Rock City Gardens

Address:

1400 Patten Rd, Lookout Mountain, GA 30750

Phone:

Rock City Gardens is located atop Lookout Mountain, six miles from downtown Chattanooga, Tennessee, Rock City is a true marvel of nature, featuring massive ancient rock formations, gardens with more than 400 native plant species and breathtaking See 7 States panoramic views. Since its beginnings, Rock City Gardens has continued to attract an increasing number of tourists from all over the world. Each year, more than a half million people visit the attraction. Rock City officially opened as a public attraction in 1932. Throughout the years, several features have been added to the original attraction, including the popular Fairyland Caverns and Mother Goose Village, the Cornerstone Station, as well as a myriad of shops and restaurants.

Parking and public transportation at Rock City
On-site parking is free at Rock City.

Best and worst time to go to Rock City
Visit Rock City in the spring to take part in Fairytale Nights. Kids can help Little Red Riding Hood avoid the Big Bad Wolf, follow Jack as he ventures off the beanstalk into the giant's lair, enjoy the gardens with Cinderella, or learn to sword fight with a knight. For an additional cost, you can participate in the Enchanted Tea Time with Alice.

Visit in March for special St. Patrick's events, including viewing Rock City's High Falls flowing green.

From late November through early January, Rock City offers night-time visitors the Enchanted Garden of Lights, featuring more than 30 holiday scenes that transform the gardens into a winter wonderland. Children can meet characters along the trail and enjoy gingerbread cookie decorating with Mrs. Claus. For an additional cost, visitors can have dinner with Santa.

Admission to Rock City
Children under three are admitted for free. Admission for children 3-12 is approximately $12 and admission for visitors 13 and older is approximately $20. Annual passes are available and provide discounts on food, retail purchases, and special events. Rock City is located in the Eastern Time zone.

Must see and must do at Rock City
No trip to Rock City Gardens is complete without crossing the 180-foot long Swing-A-Long Bridge for a stunning view of the Tennessee River Valley. At the top of Lover's Leap, stop at the See Seven States marker for a view of Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia. Don't miss the enchanting Fairyland Caverns, as appealing for adults as it is for young visitors.

Other places to visit near Rock City
Approximately four miles from Rock City is Ruby Falls, named one of the Ten Most Incredible Cave Waterfalls on Earth and featuring a 145-foot underground waterfall.

The Incline Railway takes visitors up historic Lookout Mountain and is the world's steepest passenger railway. In operation since 1895, the Incline is a National Historic site and Mechanical Engineering Landmark.

Located in downtown Chattanooga, the Tennessee Aquarium is less than 10 miles from Rock City.

Hotels near Rock City
The family-owned Chanticleer Inn Bed and Breakfast is located steps away from the Rock City Gardens. Additional hotels are located at the base of Lookout Mountain and in downtown Chattanooga.

Insider Tip for visitors to Rock City
Because of the terrain, including narrow passages and steep stairs, strollers are not allowed along the trail. Portions of the gardens are handicap accessible, including the lookout at Lover's Leap. Dogs on leashes are permitted on the trail.

Author's bio: Heather Hurley is a publishing professional and freelance writer living in Carmel, Indiana. She and her family enjoy everything about the Rock City Gardens.

• Starbucks at 1400 Patten Rd, Lookout Mountain, GA 30750