Lookout Mountain Incline Railway
Ride one of the world's steepest railways up Lookout Mountain for stunning Chattanooga views and historic exploration.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Lookout Mountain Incline Railway
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Ride one of the world's steepest railways up Lookout Mountain for stunning Chattanooga views and historic exploration.
"It's a unique experience you have to try at least once, offering incredible views and a thrilling ride."
🎟️ Buy Tickets Online (with caution)
Online purchase can save money, but some suggest buying at the gate to avoid data collection.
🅿️ Parking Fees
Expect to pay around $3-$5 for parking at the lower station for up to 5 hours.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Steep Incline Ride
Lower Station to Upper Station
Experience one of the world's steepest passenger railways, climbing a 72.7% grade with unique views.
Panoramic Mountain Vistas
Upper Station Observation Deck
Breathtaking 360-degree views of Chattanooga and the surrounding Tennessee Valley.
Historic Point Park
Adjacent to Upper Station
Explore Civil War history and enjoy more scenic overlooks at this preserved state park.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Tickets in Advance
Time Your Visit Wisely
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Buy Tickets Online (with caution)
Online purchase can save money, but some suggest buying at the gate to avoid data collection.
🅿️ Parking Fees
Expect to pay around $3-$5 for parking at the lower station for up to 5 hours.
⏳ Be Patient for the Ride
Wait times can be longer than expected, sometimes up to 50 minutes.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing some walking at the top, especially if visiting Point Park. :athletic_shoe:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Buy Tickets Online (with caution)
Online purchase can save money, but some suggest buying at the gate to avoid data collection.
🅿️ Parking Fees
Expect to pay around $3-$5 for parking at the lower station for up to 5 hours.
⏳ Be Patient for the Ride
Wait times can be longer than expected, sometimes up to 50 minutes.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing some walking at the top, especially if visiting Point Park. :athletic_shoe:
💧 Watch for Wet Floors
Rail cars can be slippery when wet; be cautious exiting at the top.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Lookout Mountain Incline Railway offers a unique and thrilling ride with breathtaking views from the summit. While many enjoy the historic engineering and panoramic vistas, some visitors find the ticket price steep for the duration of the experience and advise caution regarding potential long wait times and disorganization.
"Thinking of taking a ride on the incline car? Here are a few tips to help you make the most of your visit:
Save on Tickets: Definitely purchase your tickets online beforehand – it's a great way to save a little cash!
Parking Perks: Parking is pretty straightforward: it's $3.00 for up to 3 hours or $5.00 for 5+ hours.
Time Your Visit: Honestly, you really only need about 3 hours to go up, enjoy the view, and come back down. There isn't a whole lot to do at the very top, so a quick trip is usually sufficient.
Restroom Rundown: Just a heads-up, the restrooms at the bottom were unfortunately locked during our visit, so plan accordingly before you head up!
Be Prepared for a Wait: While we were told the next car was in 10 minutes, there was a bit of disorganization, and we ended up waiting around 50 minutes in total. The car left without loading passengers, and we were told it would be back in 30 minutes. It felt a bit like a new attraction opening, rather than one that's been around for years, so patience is key!
The Ride Itself: Once all the waiting was done, we truly did enjoy the ride up – it's quite a unique experience!
While the ride itself is unique, we felt that $44.00 for two people was a bit steep considering the overall experience and the waiting time. Unique? Absolutely! Worth the price? In our opinion, not quite."
medic0818 Smith
"The Incline Railway is an experience you have to try at least once. The ride itself is smooth, unique, and a little thrilling as you climb up such a steep track. The views along the way are incredible, and once you get to the top, the scenery is breathtaking. It really gives you a whole new perspective of Lookout Mountain and the surrounding area.
The staff is friendly and helpful, making sure everything runs safely and on time. The ride is not too long, but it is definitely memorable. The station areas are clean and easy to navigate, and there are plenty of opportunities for photos at the top.
If you are visiting Chattanooga or Lookout Mountain, the Incline Railway is a must-do attraction. It combines history, adventure, and amazing views all in one."
