Ultimate Guide for Your Visit to Rock City

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Have you ever been driving through Tennessee and noticed tons of billboards and other signs that say See Rock City?

Now the crucial question you might be asking– what exactly is Rock City?

Check out this ultimate guide for your visit to Rock City to find out!

Rock City or Rock City Gardens?

Rock City and Rock City Gardens are the same place. Both of these names can be used interchangeably.

Where is Rock City located?

Rock City is located on the top of Lookout Mountain which is actually located in Georgia. 

Most people assume it is in Chattanooga or even Tennessee, but it is not. 

It is about 6 miles from downtown Chattanooga but will likely take you about 15 minutes to get to Rock City from downtown.

Must Know Information

If you take the Incline Railway up to Lookout Mountain, it will take you about 45 minutes to walk to Rock City. I would not use the Incline Railway as a transportation method to Rock City. You need to drive there.

Parking is FREE and easy at Rock City!

Is Rock City the same as Lookout Mountain?

Rock City is an attraction on Lookout Mountain. 

There are other places to visit on Lookout Mountain as well including Ruby Falls, Point Park, the Incline Railway top station, Battles for Chattanooga Museum, Chattanooga and Chickamauga Military Park, and more. 

What is Rock City?

Rock City is an incredible natural landscape featuring walking pathways through stunning rock formations and gardens. 

Additionally, Rock City has breathtaking views from the top of Lookout Mountain plus the awe inspiring High Falls, Swing-a-long bridge, and extraordinary Grand Corridor pathway. 

On your walk through Rock City, there are surprises and amazing things to see around every corner. 

Just when you think you have seen it all, it gets even better.

Rock City also has the whimsical Fairyland Caverns that adults and kids alike will adore!

Within Rock City, there are a few dining options including Cliff Terrace and Cafe 7 which are atop Lover’s Leap. The food and drink are very inexpensive and the views are priceless.

Additionally, you could also eat at the Big Rock Grill which is located right inside the entrance to Rock City. 

I can proudly say we ate at BOTH places and all are fantastic options!

Rock City also has a couple of places to purchase souvenirs plus a fudge shop!

What is Rock City known for?

Rock City is known for many things including its See Rock City signs, ability to see 7 states at once, Fairyland Caverns plus Mother Goose Village, and its gnome statues.

For one, Rock City is famous for its signs, billboards, and red birdhouses that say See Rock City

Secondly, it is known for being able to see 7 states at once. When you get to Lover’s Leap at Rock City, you will be on a rock that sticks out from Lookout Mountain that is also atop High Falls waterfall. 

From this rock you can see the seven states of Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia.

There is even a sign that shows where to look for a view of each? state as well as a state flag tribute to each of the states that you can see.

Additionally, Rock City is famous for its Fairyland Caverns. I have to tell you this area of the Rock City Gardens did NOT disappoint.

It was so magical and impressive. The kids went crazy for it. I cannot wait for you to experience it for yourself. 

Also, within Fairyland Caverns is Mother Goose Village. 

Mother Goose Village is stunning too! You walk around and view amazing scenes from all of Mother Goose’s nursery rhymes. 

Finally, it is also known for all of its gnome statues. There are close to 100 of them throughout the Rock City Gardens.

Most of the gnome statues are in the Fairyland Caverns area of Rock City, but there are some interspersed in some other areas as well!

My kids were on a mission to find as many as they could and take a picture of each one that they found. 

How long does it take to go through Rock City?

I would plan about 2 hours for Rock City. We spent over 3 hours there but did have a snack at  Cafe 7, and then a late lunch at the Rock City Grill. 

Can you do Rock City and Ruby Falls on the same day?

Yes, you can definitely do both Rock City and Ruby Falls all in one day. 

If you want to do both, I would purchase my tickets for Ruby Falls online first as the cave tours are at certain times and are a bit more limited in the number of tickets available at each time slot. 

I would plan about 2 hours at Ruby Falls and then plan for Rock City around whatever time your tour is at Ruby Falls. 

During a busy season, make sure to purchase tickets ahead of time for both places.

I would suggest doing Rock City in the morning and having lunch there and then doing a Ruby Falls cave tour in the afternoon.

Make sure you book at least your cave tour ahead of time. Book tickets ahead of time to both places to be extra safe.

Rock City Tips

  • Do not bring a stroller. There are so many steps and even some tight spaces to navigate through. You will not be able to see everything you want and really experience Rock City fully if you have a stroller. 
  • Use a baby carrier if you have a baby or toddler.
  • Drive your car to Rock City. Parking is free! You cannot get to Rock City from the Incline Railway.
  • Take your time going through Rock City. It is SO incredible. We stopped and had a snack and drinks at the top of Lovers Leap where you can see the Seven States. This is a fantastic area to relax and soak in the beauty. 

SAVE and PIN this ultimate guide for your visit to Rock City. Also, SHARE it with friends or family who are planning a trip to Rock City, too!

For more Tennessee adventures check out my Gatlinburg Family Vacation post as well as my Guide to Anakeesta.

May you LOVE your adventure. KW

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