If you go for Christmas, realize that about half of the place is closed until 4:30 PM; they won't tell you that when you buy tickets at 3 PM; many of the Christmas kit trails aren't available so they just turn off the signs that have maps to guide you through what is otherwise a poorly labeled. Don't go expecting the Cafe 7 to be something special; it's a walk up window with concession type food, half of which they won't have anyway. (Note that I write this hungry and after walking around for an hour and a half waiting on things to open)
Lindsay H.
Our family of five spent our first night in Chatt at the Enchanted Garden of Lights at Rock City/Lookout Mountain. We purchased timed tickets at the beginning of October for viewing the lights a week before Christmas and paid about $120 for two adults and three kids. There is plenty of free parking in the nearby lots but it is so poorly marked and lit that cars spaced themselves out far too wide and it takes awhile to weave around an find a car-sized opening. We arrived about 20 minutes prior to our ticket time and were let in 15 min prior. Bundle up if seeing these lights around the holidays as it is extra cold and windy atop the mountain.I loved the Arctic Kingdom was my favorite with blue twinkle lights and penguins. The (almost) unanimous favorite of the exhibits was the Fairytale Land, which takes you into caverns below and has black lit fairy tale stories shown throughout in large diorama form. You end with a really large exhibit. Note that this section (and many others) have LOTS of stairs and tight quarters with rock formations. I do not recommend this if you have physical limitations. In addition, do not bring a stroller here. I saw many couples arguing and near tears because they had to carry strollers up and down long flights of narrow and slippery stairs. We enjoyed this place but don't plan on making this a tradition for the holidays. I would like to come back during daylight in the Fall, however. I'm sure it is gorgeous.
Christian T.
Horrible customer service and experience purchasing tickets. My family and I love visiting Rock City and experiencing the lights during Christmas time. We were so excited to see the lights this Christmas, however we won't get to take the kids this year due to the worst online process I've ever seen. When I tried to purchase tickets last night for a certain time, there were 55 slots available, but the online portal gave me an constant error time after time. I called this afternoon to ask for help since the online ticketing portal was not working. I explained my issue to the person on the other line, so they transferred me to a different department. Instead of the phone transferring, they hung up on me. I called back several times but no answer. I called back at a few minutes later and still no answer. I finally was able to get a hold of someone this afternoon. Once I got a hold of someone, she was so rude. I could not finish explaining my issue before Lourie got defensive and rude with me. All I wanted was a little help with purchasing tickets for my family since the online system was not working for me. She raised her voice for no reason and told me that I was out of luck.I understand that the time I was looking at going was sold out, but for a costumer service person to raise their voice at me because I had a simple question is totally out of line. She did the same thing to my fiancé a few minutes after getting off the phone with me about a different subject. My fiancé needed to ask a question about tickets unrelated to my situation because we were looking at other night. She again raised her voice at my fiancé for asking a simple question. It was quite honestly the rudest costumer service I have ever received.Also, the ticketing software needs an upgrade online. It never really works and I always have to call for help. Last year's costumer service person was so great and understanding. Too bad they hired the grinch this year...
Ashley D.
Haven't been here since I was a child and it was a memorable experience. Got to bring my family for their first experience and everyone loved it. It was a great experience with a great view.You have "needle point" and "fat mans squeeze" which are short but narrow pathways. Don't worry, most adults can get through just fine! Then there's the lookout where you can see 7 states at one point. Then you have the option of walking the stone bridge or swing bridge (or do both if you wish). There's a little cave area with gnomes as well as an area that's a "cave" with a gemstone/crystal wall. Like I said, lots of "pretty" things to check out along with great photo opportunities.The walk is easy and not rough. Roughest part to us was the walk back to our car in the parking lot because of the slight incline. Otherwise most people should be able to walk it without issue.You can also do the inclined railway for an additional fee.The grounds are kept clean. The staff we encountered was friendly. Hope to come back again in the future.
Bruce K.
Quite magical and a perfect place to go with kids. I came here during Labor Day weekend and honestly, I thought it was great. Note though, if you have a stroller, it's not going to happen here. You'll have to either carry your kid/toddler or they're going to have to walk through the whole area and you can easily spend about 2 hours going through the whole walk.There are a good amount of steps, so it's good to know that before going. If you have any physical disabilities or difficulties, this might be a place where you skip. There are a lot of magical places though that I found that all the toddlers and kids that we went with enjoyed. There are also cramped spaces where the rocks are very narrow, that you'll have to either duck or slip through sideways. Otherwise, it's pretty open as far as walkways goes.Overall, a great experience and would recommend if you have never been and you want to see some curated pieces and read stories about the area.
Julianne R.
Tip: Book online for convenience and pick the earliest time on a weekday for the best chance at no crowds.If you've been here before, I recommend going to a special event like Rocktober or doing it in the dark for a different experience. However, if it's your first time, daytime is best!It took me 1.5 hrs to go through the full loop. There's plenty to see and take pictures of. What a great place to take in the scenery and breathe out your worries! Navigating the place is super easy; all you gotta do is follow the red doors and signs.This family-friendly tourist attraction is well worth it!
Rachel L.
It's totally a tourist trap, but that doesn't take away from the natural beauty and wonderful views this place offers.Just 15 minutes or so south of downtown Chattanooga, Rock City is a great spot to explore and it's worth the admission at least once if you haven't been before. Buy tickets in advance if you can as the line is quite long. Be prepared for crowds, and maybe do a few sit-ups before you go.... a few of those rocks you have to slide between are quite narrow!
