rock city gardens tours

See Rock City: Your Ultimate Guide

Walk along the Enchanted Trail at Rock City Gardens and experience incredible rock formations, a 90-foot waterfall, magical caves, and amazing views. This one-of-a-kind attraction is one you won’t want to miss on your trip to Chattanooga! Check out this in-depth guide to visiting Rock City Gardens and discover magic on the Enchanted Trail!

Read on to find out what makes Rock City Gardens a top Chattanooga attraction and to get an insider’s guide to making the most of your visit.

Post Contents

About Rock City Gardens

Rock City Gardens on Lookout Mountain is an elaborate rock garden designed around natural rock formations. The attraction is known for its “See Rock City” advertising on barn roofs, its variety of gnomes, and its amazing views of Chattanooga.

The Gardens are located in Lookout Mountain, Georgia only 6 miles from downtown Chattanooga, Tennessee .

Rock City History

Rock City’s history as a geological marvel reaches back thousands of years. The Native Americans inhabited this land, and in the 1800s, two missionaries discovered this “citadel of rocks” with boulders arranged as if to create streets and lanes.

This “Rock City” was known to Civil War soldiers, hikers, and geologists throughout the 1800s. But in 1924, Garnet Carter started the business venture that would make Rock City a household name: he started building a new community atop Lookout Mountain named Fairyland, in honor of his wife Frieda’s interest in European folklore. The community included nation’s first miniature golf course.

While her husband began franchising mini golf, Frieda took to developing her own rock garden out of the legendary Rock City. She mapped out a trail through the large rock formations, ending at what is now Lover’s Leap overlook. She stationed her imported German statues of gnomes and famous fairytale characters throughout the trail.

Garnet realized that his wife had created something that people might be willing to pay to see. And so, Rock City officially opened as a public attraction on May 21, 1932.

In order to advertise his out-of-the-way attraction, Garnet enlisted the help of a young sign painter to go around the country offering to paint farmers’ barns in exchange for letting him paint three simple words: See Rock City.

What to See at Rock City Gardens

There are so many beautiful different areas inside Rock City Gardens to explore. Take a look around the gardens!

The Enchanted Trail

The ambling Enchanted Trail is the main path through Rock City. The trail is 4,100 feet long and takes you in a loop from the entrance to the Lover’s Leap overlook, through Fairyland Caverns, and exits through the gift shop.

Along the trail, you’ll pass by incredible natural rock formations like the Needle’s Eye pass, the Mushroom Rock, the Fat Man’s Squeeze pass, the Balanced Rock, and more. The Gardens contain more than 400 different native plant species.

Signs along the trail identify plants, tell about the natural formations, and describe the history of the Gardens.

You’ll also pass over Swing-A-Long-Bridge (if you choose the swinging bridge trail over the rock bridge trail). This180-foot long suspension bridge offers great views of the Chattanooga Valley.

The trail also contains various gnome statues, inspired by Frieda’s originals. Since 2009, Rock City has added local artist installations that lend to the natural beauty of the gardens. The pathways are a work of art themselves; whimsical doorways lead you in new directions, stained glass gives tunnels a rainbow hue, and glow-in-the-dark paint brings woodland spirits to life.

Lover’s Leap: See Seven States

Lover’s Leap is the name given to the rock that juts out the side of Lookout Mountain.

The rock gets its name from a Cherokee legend of two star-crossed lovers, a man named Sautee and a woman named Nacoochee, who came from feuding tribes. According to the legend, Sautee was captured and thrown from the top of this rock and Nacoochee jumped to her own death after him.

A 90-foot waterfall flows off the side of the rock into a beautiful pool below; you’ll be able to get a better view of the entire Lover’s Leap outcropping from the lower trail as you continue along the path.

From the top of Lover’s Leap, you get a great view of the valley below, including an iconic “See Rock City” barn.

The view from the top is legendary as well. According to two separate Civil War diary entries, it is believed that you can see 7 states from here: Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia.

A plaque points out which direction to look and how far the state is. For the further states, you may be able to make out mountain tops as the only visible point.

With how much air pollution there is today, you might not be likely to actually see all seven states. It’s still a beautiful view on a clear day, though!

Fairyland Caverns and Mother Goose Village

Fairyland Caverns is a tribute to Frieda’s love of European folklore and gnome statues. Her husband even commissioned an Atlanta artist to create fairytale scenes for her favorite characters and statues.

In 1947, these scenes were moved into a protective cave and displayed. Today, the scenes are decked out with blacklights and glow-in-the-dark paint for a truly magical feel. Some of her original statues have even been restored and displayed.

