Rock City at Lookout Mountain, Georgia
Back in 1932, a man with a knack for wild ideas and his plant-loving wife turned their rocky backyard into what we now know as Rock City.
Garnet and Frieda Carter mapped out a trail with just string, winding through huge rock forms on Lookout Mountain at the Georgia-Tennessee line.
The spot shot to fame when they hired a guy to paint “See Rock City” on over 900 barn roofs across 19 states.
Now you can walk the 4,100-foot path past rock forms like Mushroom Rock, Balance Rock, and Fatman’s Squeeze while taking in views that let you see into seven states on a clear day.
Fairyland Caverns Glows With Blacklight Sculptures Since 1949
Created as a post-war attraction in 1949, Fairyland Caverns showcases blacklight-responsive sculptures made by founder, Frieda Carter.
She drew inspiration from her love of European folklore and German fairy tales when designing this enchanting space.
You’ll descend into cave-like galleries where gnomes and elves perch on rocky ledges, and glowing dioramas light up under ultraviolet colors.
Seven States Appear From Landmark Mountain Viewpoint
Near Rock City is this awesome viewpoint. It’s true that you can see seven states (Tennessee, Kentucky, Virginia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia, and Alabama) from Lover’s Leap.
This dates back to Civil War-era diary entries from both Confederate and Union soldiers. The Seven States Flag Court even marks each visible state.
High Falls Cascades 140 Feet Down Mountain Face
Created after World War II, High Falls was specifically designed to enhance the visual impact of the Lover’s Leap area to attract more hikers.
Multiple vantage points allow visitors to experience the falls from different perspectives, including from above on a stone bridge crossing the top.
Mother Goose Village Opened As Fairyland Extension In 1964
Mother Goose Village was meant to expand Fairyland Caverns, a complete multisensory adventure for visitors of all ages.
It features dozens of intermingled nursery rhyme scenes including Little Miss Muffet and Old Mother Hubbard.
Glowing tableaus bring nursery rhymes to life, right from Humpty Dumpty to dancing dishes and runaway spoons.
Rock Passages Create Fat Man’s Squeeze
This narrow passageway formed by ancient rock formations requires visitors to turn sideways through certain sections.
Unlike some attractions, Fat Man’s Squeeze follows a genuine fissure in the mountain’s geology rather than an artificial creation.
Handrails installed along the passage provide stability. But once you’re there, the cool temperature inside the rock crevice is a relief.
The Swing-A-Long Bridge Stretches Nearly 200 Feet
The iconic Swing-A-Long Bridge dates back to the 1930s. Many visitors challenge themselves to cross without holding the rails. The slight wobble adds to the thrill as you look down into Chattanooga Valley below.
Stone Bridge Provides Stable Crossing Over Mountain Gorge
The solid Stone Bridge offers an alternative route across the gorge. Constructed from locally quarried limestone, this bridge offers a sturdier route.
Ornate railings and weathered stonework add historical character to the crossing. From the center of the bridge, people catch photographs of the valley.
Wind Creates Eerie Sounds Throughout Cave Of Winds
The Cave of the Winds features a natural tunnel system where air currents create mysterious sounds and sensations.
Wind velocity varies throughout the year, with stronger gusts typically occurring during seasonal weather patterns.
Different sections of the passageway have informational signs explaining the geology of the cave system millions of years ago.
Opera Box Frames Valley Views Through Mountain Opening
The Opera Box is carved into the mountain’s rockface, showcasing the valley panorama through a perfectly positioned opening.
A small bench allows for moments of rest while taking in the expansive vista, with markers identifying significant landmarks.
Market Plaza Features Handcrafts From Regional Artisans
At the terminus of the Fairyland Caverns Path, Market Plaza offers handcrafted leather goods and wines from the Georgia Winery.
Prospector’s Point gift shop sells Rock City’s famous birdhouses modeled after the iconic barn advertisements that helped popularize the attraction.
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