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Rock City Gardens: A Mountaintop Fairyland

Explore a mountaintop wonderland of natural rock formations, lush gardens, and fairytale magic at Rock City Gardens on Lookout Mountain, Georgia.

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Perched atop Lookout Mountain, Rock City Gardens is a unique blend of natural geological formations and whimsical landscaping. Since 1932, visitors have wandered its Enchanted Trail, discovering hidden pathways, panoramic views, and the legendary Lover's Leap. With its quirky gnomes and blacklight-lit caverns, Rock City offers a memorable escape into a world where nature and imagination intertwine.

A brief summary to Rock City Gardens

  • Monday 8:30 am-7:30 pm
  • Tuesday 8:30 am-7:30 pm
  • Wednesday 8:30 am-7:30 pm
  • Thursday 8:30 am-7:30 pm
  • Friday 8:30 am-7:30 pm
  • Saturday 8:30 am-7:30 pm
  • Sunday 8:30 am-7:30 pm

Local tips

  • Purchase tickets online in advance to save money and guarantee entry, as timed slots can sell out.
  • Wear comfortable shoes, as the Enchanted Trail features uneven terrain, narrow paths, and stairs.
  • Allow at least 1.5 to 2 hours to fully experience Rock City, though you can spend as long as you like.
  • Bring your leashed pet along to enjoy the gardens with you.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    Rock City Gardens is located at 1400 Patten Rd, Lookout Mountain, GA 30750. From downtown Chattanooga, take I-24 West and follow signs for Lookout Mountain. Take exit 174 or 178 and follow the signs to Rock City, approximately 5 miles southwest on Lookout Mountain. Parking is free at Rock City Gardens.

  • Ride-Sharing

    Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft can drop you off at Rock City. However, be aware that getting a ride back down Lookout Mountain across state lines into Tennessee may be difficult due to ride-share restrictions. Plan your transportation accordingly. A ride from downtown Chattanooga will likely cost between $20 and $30.

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Discover more about Rock City Gardens

Rock City Gardens, a captivating attraction on Lookout Mountain in Georgia, has been enchanting visitors since its opening in May 1932. Garnet Carter, initially envisioning a residential community named Fairyland, and his wife Frieda Carter, who had a passion for European folklore, transformed the area's unique rock formations and native plants into a whimsical garden. The Enchanted Trail, a 4,100-foot walking path, guides visitors through a landscape of towering rock formations, lush gardens, and themed displays. Highlights include the Grand Corridor, Needle's Eye, Fat Man's Squeeze, and the iconic Swing-A-Long Bridge. The trail culminates at Lover's Leap, a cliffside overlook boasting a 140-foot waterfall and the famed "See Seven States" view. Rock City also features Fairyland Caverns and Mother Goose Village, where classic fairy tales and nursery rhymes come to life in blacklight-lit dioramas. These whimsical caves add a touch of magic to the Rock City experience, delighting children and adults alike. The story of Rock City's rise to fame is intertwined with its clever marketing campaign. In 1935, Garnet Carter hired Clark Byers to paint "See Rock City" slogans on barns across the Southeast and Midwest. These iconic barn advertisements, numbering over 900 in 19 states by 1969, became a symbol of the American roadside and played a crucial role in Rock City's enduring popularity.

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