Housed at the end of Fairyland Caverns is Mother Goose Village. This impressive hand-built landscape of nursery rhyme figures was completed in 1964. You can walk around the display for a 360-degree view of scenes from classic nursery rhymes like Humpty Dumpty, the Three Little Pigs, Little Boy Blue, and more.

More Things to Do at Rock City Gardens

Discover more things to see and do on your visit to Rock City Gardens.

Attend Special Events and Programs

Rock City holds festivals, music, character appearances, and other events throughout the year, so there’s always something exciting going on.

In March, the gardens turn into Shamrock City in honor of St. Patricks’ Day; in May, you can celebrate the new season with the Southern Blooms Festival; in the summer, enjoy live music during Summer Music Weekends; and during the Christmas season, you can see the park after dark for the Enchanted Garden of Lights .

Find the Perfect Souvenir at the Numerous Gift Shops

Rock City offers 5 gift shops where you can brows gifts and souvenirs.

• Gardens Gateway Gift Shop — This is the main gift shop for Rock City ant it’s located at the entrance/end of the trail. You’ll find all kinds of Rock City memorabilia and merchandise like the classic Rock City Birdhouse.
• Woodland Wonders — This shop just inside the main entrance has garden items, gnomes, birdhouses, and more.
• Cliff Terrace Gift Shop — This shop at is located by Lover’s Leap and sells Rock City souvenirs and merchandise.
• Prospector’s Point — This gift shop is located past Cliff Terrace and has Gemstone Panning, Geode Digs, and other unique items.
• Cornerstone Station — This shop is located outside the main entrance and sells birdhouses and other items.

Eat at Rock City’s Dining Facilities

Rock City offers a variety of dining options. In addition to push carts, vending machines, and a seasonal Dippin Dots station, you have 5 places to get food at the Gardens.

• Big Rock Grill — Just inside the main entrance, Big Rock Grill offers hamburgers, sandwiches, soups, salads, and chicken fingers.
• Café 7 — Located at Lover’s Leap, this full-service restaurant offers delicious Southern cuisine with a modern twist and 7-state views.
• Cliff Terrace — Located near Lover’s Leap, this eatery offers pizza, funnel cakes, and classic snacks.
• Fudge Kitchen — Just inside the main entrance, Fudge Kitchen prepares fresh fudge and sweet treats right before your eyes.
• Starbucks — Get your caffeine fix outside the main entrance!

Info for Visiting Rock City Gardens

Here are some important things to know when visiting Rock City:

Rock City is located in the Eastern time zone; keep this in mind if you’re visiting from Central time or staying in a hotel in the Central time zone!

The trail is partially handicap accessible. The main route has many different curves, squeezes, and steps, but the shorter handicap accessible route avoids these spots and takes you to the overlook at Lover’s Leap and the Seven States Flag Court.

Because of the layout of the trails, strollers are not permitted in the Gardens. There is stroller parking located at the entrance to the Enchanted Trail.

Rock City is pet friendly. Any leashed pets are welcome to walk the trail with you, whether its a dog, cat, parrot, goat, whatever! There is even a pet menu at Café 7.

Location: 1400 Patten Rd, Lookout Mountain, GA 30750

Admission: Prices for admission to Rock City range from $14.95 to $24.95 per person, depending on the season and the day of the week. Peak times like summer and during special events will cost more. During the winter, you can expect reduce ticket prices ranging from $7.95 to $17.95.

Hours: Rock City is open from 8:30 a.m. to around sundown. Hours vary by season and if there are seasonal events happening. If you want to see Rock City after dark, you can attend their Enchanted Garden of Lights during the winter holidays from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. (10 p.m. on select nights).

Parking: Parking is available at Rock City Gardens and is free!

Rock City FAQ

For most people, it takes about 1.5 to 2 hours to walk through Rock City. The tour is self-guided so you can spend as long or as little time as you’d like in the Gardens.

The Enchanted Trail at Rock City Gardens is 4,100 feet long, or 0.77 miles. The shorter handicap accessible trail is about 0.5 miles.

On a very clear day, you can see Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia from Rock City.

Rock City Gardens is located at the top of Lookout Mountain in Georgia. It’s just 6 miles from downtown Chattanooga, Tennessee, though, so many people visit when they go to Chattanooga.

Rock City is definitely worth seeing! It’s a fun outing for both kids and adults; it’s amazing for pictures; the views are incredible; and the art offers a fun surprise around every corner.