Chase
"An impromptu trip to Chatanooga with very little time and we chose the Incline Railway.
Recently renovated and reopened its a very nice area.
At the bottom, 2 gift shops and nice clean facilities. The staff was super nice and helpful. It was a bit difficult to understand the narration on the ride up, a bit of a bummer....a nice smooth ride to the top and the run every 30 minutes.
Once at the top there is a dual level observation deck, a nice large gift shop and a café and fudge store.
You can enter at the top or at the bottom. There is a historic state park at the top within walking distance.....you get plenty of time to spend either.
Plenty of eateries again within walking distance at the bottom with a very reasonable large paid parking area."
peggy white
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Incline Railway has two stations: the Lower Station in St. Elmo (with parking and gift shops) and the Upper Station near Point Park. You can drive to either, but many visitors start at the bottom. Parking is available at the lower station for a fee.
Yes, there is paid parking available at the Lower Station. It costs approximately $3.00 for up to 3 hours or $5.00 for 5+ hours.
Yes, you can drive to the top of Lookout Mountain and visit attractions like Point Park by car. However, many find the incline railway a more enjoyable and scenic experience.
Yes, the Lookout Mountain Incline Railway is fully accessible and wheelchair-friendly, making it a great option for all visitors.
For the Incline Railway, starting at the Lower Station is common. For other attractions like Rock City and Ruby Falls, driving is often more practical.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Round trip tickets for adults are around $15, and for children, they are about $7. Prices can vary, so check the official website.
While buying online can save money, some travelers suggest purchasing at the gate as online tickets don't always guarantee a specific time slot and can lead to similar wait times.
The railway typically operates daily, but hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official website for the most current operating schedule.
Yes, it's important to ensure you purchase a round-trip ticket, as one-way rides are also sold, and you don't want to be stranded at the top.
Purchasing tickets online in advance is often recommended as a way to save a little money.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The ride itself is about 10-15 minutes long, but be prepared for potential wait times before boarding.
At the top, you can visit the observation deck for panoramic views, explore historic Point Park, and browse gift shops. There's also a cafe and fudge store.
Most visitors find that about 3 hours is sufficient for the round trip and enjoying the views at the top.
Some visitors found the audio narration during the ride to be informative, though one reviewer mentioned it was slightly difficult to understand.
Restrooms are available at both the top and bottom stations. However, one reviewer noted that the restrooms at the bottom were locked during their visit, so plan accordingly.
📸 📸 Photography
The observation deck at the upper station offers stunning panoramic shots. The ride itself provides unique angles of the track and surrounding landscape.
Yes, you can take photos during the ride, but be mindful of other passengers and hold on securely as the train ascends and descends.
Yes, it can be foggy at Lookout Mountain's elevation, which can obscure views. However, the fog often clears, offering breathtaking scenery.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the panoramic views from the top. A smartphone with a good camera is also sufficient for most visitors. :iphone:
Generally, photography is allowed, but be respectful of other visitors and avoid obstructing pathways.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
♿ Visitors with Mobility Challenges
This ensures that everyone can enjoy the unique experience of riding the steep incline and taking in the stunning views from the top. The stations and cars are designed to accommodate wheelchairs, making the journey smooth and comfortable. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Engineering Marvel of the Incline
The unique counterbalanced system allows two cars to travel up and down simultaneously, sharing the track. This historic funicular railway has survived fires and renovations, continuing to offer a thrilling journey. Travelers often remark on the unique experience of ascending such a steep incline. The ride provides a different perspective than driving, allowing passengers to appreciate the engineering and the changing landscape. While the ride itself is relatively short, the journey is memorable, offering a glimpse into a bygone era of transportation.
Navigating the Stations and Ride Experience
However, be prepared for potential wait times, especially during peak seasons or weekends. Some visitors have reported disorganization and longer waits than anticipated.
Beyond the Ride: Exploring Lookout Mountain
For those interested in other nearby attractions, Rock City and Ruby Falls are also located on Lookout Mountain.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit