Photo: Pub. by Cline Photo Co., Chattanooga · Public domain · editedLookout Mountain
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Yinan Chen · Public Domain · edited
Why go
- Point Park, at the northern end, run by the National Park Service and with Civil War landmarks
- Rock City, with trails laid with rock and attractions such as Lover's Leap and Balanced Rock
- Ruby Falls, a 145-foot waterfall deep inside a cave in the mountain
- The Battle of Lookout Mountain Museum, with soldier figurines and topographical maps
- The Lookout Mountain Incline Railway, a National Historic site with a 72.7% incline
What you see
- From the northern end, Point Park, you can see Chattanooga and the Tennessee River valley.
- Sunset Rock, once called Point Lookout, looks out over the Tennessee River.
- Because of that view, the mountain was of military importance in the Civil War.
What's in season
- NowSep – NovSunset Rock, a 100-foot cliff, has many climbing routes, most popular in autumn.
Shorts
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Lookout Mountain - Best View of the Civil War?American Battlefield Trust
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Hang Gliding at Lookout Mountain -Sunset FlightnanoRa
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Lookout Mountain Incline Train, Chattanooga TNMystical Miles
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Lookout Mountain, TNGood Vibes
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LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN CHATTANOOGA TENNESSEE JANUARY 2021Reïna
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Rock City Gardens at Lookout Mountain in GeorgiaSavvy Adventures
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Lookout Mountain Incline Railway 🚃 - Chattanooga, TennesseeSeth August
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Lookout Mountain Incline Railway: A Hidden Gem RevealedTravel Together with Tipu and Livia
History
In 1863 Confederate generals Bragg and Longstreet used Sunset Rock as a lookout. Fog that sometimes sits halfway down the slope gave the battle its nickname, the Battle Above the Clouds. Most hand-to-hand fighting took place near the Cravens House, about halfway up the mountain. The Chickamauga people called the mountain Chat-a-nu-ga, which gave the city its name. Martin Luther King mentions the mountain in his I Have a Dream speech.
- 1795Maps show the mountain's name from as early as 1795.
- around 1855Robert Cravens builds the Cravens House and moves into it.
- 24 Nov 1863The second day of the battle of Chattanooga is fought on the mountain. The Union victory lifts the Confederate siege.
- Dec 1863Photographer JB Linn builds a shack on Sunset Rock and takes photos of war commanders.
- 1878A yellow fever epidemic sends many residents up the mountain. The St. Elmo Turnpike is built.
Show all
- early 1900sLookout Mountain is incorporated as a town.
- 1910s–1920sGarnet Carter, J.B. Pound, O.B. Andrews and Leo Lambert develop attractions here.
How to get there
- TrainThe Lookout Mountain Incline Railway climbs the slope at a 72.7% incline.
- On footSunset Rock, on the northwest side of the mountain, is a popular trailhead and stop for visitors.
Sources: Lookout Mountain - Wikipedia · Lookout Mountain - Wikipedia · checked 19 Oct 2026
Questions and answers
Which city is closest to Lookout Mountain?
Chattanooga is the nearest city. The mountain and Sand Mountain together form most of the southern end of the Cumberland Plateau.
How high is Lookout Mountain?
Its summit, called High Point, lies at a height of 729 metres. It sits just east of Thompsonville in Walker County, Georgia.
Is Point Park on Lookout Mountain run by the National Park Service?
Yes. Point Park, on the mountain, is run by the National Park Service and has Civil War landmarks.
Can you climb Sunset Rock on Lookout Mountain?
Sunset Rock is a 100-foot cliff with many climbing routes. Climbing there is most popular in autumn.
Is Lookout Mountain one of Chattanooga's most visited attractions?
Yes. It is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Chattanooga.
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