Top Chattanooga Tours

With so much to see, Chattanooga can be overwhelming for any first-time traveler. To take some of the stress out of planning your visit, opt for a guided tour! Check out this list of the top Chattanooga tours to help you make the most of your time in this beautiful part of Tennessee.

• Murder & Mayhem Haunted History Tour
• Historic Downtown Chattanooga Segway Tour
• Downtown Chattanooga Food Tour

Where to Stay in Chattanooga

Find the perfect place to rest your head on your visit to Chattanooga, from the top rated accommodations to unique stays you can’t get anywhere else.

• Top Hotel: The Read House
• Great Value: Moxy Chattanooga Downtown
• Unique Stay: City Overlook & Hideaway Chalet

More Things to Do in Chattanooga

Explore all that Chattanooga, Tennessee has to offer! These fun itineraries will help you plan your perfect Chattanooga vacation.

• 3 Things to Do and See in Chattanooga, Tennessee
• Amazing Restaurants to Try in Chattanooga, Tennessee
• How to Have a Girls’ Weekend in Chattanooga, Tennessee
• A Wedding at the Tennessee Aquarium
• 10 Spookiest Chattanooga Ghost Tours

Ready to visit Chattanooga, Tennessee? Plan your trip with these tips.

• Book Your Flight: Find the cheapest flights using Skyscanner , my favorite flight search engine.
• Find Accommodation: You can find top hotels in Chattanooga using Hotels.com.
• Start Packing: Make sure you’ve packed everything you need with my  packing list resources .

Are you planning on visiting Rock City Gardens in Chattanooga? Let me know in the comments!

Paige Watts is a travel expert and author of What's With Atlanta? , a guide to the quirks and charm of the ATL. A life-long traveler, Paige is dedicated to helping you discover the best things to do in the Southern USA and around the world. Her work has been featured in The Culture Trip, Matador, Newsbreak, MSN, NPR, and countless other interviews and podcasts.

Similar Posts

A newbie’s guide to pokémon worlds.

Are you ready to attend your first Pokémon World Championship? Find out how to experience your first Pokémon Worlds in this guide.

10 Best Art Museums in Atlanta For Art-Lovers

If you’re an art-lover visiting or living in Atlanta, Georgia, you’ll want to add these top art museums to your bucket list!

Santa Fe Bachelorette Party: Weekend Itinerary

Santa Fe, New Mexico is a great destination for a bachelorette party! Plan the perfect Santa Fe bachelorette party with this itinerary!

6 Free, Budget-Friendly Things to do in Copenhagen, Denmark

Copenhagen, Denmark can be expensive. Luckily, I’ve gathered some great free, budget-friendly things for you to see and do in Copenhagen!

Top 5 Tourist Destinations in Italy

Italy’s top cities are full of art, culture, and thousands of years of history. Check out the top five tourist destinations in Italy.

Discovery Place Science on the Rocks Review

Interactive science exhibits and alcohol combine at the Science on the Rocks event at Discovery Place Science in Charlotte, North Carolina. Read my review.

Rock City looks awesome. Very cool that you can see a few other states from there! The pictures are stunning and very interesting info.

Rock City is such a stunning place!

Love Rock City especially in the fall! We live in middle TN and our son goes to college in Chatt so we visit this area often. Great write up!

The fall colors are beautiful at Rock City! But really it’s beautiful any time of year!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Rock City Gardens

Price & Hours

• Facilities 4.0
• Atmosphere 4.0

U.S. News Insider Tip:  Vist at Christmastime to experience the Enchanted Garden of Lights. –  Amanda Norcross, Content & SEO Strategist

This popular 4,100-foot path located on the Georgia side of Lookout Mountain offers attractions to appease many different types of travelers. Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy weaving through the tall boulders situated at Needle's Eye and Fat Man's Squeeze along the Enchanted Trail. Children will feel like adventurers crossing the 180-foot Swing-a-Long Suspension Bridge and likely delight in the figurines depicting fairytales and classic children's stories in the Fairyland Caverns and Mother Goose Village. Couples looking for a photogenic moment will appreciate Lover's Leap, a lookout point adjacent to the mountain's 140-foot waterfall. And everyone will have fun trying to see how many states they can spot from 1,700 feet above sea level at the See Seven States viewpoint.

Recent visitors enjoyed their experiences at Rock City, citing the natural attractions as beautiful and fun to explore, especially for those with children. Visitors particularly liked the waterfall and recounted the amazing views from the available lookout points. But not everyone was satisfied: a few travelers complained of the lack of accessibility for visitors with mobility issues, and how certain parts of the attractions, specifically Needle's Eye and Fat Man's Squeeze, are difficult for larger guests to enjoy since space is limited. Many travelers recommended wearing comfortable shoes and advised visiting early to beat the crowds.

