Background

Lookout Mountain Civil War Battlefield

Explore Lookout Mountain Battlefield, site of the Civil War's 'Battle Above the Clouds,' offering history, monuments, and panoramic views of Chattanooga.

4.7

Perched atop Lookout Mountain, the Lookout Mountain Battlefield, part of the Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park, offers a poignant glimpse into the American Civil War's pivotal 1863 Chattanooga Campaign. Point Park, a 10-acre memorial park on the mountain's point, provides overlooks, monuments, and historical tablets detailing the 'Battle Above the Clouds'.

A brief summary to Lookout Mountain Civil War Battlefield

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes for exploring Point Park and the surrounding trails.
  • Visit the Lookout Mountain Battlefield Visitor Center to view exhibits and the James Walker painting before touring Point Park.
  • Check the weather forecast, as conditions on Lookout Mountain can change rapidly. The 'Battle Above the Clouds' got its name from the dense fog that often envelops the mountain.
  • Consider visiting Cravens House and Sunset Rock for a more comprehensive experience of the Lookout Mountain Battlefield.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Driving

    From downtown Chattanooga, follow Broad Street/US-41 S, which becomes Cummings Highway. Turn left onto TN-148 N/Lookout Mountain Scenic Hwy and continue to the top of Lookout Mountain. Turn right onto East Brow Road. The Lookout Mountain Battlefield Visitor Center and Point Park entrance will be on your right. Parking is free at the Point Park lot behind the Visitor Center, but it fills quickly. Metered street parking is also available.

  • Incline Railway

    From downtown Chattanooga, take the Lookout Mountain Incline Railway to the top of the mountain. From the Incline station, it's a short walk to Point Park. Follow the signs and enjoy the scenic views along the way. A one-way ticket on the Incline Railway costs around $18 for adults and $10 for children.

Unlock the Best of Lookout Mountain Civil War Battlefield

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about Lookout Mountain Civil War Battlefield

The Lookout Mountain Civil War Battlefield, primarily interpreted through Point Park, commemorates the intense fighting that took place here in 1863 during the Chattanooga Campaign. As part of the larger Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park, this site offers visitors a chance to explore a key location in the Union's effort to break the Confederate siege of Chattanooga. The main focus of the battlefield is Point Park, a 10-acre memorial that sits on the mountain's strategic point. Here, you'll find monuments, historic tablets, and Confederate artillery positions, all telling the story of the 'Battle Above the Clouds'. The Ochs Memorial Observatory within the park features exhibits on Civil War signaling, photography, and the stunning Moccasin Bend view. The park also features the New York Peace Memorial, erected to symbolize reconciliation between Union and Confederate veterans. Just outside Point Park is the Lookout Mountain Battlefield Visitor Center, where exhibits detail the siege of Chattanooga and battles for the city. A highlight is the 13- by 30-foot James Walker painting, 'The Battle of Lookout Mountain'. While exploring the mountain, don't miss other historical sites like the Cravens House, which served as a headquarters for both Confederate and Union forces during the conflict. Visitors can explore more than 30 miles of hiking trails crisscrossing Lookout Mountain, offering different perspectives of the battlefield and surrounding landscape. Sunset Rock, on the western side of the mountain, provides views of the Wauhatchie Battlefield.

Popular Experiences near Lookout Mountain Civil War Battlefield

Popular Hotels near Lookout Mountain Civil War Battlefield

Select Currency