Rock City is a natural tourist attraction atop Lookout Mountain in Georgia. It's a beautiful place to take your family to see nature in all of its glory, not to mention the 10 Important Benefits of Family Time you will reap along the way.
Visitors to Chattanooga often will stop to take in the sights from atop Lookout Mountain in Georgia. While the site is in Georiga, most associate Rock City with Tennessee because is only six miles away from downtown Chattanooga.
The walking trail at Rock City is 4,100 feet long and takes visitors through narrow clefts between the rock formations and along gorgeous gardens.
There are over 400 different species of wildflowers, plants, shrubs and trees at Rock City.
Fact: Rock City is pet-friendly. You can bring your dog on the trails provided that your pooch is on a leash.
Rock City is a fairy wonderland for kids. There are scenes at Fairyland Caverns and Mother Goose Village from popular fairytales.
You are never far from a picture-worthy stop at Rock City.
The massive rock formations are 1,700 feet above sea level and provide incredible panoramic views of Chattanooga.
But it's not just Chattanooga! You can see seven states from Rock City: Tennessee, Georgia, Alabama, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia.
Paying to use a viewfinder will help you see the surrounding states.
There were notes made during the Civil War era about the ability to see the seven states from the summit. The location was a prime spot to view the Chattanooga Valley and Missionary Ridge Civil War battlefields. The large boulders atop the mountain were described as “a citadel of rocks” in Reverend Daniel S. Butrick's diary.
Fun Fact: Rock City is listed as one the places to see in 1,000 Places to See Before You Die.
Along the Enchanted Trail, you will spot the 140-foot tall waterfall.
Other points of interest include the 1,000 ton balanced rock.
Rock City hosts various festivals and events throughout the year, including Shamrock City, EarthDayz, Southern Blooms, Summer Music Weekends, Rocktoberfest, and the Enchanted Garden of Lights.
Shopping at Rock City
There are several gift shops at Rock City and you will see a lot of leather goods for sale.
A lot of unique, cute items for sale.
Doesn't every child want a lucky rabbit's foot?
Gifts for the men on your shopping lists.
Not to be missed, you can purchase a souvenir See Rock City birdhouse or collectible.
One thing you will notice around the shops is the sweet aroma of fresh fudge being made. You can stop by the Fudge Kitchen and watch the fudge being made and then purchase some - it's a nice gift to bring to those who couldn't make the trip with you.
If you work up an appetite while exploring, you can stop by Big Rock Grill, Cliff Cafe, or Cafe 7. If you need another cup of coffee to help you keep going, there is a Starbucks location on site.
If you will be in Chattanooga and are looking for somewhere to eat, here is a post about some of my favorite places to eat in the Scenic City.
Rock City Admission and Location
Admission is $19.95 for adults and $11.95 for children ages 3-12. (During premiere events, the cost is $22.95 for adults and $12.95 for children.) Timed-entry reservations are required.
Annual passes are available and range from $29.00 for a basic pass for children ages 3 - 12 to $49.00 for an adult pass. (Ulitmate VIP passes are also available and discounts are given for purchases of 4 or more passes.)
Rock City is open from 8:30 AM until 6:00 PM Eastern time.
While many people think of Rock City as a Tennessee attraction (it's only 6 miles from downtown Chattanooga), it is actually located at 1400 Patten Road, Lookout Mountain, GA.
Parking is free.
Want to know more about Rock City? Visit See Rock City on the Web | Facebook | Twitter.
Aireona
I have yet to visit TN, but I really would love to. Based on your posts, there is a ton of different stuff to see there. I am not sure that Rock City is quite my style, but your post definitely shows how it has a little something for most folks! Seems like a really unique spot.
Stef
I've heard of Rock City but haven't had the chance to visit yet! I'll have to add it to my list the next time I'm in TN!
Polly
I have never even heard of the Rock City. This walking trail looks so much fun and exactly the type of experience I love! Great article
Hannah Padilla
Beautiful photos! I actually have never visited the South but Rock City is something I will have to keep in mind. Thanks for [email protected]
Josy A
Oooh I love the part where you walk along the cleft between the rock faces and the views from the top look fabulous! It sounds like Rock City is perfect for bringing kids and getting them to stretch their legs!