Rock City has seasonal hours; check the website before you head over. Admission is $21.95 for adults and $12.95 for children ages 3 to 12. Parking at the attraction is free but due to its location in Georgia, it cannot be reached by public bus.

Popular Tours

Nickajack Bat Cave Kayak Tour with Chattanooga Guided Adventures

(167 reviews)

from $ 75.00

Ocoee River Middle Whitewater Rafting Trip (Most Popular Tour)

(291 reviews)

from $ 50.00

Murder & Mayhem Haunted History Walking Tour

(287 reviews)

from $ 24.89

More Best Things To Do in Chattanooga

#1 Chickamauga & Chattanooga National Military Park

Along with natural attractions and a notable role in history of the rail industry, Chattanooga is  known for being a Civil War battleground. The Chickamauga & Chattanooga National Military Park is the oldest and largest of America's Civil War parks, encompassing several different sections of land both north and south of the Tennessee-Georgia border. During the Civil War, Chattanooga was considered to be an attractive area for its railroads and location, earning the title of the "Gateway of the Deep South." In 1863, battles broke out in various areas in Chickamauga and Chattanooga, with both the Union and Confederate troops experiencing victories and losses.

The park is headquartered at Chickamauga, Georgia, which is about 9 miles south of downtown Chattanooga. Visitors looking to stay in Tennessee are still within reach of many important war sites, including Orchard's Knob, the Chattanooga National Cemetery, Signal Point, Lookout Mountain and various areas along the Missionary Ridge. Those with a tight itinerary (and who already have plans to visit Ruby Falls , Rock City or ride the Incline Railway ), should visit Lookout Mountain's Point Park, the site of the "Battle Above the Clouds," and the Battles for Chattanooga Museum .

Explore More of Chattanooga

Things To Do

Best Hotels

You might also like

# 6 in  Best Places to Visit in Georgia

Portland, OR

# 10 in  Best Places to Visit in Oregon

# 11 in  Best Places to Visit in Virginia

If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content.

Recommended

The 28 Best Water Parks in the U.S. for 2024

Holly Johnson|Timothy J. Forster May 8, 2024

The 18 Best Napa Valley Wineries to Visit in 2024

Lyn Mettler|Sharael Kolberg April 23, 2024

The 25 Best Beaches on the East Coast for 2024

Timothy J. Forster|Sharael Kolberg April 19, 2024

The 50 Best Hotels in the USA 2024

Christina Maggitas February 6, 2024

The 32 Most Famous Landmarks in the World

Gwen Pratesi|Timothy J. Forster February 1, 2024

9 Top All-Inclusive Resorts in Florida for 2024

Gwen Pratesi|Amanda Norcross January 5, 2024

24 Top All-Inclusive Resorts in the U.S. for 2024

Erin Evans January 4, 2024

26 Top Adults-Only All-Inclusive Resorts for 2024

Zach Watson December 28, 2023

Solo Vacations: The 36 Best Places to Travel Alone in 2024

Lyn Mettler|Erin Vasta December 22, 2023

26 Cheap Beach Vacations for Travelers on a Budget

Kyle McCarthy|Sharael Kolberg December 4, 2023

Walker County, GA

Official government site, rock city gardens.

Another feature of Rock City is “Lover’s Leap”, an extraordinary rock formation featuring rocks jutting out from the side of Lookout Mountain. A climbing wall is also located at Lover’s Leap.

The site offers a 4,100 walking trail, providing an excellent opportunity for hiking while enjoying the attractions of Rock City. The unique experience of Rock City is sure to be an exciting time for everyone!

Special programming includes the Southern Blooms Festival , Fairytale Nights and the Enchanted Garden of Lights .

Additionally, animals are allowed inside the Rock City as long as they are on a leash. Parking is also free.

Rates: Adults- $19.95 Children (Ages 3-12)- $11.95 *Rates may vary, depending on the time of year or special event

• Hours of Operation

Contact: Rock City 1400 Patten Rd Lookout Mountain, GA 30750 Website: www.seerockcity.com Phone: (706) 820-2531

Return to Attractions

Share this:

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Rock city gardens maintains a full schedule of events throughout the year. sign up for workshops or talks to add to your horticultural knowledge and experience. rock city gardens also hosts seasonal occasions such as haunted gardens, christmas strolls, and galas of local charitable organizations., upcoming events.

Get in Touch

To inquire about hosting an event, booking a photography shoot, planning a garden tour, or requesting a donation, please contact us today. 

