Lookout Mountain Incline Chattanooga

Chattanooga has reinvented itself. It has gone from being a rundown industrial city to a lively center for arts and entertainment. There is a lot of history in Chattanooga and you can become part of it during your visit.

Chattanooga was the site of some fierce fighting during the Civil War. It was a vital link in the supply chain of the Southern states and the Confederate Army. From early in the War Lincoln was aware of what an important city this was for the Union army to gain control of. The Confederacy was also aware of its importance and made every effort to secure it from the Union. 

By 1863 the Union was in a position to make a concerted effort to take control. There were two major battles in the area, Chickamauga and the Battle of Chattanooga. As you can well imagine a mountain, especially one called Lookout Mountain, would be an advantage to both sides in a conflict. One of the reasons to take the Lookout Mountain Incline is to get to Point Park. This is maintained by the National Park Service.

A visitor center greets you at Point Park which explains the significance of the Battle for Chattanooga. This is explained with displays and a short video. You also need to buy your ticket to get into Point Park, this is not one of the free Park Department locations. It is inexpensive, $3 for adults but you will want to do it. The view is excellent and the monument erected to commemorate both the Union and the Confederate troops who fought here is unique in the fact that they are shown shaking hands on the top of the monument.

Today getting to the top of Lookout Mountain is much easier than it was during the Civil War. Opened in 1895 the Incline Railway is the steepest incline in the world, at some points 72 degrees, which is very steep indeed. There are two cars that both leave their respective stations at the same time, when they meet in the middle the conductors change cars and go back to the station they came from. Going up seems steeper but getting on the car at the upper station is a production since unlike other inclines no attempt is made to keep you level, you have to climb down into the car, you have to see it to understand but it is tricky.

#lookoutmountainincline

The track is one mile from top to bottom and it cost $15 round trip for adults, $7 for children aged 3-12 when we were there. There is a running narrative on the incline that plays while you go up and another one on the way down. One thing we learned was that when there is snow or ice the people who live on Lookout Mountain take the incline to get down the mountain. We didn't drive the road up but I can well imagine that it is steep.

Gift stores are located at both the top and the bottom of the incline and they have a large free parking lot at the bottom. It is a little walk to Point Park at the top but most of it has sidewalks. This is an experience that should not be missed if you are visiting Chattanooga. The views from the top are spectacular.