On the Lookout Mountain Incline Railway, this is not a trip for the faint of heart. Lasting only 15 minutes, the 1-mile journey from the base of Lookout Mountain to the top is one of the steepest rides around, with grades of up to 72.7 percent.
Choices
A trolley-style railcar takes you slowly up and back down the mountain. You’ll pass the houses of many people living on the side of the mountain. The best place to ride is at the end of the car—you can’t beat the view from there. From the observation decks at the top of the mountain, you can watch the cars ascend and descend, as well as view the Tennessee Valley.
When to go
You can ride the railway any day of the year except Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Good to know
Designated as both a National Historic Site and a National Historic Mechanical Engineering Landmark, the Incline Railway has been carrying people up the mountain since 1895. Heavy-duty cables handle the duties today, but when the railroad was originally in service, steam locomotives were the power. They were replaced in 1911.
Worth doing
Combo tickets are available that allow you to see Rock City Gardens and Ruby Falls, as well as ride the Incline Railway. Rock City Gardens is a walking trail that showcases rock formations, caves, and gardens. At Ruby Falls, you can take a guided cave tour to see a 145-foot underground waterfall.
Don’t miss
At the top of the mountain, you can walk to Point Park Battlefield, which is a unit of Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park. The visitor center contains a mural and videos about the battle of Chattanooga.
Getting there
Many highways can take you to the St. Elmo base station including I-24, Highway 17, and Highway 58.
Location: 3917 St. Elmo Avenue, Chattanooga, TN
Phone: 423-821-4224
Website: ridetheincline.com
E-mail: Form on website
