Things to Do
Through the red doors, you’ll experience one of the most fun things to do in Chattanooga-Rock City. Explore magical rock formations, incredible mountain-top views, experience festive seasonal events, and more.
Rock City is located atop Lookout Mountain, just 10 minutes from downtown Chattanooga.
Lover’s Leap
This rock that juts out from the side of Lookout Mountain gets its name from the Cherokee legend of two young lovers, a brave named Sautee and a beautiful maiden named Nacoochee, from two feuding tribes. According to the legend, Sautee was captured and thrown from the top of Lover’s Leap. Nacoochee, distraught from the loss, jumped to her death. During your visit, you can view the valley below, see the beautiful High Falls, or dine at Cafe 7.
See Seven States
At Lover’s Leap, you can also experience Rock City’s legendary views of seven states. During the Civil War, a Union officer and a Confederate nurse noted in separate diary entries that the summit afforded views of seven states. Look through the binoculars above the High Falls to see for yourself! Today, the Flag Court is a tribute to these states: Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia.
Fairyland Caverns
Frieda Utermoehlen Carter, one of Rock City’s founders, had a love of European folklore and fairytales. Her husband, Garnet Carter, hired a sculptor from Atlanta named Jessie Sanders to create scenes from some of the world’s most beloved fairytales. The scenes were moved into Fairyland Caverns in 1947, and you can see them today, along with some of Rock City’s famous gnomes, as you meander through the cave.
Mother Goose Village
Completed by Jessie Sanders in 1964 and housed within Fairyland Caverns, Mother Goose Village is an impressive landscape of even more scenes from classic nursery rhymes like Humpty Dumpty, the Three Little Pigs, and Little Boy Blue. Enjoy your favorite nursery rhyme and marvel at the impressive hand-built dioramas.
Swing-a-Long Bridge
Spanning 180 feet, this suspension bridge is the perfect place to grab a photo of the Chattanooga Valley. Don’t forget to bring your camera!
Kids’ Activities
Special experiences designed for kids are available seasonally. They can take a photo in a fun photo-op, mine for gemstones at Prospector’s Point or do a geode dig! Additional charges may apply for kids’ activities.
Art in the Gardens
Rock City strives to serve as a leading cultural entertainment innovator. Since the Spring of 2009, Rock City has added 7 art installations throughout the gardens. A common thread of all the pieces is the inspiration Rock City’s Enchanted Trail gave to each artist and their work – the natural beauty and “quieting of the spirit” are depicted.