[email protected]

772-589-5835

Visiting Rock City Gardens with Kids (Lookout Mountain)

Are you looking for reviews of Rock City Gardens in Lookout Mountain, Georgia? Rock City is a super popular tourist attraction for families visiting the Chattanooga, TN area. Since it sits just 6 miles from downtown Chattanooga, Rock City is the perfect spot for those looking for fun activities to do with kids.

The article below features photos of the amazing views you’ll find at Rock City Gardens along with a full review of my family’s visit with a toddler. Whether you’re interested in viewing the botanical gardens or the true marvel of nature that is Lookout Point, your whole family is sure to have an amazing time at Rock City. So continue reading all about Rock City to see why you should add it to your list of things to do in Chattanooga!

Rock City Gardens

As mentioned above, Rock City is located just a short drive from Chattanooga, TN. For those familiar with the area, you know that Chattanooga sits really close to the Georgia state line. Therefore, it’s not completely surprising that Rock City Gardens is actually located in Lookout Mountain, Georgia.

Still, visitors to the city of Chattanooga can easily explore Rock City because of its short proximity to the downtown area. If you have never visited Chattanooga (aka the Scenic City ), you are missing out on a really beautiful and easy getaway! Families travel to the Chattanooga area year round to visit fun attractions like:

• Chattanooga Zoo
• Tennessee Aquarium
• Creative Discovery Museum

Plus, the downtown Chattanooga area is full of amazing restaurants, kid-friendly attractions, and outdoor activities. The nearby Lookout Mountain area offers additional experiences for those visiting Chattanooga. These picturesque attractions include Ruby Falls, the Incline Railway, AND the impressive Rock City Gardens.

If you are planning a trip to visit Rock City Gardens on Lookout Mountain, you are probably curious about the ticket prices. You can often find special rates if you are traveling with a group of 15 or more. Rock City has broken down the ticket prices based on the date and time you plan to visit. You can view details on their official website , but it typically looks like this:

General Admission tickets on a typical visit to Rock City will cost you around $21.95 for an adult or $14.95 for a child (ages 3-12).

If you are visiting during one of the Rock City special events like Shamrock City, Summer Music Weekends, Rocktoberfest or Enchanted Garden of Lights , you can expect to pay Premier Event Prices . These premier tickets start at $31.95 for an adult and $21.95 for a child.

Those planning to tour Rock City during the peak season and holidays can plan to pay Premium Day Prices . These premium tickets will cost you around $26.95 (adult) and $16.95 (child). If your trip is scheduled during the months of January and February, you can often luck out and find Value Prices . These tickets are some of the cheapest deals you can find for Rock City. They tend to run about $16.95 for adults and $8.95 for kids.

Things to Do in Rock City

While you are touring Rock City, make sure to take time to experience the beautiful views and these fun activities:

Depending on the date you visit Rock City, you may be able to attend a live show. On our most recent trip to Rock City Gardens, my family and I were able to watch the Rock City Raptors-Birds of Prey show.

It was AMAZING! I’m not really that interested in birds, but the husband-and-wife duo who run the birds of prey shows are extremely knowledgeable. We found them to be just as captivating as the birds they introduced. The presenters also walk up really close to each family, so you get a great view of each bird. My daughters LOVED this show!

Fairyland Caverns

Fairyland Caverns at Rock City is a kid favorite. You can wander through the caves to view scenes from popular fairy tales like Cinderella and Snow White.

There’s also a large room known as Mother Goose Village with scenes from just about any nursery rhyme you can imagine. This is a really fun stop, especially for little kids who enjoy popular nursery rhyme characters.

See Seven States

At the top of Lookout Mountain, Rock City offers panoramic views of the lands below. You can even see seven separate states and view their different flags while standing at this high point.

Cafe 7 is a restaurant located inside Rock City. You can dine outside and enjoy gorgeous views of the outlying land while you eat.

Swinging Rope Bridge

The swinging bridge is another popular attraction at Rock City. If you aren’t too afraid of heights, you can find some incredible views from the suspension bridge.

Rock City offers a second (less scary) stone bridge for those needing to cross as well. 

Rock Formations/Caves

You can spend loads of time just exploring the massive ancient rock formations on the pathways. Visitors even stroll through caves and tight spaces like Fat Man’s Squeeze.

The caves are also super cool with some offering really narrow passageways you can squeeze through.

You’ve undoubtedly seen pictures of the massive waterfall at Rock City Gardens. This waterfall is even more spectacular in person!

The pathway leading up to the waterfall provides lots of spots for picture taking too.

