The drive from Fort Walton Beach, Florida to Chicago usually takes us around fourteen hours which we split into two days. It’s easier with the kids and makes the trip much more bearable. Normally we overnight in Nashville but this year I really wanted to stop in Chattanooga, TN and explore Lookout Mountain – Ruby Falls, Rock City and the Incline Railway.

My mom took me to Ruby Falls when I was younger and I remembered how cool it was exploring the caves. That’s about all I remember so I couldn’t wait to see it again but this time share with the girls and hubs.

We arrived Chattanooga around 4 pm and decided to begin at Incline Railway, estimating it would take us the shortest amount of time. Our goal was to fit everything in one day – fingers crossed. Boarding the train at the bottom of the mountain, surprisingly the lines went quickly and were climbing up Lookout Mountain around 20 minutes after claiming our tickets. It was looking good on our timing.

The historic Lookout Mountain is an incredible incline of 72.7%. Incline Railway is the world’s steepest passenger railway, a National Historic site and Mechanical Engineering Landmark operating since 1895.

I’d forgotten how cool and steep it was! At the top the panoramic views of the Chattanooga Valley are spectacular! It was a little rainy and overcast but that didn’t stop us from enjoying the ride. Once at the top we walked up two levels for even better views. Amazing!

We learned that during the railroad boom of the 1880’s, a luxury hotel resort opened on the mountaintop and the only way up was via a simple narrow railway. In November of 1895, a new, larger passenger railway named “The Incline” opened to easily transfer residents and visitors up and down the steepest part of Lookout Mountain.

Lookout Mountain, played a pivotal role in the American Civil War which is why so many tourists were flocking to the area to visit the site of the war’s most famous battles. Today visitors flock here for obvious reasons.

By the time we returned to the bottom of Lookout Mountain it was around 5 pm, we loaded back in the car taking the quick drive to Ruby Falls. Knowing our next stop would take 1 1/2 hours, we grabbed a quick snack so the girls could make it for a late dinner.

At this point we weren’t confident we could fit in Rock City but only time would tell.

what to know before you go to lookout mountain

Plan to spend no less than 1 hour at Incline Railway. The train ride is really the highlight especially for younger kids. Adults will enjoy the views and photo ops.
If you’re goal is to visit all three in one day, start with Incline Railway. It’s relatively quick and a great way to get the kids excited about the next few stops.
Pick up some homemade fudge at the top or grab a snack before heading back down. Food isn’t allowed on the train but the wait is about 15 mins. I’m sure this varies based on time of year.
Go to the very top of the lookout platform. There are two levels and the view are even better from the very top.
A few short blocks from the Incline top station you’ll can visit the Battles for Chattanooga Electric Map & Museum and Point Park, part of the Chickamauga-Chattanooga National Military Park system.
Explore St Elmo it’s such an adorable area with unique shops, restaurants, and attractions – all within a few blocks of the Incline. Some of the things you’ll find are microbrewery tours, fresh flowers, homemade candle making, unique coffee, indoor climbing wall, fresh-made burritos, outdoor local dining and hand-dipped ice cream.
Tickets: Prices range from $7.00 to $15.00
Open Monday – Sunday: 8:30 am – 9:30 pm; Year round except Thanksgiving and Christmas day.
Visit: www.ridetheincline.com

Sassy Moms received complimentary tickets to Incline Railway. All sassy opinions are 100% our own and honest.