelled amazing and was packed with guests. Close by The Fudge Kitchen, Woodland Wonders, and Cornerstone Station were all bustling with activity as well. Anxious to get started, we bought our tickets and headed straight down the 4,100-foot Enchanted Trail.
Instead of real hiking, Rock City features paved stone trails lined on each side by short rock walls guiding tourists along the way. Every minute or so, there is a collection of gnomes or unique displays. One of the girls’ favorite was the one they deemed the “dwarf table”. A flower fill arbor and a big wooden table surrounded on each side by wooden benches had the cutest Snow White vibe ever. We almost expected her to walk out at any moment!
Lover’s Leap
Lover’s Leap is only one section of the trail that photos cannot do justice. I loved seeing it from afar and was pleasantly surprised when we got to stand up close to the falls. Named from a Cherokee legend, this gorgeous waterfall is a must-see while visiting Lookout Mountain and was well worth the trip through Rock City. Once above the falls, visitors can see seven states at once, the most seen at one time from any area in the United States! The states visible are Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia, all honored by the on-site flag court.
Fairyland Caverns
Love child of Garnet Carter and his wife Frieda, Fairyland Caverns are impressive to say the least. Beginning as a collection of garden gnomes and statues from the German fairy tales and folklore Frieda adored, the displays opened to the public on May 21, 1932. When tourism slowed due to World War II, Frieda commissioned Jessie Sanders, an Atlanta artist, to create the magical caverns displayed at Rock City today.
The most wondrous of the displays created is Mother Goose Village, completed in 1964. This island of a world features most of Mother Goose’s characters and the world in which they live. Along the edges of the black-lite lit display are plaques reciting some of the riddles which inspired the themes. The girls insisted we read most of them aloud as we passed and giggled finding some of their favorite storybook scenes.
Visiting Rock City
Hours and pricing vary by season so please visit See Rock City to plan your visit.
Combination tickets are available if visiting multiple sights at Lookout Mountain.
See Rock City
1400 Patten Road
Lookout Mountain, GA 30750
(706) 820-2531 or (800) 854-0675