Places to Stay at Rock City

If you are planning to spend time at Rock City, you may be searching for places to stay nearby. These are some of the most popular options:

Campgrounds

Racoon Mountain Caverns and Campground are located near Rock City and Chattanooga. If you are open to driving just a bit north of the city, Chester Frost Park is another kid-friendly option for campgrounds in the area. 

Cabins 

If you are wanting a rustic feel with more amenities, you can rent a cabin near Lookout Mountain. We like to use VRBO when renting vacation homes, and these are some of the cabins near Rock City with awesome reviews:

Hotels  

Since you won’t really find many options for hotels on Lookout Mountain, you will probably want to choose one closer to the city of Chattanooga. Some of our favorite options are:

• The Edwin Hotel Chattanooga (Luxury Hotel with Prime Location)
• Springhill Suites Downtown Chattanooga (Moderate Prices)

Bed and Breakfast

If you are set on staying as close to Rock City as possible, you may want to check out the options for a Bed and Breakfast. These are two highly reviewed options that are close by:

• Garden Walk Bed and Breakfast
• Chanticleer Inn

Final Review of Rock City Gardens

Rock City Gardens on Lookout Mountain is a beautiful spot to spend time while visiting the Chattanooga area on your Tennessee vacation. I do want to make a note for those families visiting with babies and toddlers. Rock City is NOT a super stroller friendly location. You could possibly make it work by using the accessible path, but you would need to skip several of the attractions on the main route.

We have always opted out of taking our stroller with us. Rock City is really shaded and tends to feel a lot cooler than the hot, humid Chattanooga temperatures. So, it’s not too bad of a walk even with a toddler in tow.

Touring the rock formations, caves, and attractions normally takes us around an hour. Even though it’s a lot of walking, you can easily stroll at your own pace. If you plan to catch the birds of prey show, listen to live music, or enjoy lunch at Cafe 7, you will probably want to add on another 30 minutes for each.

As you exit Rock City Gardens, don’t forget to stop in the regional gift shops or fudge kitchen for souvenirs! What is your favorite thing to do on Lookout Mountain? Comment below to share with us!

↓↓ Pin This for Later ↓↓

Shari is an experienced planner and organizer for Disney vacations, cruising, and U.S. travel. Her family vacation information, reviews, and tips provide insight for moms and dads everywhere. You can read more about her story, including her journey through breast cancer, in the about me page.

Similar Posts

Top 10 Best Beaches in Destin Florida

Visiting the Knoxville Zoo in Tennessee

Coolidge Park in Chattanooga – Activities and Dining Guide

19 Best Things to Do in Nashville at Christmas (2023 Holiday Events)

Experience the Gaylord Opryland Water Park

Food Included on a Royal Caribbean Cruises

I am looking to purchase a vacation package for my family of 7. There is 2 smaller girls. So I’m looking my ore at the fairly land in rock city. Was needing help finding something reasonable for low income and about a 2 night 3 day stay.

Hi Loretta,

Rock City is a great place to visit with family, and I’m sure your girls will love it! If you’re looking for a budget-friendly hotel option near Lookout Mountain, I believe there are several choices available, including the Comfort Inn and Suites, Fairfield Inn and Suites, and Hampton Inn Chattanooga West. All of these are located near the base of Lookout Mountain, so they would be fairly close to Rock City. If you are visiting during the warmer months, the Hampton Inn features a water slide at their outdoor pool. Hope that helps, and thanks so much for reaching out!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

• Destinations & Attractions
• Itineraries
• Supplier Profiles
• Exclusive emails
• Group Tour Magazine
• Other Publications
• Youth Travel Planner Back Issues
• Newsletters

Industry Leaders Celebrate Travel and Tourism

Outer banks named most affordable travel destination, quintana roo destination of choice for travelers, upcoming solar eclipse to draw travelers to states in path of totality, indiana convention center and hilton formalize agreement.

Rock City Creates Group Memories Worth Repeating

Soak in the natural beauty of ancient rock formations, take in views of natural scenery from atop towering overlooks, and wonder in awe at the pristine landscape that surrounds you at Rock City. Over its 90-year history, the fourth-generation, family-owned Rock City, home of the Rock City Gardens, has helped groups of all ages and sizes create lasting tour memories worth repeating.

Located at the top of Lookout Mountain in northern Georgia (about 6 miles from downtown Chattanooga, Tennessee), Rock City takes visitors on a journey along the 4,100-foot Enchanted Trail, where groups encounter larger-than-life rock formations, magical caves, and beyond-breathtaking views. The destination is known for its themed events, entertaining festivals, and tours steeped in history and interactive experiences.

“Rock City is a world-famous, group-friendly attraction that is truly a bucket-list destination,” says Meagan Jolley, senior manager of public relations and social media at Rock City.

“Where else can you see seven states from one location, journey into Fairyland Caverns and Mother Goose Village, adventure through massive ancient rock formations, and see almost 500 species of plants and flowers with gnomes around every turn?”

Popular tour experiences include the Incline Railway on Lookout Mountain; Battles for Chattanooga, a museum focused on Civil War history; and the Enchanted Garden of Lights, an award-winning light display during the holidays.

“We also offer themed events throughout the year, so there’s a reason to visit in any season,” Jolley says. “For instance, Rocktoberfest is our German festival, which features a natural backdrop of breathtaking fall colors atop Lookout Mountain. We are also celebrating our 90th anniversary through May 2023, so stay tuned for fun announcements and enhancements to our Enchanted Trail this year.”

All Rock City Gardens tours are self-guided, and discounted rates are available for groups of 15 or more (20 or more for Enchanted Garden of Lights). Groups should allow one and a half to two hours to explore the property. Free motorcoach parking is available, and group tickets must be purchased at least five days in advance.

For more information, call 877-820-0759 or go to seerockcity.com .

Main Image: Swing-A-Long Bridge; Credit: Rock City

Article by Erica Zazo

RELATED ARTICLES MORE FROM AUTHOR

A World of Wanderlust

Bad to the Bone

Stately Standouts

Recent posts, itinerary: lewes, delaware, itinerary: thousand islands, new york, trending now.

Feed your brain at COSI

Idaho Falls is a destination without limitation

Rhode Island itinerary: Newport

New York itinerary: Lake George Area in the Adirondacks

Sail back in time at the Titanic Museum Attraction

Georgia itinerary: Macon

GroupTourMagazine.com is the online home of Group Tour Magazine, the premiere resource for the professional group travel planner. Contact us: [email protected]

© Greenspring Media | All rights reserved

GREENSPRING MEDIA     SUBSCRIBE     CONTACT US     ADVERTISER INFO

Hours of Operation: 8:30am - 8:00pm

Last entry 1.5 hours prior to close, atop lookout mountain.

Bring Your Group to Rock City!

Enjoy special savings when you bring your group to Rock City. Whether you are visiting with students, tour groups, scouts, or any other group, we will coordinate your visit and cater your meal. Simply contact us for group bookings! Rock City Gardens offers a variety of options for groups of 15 or more (20 or more for Enchanted Garden of Lights). All Rock City Gardens tours are self-guided. We also offer group discounts for Rock City’s award-winning Enchanted Garden of Lights, as well as for The Battles for Chattanooga, which includes a relic exhibit, bookstore, and a digitally-projected Civil War history show which brings the battles that occurred in the area to life across a 3D diorama. 

School Groups

Scout groups, group meals, birthday parties, fall scout days, homeschool days, pavilion rental, group discounts.

Retail rates have applicable sales tax added to the listed price. Group rates do not add sales tax.

RESERVATIONS

Advance reservations are required to receive a group discount. Please make your reservations as far in advance as possible. Call us at 877-820-0759 to make group bookings or use our online reservation request form. Bookings are based on availability, blackout dates may apply around holidays and special events.

GROUP VISIT DETAILS

• Your group should plan to spend approximately 1.5 – 2 hours exploring Rock City.
• Free bus parking is available in the left-hand parking lot as you enter Rock City.
• One group leader will need to pay for your group 5 days prior to your visit. If anyone chooses to pay separately, they will need to pay the regular retail rate.
• Rock City is almost always open rain or shine, but we may have to close temporarily in the event of severe weather.
• Educational Materials are available for download
• We understand sometimes plans change and you need to cancel your reservation. If you should need to cancel or reschedule a reservation, please call us as soon as possible to let us know. There is no charge on a cancelled group visit, however, a 50% meal cancellation fee for group catering is required if cancelled less than 3 business days before the day of arrival.

RESERVATION ADD-ONS

For an additional fee, we offer several add-on opportunities to enhance your group’s visit with us.

• Variety of Group Meals to feed your group lunch or dinner with at least a 2 week advance notice.
• Kids’ Activities including Gemstone Mining or Geode Dig are available seasonally
• Group Photos

Questions? Need more information?

Call us at 877-820-0759 or fill out the Information Request Form below:

Organization Name

Contact Name

Email Address*

Mailing Address

State Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming

Your Message

ONLINE TICKET DISCOUNT: SAVE $5 per ticket off front gate pricing when you purchase daytime tickets in advance online.

Buy Tickets

Plan Your Visit

Post comment

or continue as guest

Press Herald

Account Subscription: ACTIVE

Questions about your account? Our customer service team can be reached at [email protected] during business hours at (207) 791-6000 .

• Arts & Entertainment

Review: ‘Crazy for You’ serves up romance, dazzling tap moves in Ogunquit

Chockablock with Gershwin songs, the show is now at the Ogunquit Playhouse. The 'inimitable' Sally Struthers plays 2 comedic parts.

You are able to gift 5 more articles this month.

Anyone can access the link you share with no account required. Learn more .

With a Press Herald subscription, you can gift 5 articles each month.

It looks like you do not have any active subscriptions. To get one, go to the subscriptions page .

Loading....

Taylor Aronson, center, and the ensemble in “Crazy for You” at the Ogunquit Playhouse. Photo by Nile Scott Studios

“Who could ask for anything more?” is a famous line from “I Got Rhythm,” a classic tune by George and Ira Gershwin that’s included in the latest show at the Ogunquit Playhouse. It’s not a bad question to ask.

Theater review

WHAT: “Crazy For You”

WHERE: Ogunquit Playhouse, 10 Main St., Ogunquit

REVIEWED: June 16 (matinee); continues through July 13

TICKETS: starting at $40.

CONTACT: 207-646-5511; ogunquitplayhouse.org

You’ve got two solid stars up front, dozens of attractive singers and dancers behind them, and a wealth of both clever and romantic Gershwin songs. And, as if that weren’t enough, the inimitable Sally Struthers comes onstage to fill two comedic roles that supply some of the best laughs in the show.

Chalk it up to a production still coming together, but “Crazy For You” showed a few seams in terms of pacing in its first performance after opening night. But the impeccably performed vintage music and the let’s-put-on-a-show spirit of the book by Ken Ludwig carried the 2½-hour show through for an entertaining afternoon at the venerable summer theater on the southern coast of Maine.

The dynamic Max Clayton sang and danced like a veteran performer who knows where the audience-pleasing theatrical goodies are hidden. His banker character Bobby soon became a faux showbiz master as he falls for a girl and decides to revive her father’s theater in Nevada rather than foreclose on the property.

Clayton’s tap talents are many and were all smoothly executed with whirling flourishes that truly dazzled. His voice sold such long-time Gershwin favorites as “They Can’t Take That Away From Me” and “Nice Work If You Can Get It,” the latter accompanied by an impressive chorus of lovely, talented female singer/dancers.

Max Clayton (Bobby Child) and Taylor Aronson (Polly Baker) in “Crazy for You” at the Ogunquit Playhouse. Photo by Nile Scott Studios

Taylor Aronson plays Bobby’s love interest Polly, adding her own very natural-sounding delivery to such classics as “Someone To Watch Over Me” and “But Not For Me.” Aronson also held her own in romantic song and dance duets with Clayton on such tunes as “Shall We Dance” and “Embraceable You.” Director Angelique Ilo’s take on the show’s original dance moves, choreographed by Susan Stroman, fit the pair well in both upfront showy and more elegantly flowing moments. Advertisement

The 76-year-old Struthers again proved her brilliant comedic timing in scenes with Clayton and Jim Borstelmann, the latter as a companionable British twit. Her double takes and little exclamations were hilarious as were some timeless bits of physical comedy performed by others throughout the show.

Angie Schworer and Peter Kendall got hot and heavy on “Naughty Baby” while a Cowboy Trio and a group of layabout ex-miners spiced up several pieces. Alexandria Van Paris, Delaney Bailey, Jack Doyle and Tony Roach also stood out in secondary roles. All were backed by a jauntily swinging offstage band led by Ken Clifton while some occasional onstage percussion from the players, tapping feet and more, served to bring things forward.

The sets by Adam Koch and costumes by William Ivey Long mix old-style Broadway flash and rustic cowboy folksiness, placing the audience in a world closer to an earlier, 1930s incarnation (The Gershwin brothers’ “Girl Crazy”) on which this award-winning 1992 show was based.

Steve Feeney is a freelance writer who lives in Portland.

Modify your screen name

Join the Conversation

Please sign into your Press Herald account to participate in conversations below. If you do not have an account, you can register or subscribe . Questions? Please see our FAQs .

Your commenting screen name has been updated.

Send questions/comments to the editors.

• Restaurant Reviews
• Sustainable Living
• Maine Voices Live
• Event Calendar

Member Log In

Please enter your username and password below. Already a subscriber but don't have one? Click here .

Not a subscriber? Click here to see your options