Davida B.
I'd definitely recommend a visit here. I love solo day trips and this was part of my weekend trip. The rock garden is beautiful, so much to see. About 3/4 - 1 mile stroll. There are some really tight squeezes between boulders, that was pretty fun.
Vanessa N.
This was actually an enjoyable family experience. It took us about 2 hrs to complete with a couple of toddlers. This is not a stroller friendly activity. You can bring a stroller and park it at the gift shop. Otherwise, the toddlers were all held.The one downside is that as the pathways were narrow, the pace can be a bit slow depending on the people in front of you. The swing along bridge wasn't bad, but those with squeamish little ones who might throw themselves back while being held, I suggest taking the alternative rock bridge.
Grace R.
I came here as a kid when I was about 10 years old, but now wanted to show it to my husband. It did not disappoint. This was by far our favorite thing to do in Chattanooga.You can rush through and do it in just over an hour, or you can really savor it and spend over 2.5 hours (even longer if you do conceals or lunch here). I enjoyed the nostalgia to see the Mushroom Rock again, the wooden suspension bridge, the 1000 Ton balanced rock, Lovers Leap, and of course Fairytale and Mother Goose Land. We marveled at everything and loved it. I would love to come back and show my kids and grandkids.
Typical American fast food fare. It's overpriced, but they're on top of a mountain and have no real competition.
Saleh Al-Daeri
(Translated by Google) excellent(Original)ممتاز
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Margie B.
Fun for most but if you're claustrophobic I don't recommend the falls. Beautiful scenic paths.
Anni L.
Mesmerizing walk up and through the Rock City Garden! Pet-friendly and kid-friendly, plenty of parking, great views and exciting new entertainment throughout the year!
Allison C.
Native Chattanoogan here... Rock City has changed so much over the years and I feel like recently it's lost some of its spark. They've removed the deer which was always fun to see and many of the hidden gnomes are gone. I do appreciate the timed tickets now so you're not forced to be with masses of people. The Fairyland Caverns needs a massive update though and I would love to see more sitting areas with the scenic views. Overall I feel like once you've gone once there is no need to go again. If you're local, use your tickets to purchase a year pass and see the Christmas lights for free!!
If you go for Christmas, realize that about half of the place is closed until 4:30 PM; they won't tell you that when you buy tickets at 3 PM; many of the Christmas kit trails aren't available so they just turn off the signs that have maps to guide you through what is otherwise a poorly labeled. Don't go expecting the Cafe 7 to be something special; it's a walk up window with concession type food, half of which they won't have anyway. (Note that I write this hungry and after walking around for an hour and a half waiting on things to open)
Our family of five spent our first night in Chatt at the Enchanted Garden of Lights at Rock City/Lookout Mountain. We purchased timed tickets at the beginning of October for viewing the lights a week before Christmas and paid about $120 for two adults and three kids. There is plenty of free parking in the nearby lots but it is so poorly marked and lit that cars spaced themselves out far too wide and it takes awhile to weave around an find a car-sized opening. We arrived about 20 minutes prior to our ticket time and were let in 15 min prior. Bundle up if seeing these lights around the holidays as it is extra cold and windy atop the mountain.I loved the Arctic Kingdom was my favorite with blue twinkle lights and penguins. The (almost) unanimous favorite of the exhibits was the Fairytale Land, which takes you into caverns below and has black lit fairy tale stories shown throughout in large diorama form. You end with a really large exhibit. Note that this section (and many others) have LOTS of stairs and tight quarters with rock formations. I do not recommend this if you have physical limitations. In addition, do not bring a stroller here. I saw many couples arguing and near tears because they had to carry strollers up and down long flights of narrow and slippery stairs. We enjoyed this place but don't plan on making this a tradition for the holidays. I would like to come back during daylight in the Fall, however. I'm sure it is gorgeous.
Horrible customer service and experience purchasing tickets. My family and I love visiting Rock City and experiencing the lights during Christmas time. We were so excited to see the lights this Christmas, however we won't get to take the kids this year due to the worst online process I've ever seen. When I tried to purchase tickets last night for a certain time, there were 55 slots available, but the online portal gave me an constant error time after time. I called this afternoon to ask for help since the online ticketing portal was not working. I explained my issue to the person on the other line, so they transferred me to a different department. Instead of the phone transferring, they hung up on me. I called back several times but no answer. I called back at a few minutes later and still no answer. I finally was able to get a hold of someone this afternoon. Once I got a hold of someone, she was so rude. I could not finish explaining my issue before Lourie got defensive and rude with me. All I wanted was a little help with purchasing tickets for my family since the online system was not working for me. She raised her voice for no reason and told me that I was out of luck.I understand that the time I was looking at going was sold out, but for a costumer service person to raise their voice at me because I had a simple question is totally out of line. She did the same thing to my fiancé a few minutes after getting off the phone with me about a different subject. My fiancé needed to ask a question about tickets unrelated to my situation because we were looking at other night. She again raised her voice at my fiancé for asking a simple question. It was quite honestly the rudest costumer service I have ever received.Also, the ticketing software needs an upgrade online. It never really works and I always have to call for help. Last year's costumer service person was so great and understanding. Too bad they hired the grinch this year...
Haven't been here since I was a child and it was a memorable experience. Got to bring my family for their first experience and everyone loved it. It was a great experience with a great view.You have "needle point" and "fat mans squeeze" which are short but narrow pathways. Don't worry, most adults can get through just fine! Then there's the lookout where you can see 7 states at one point. Then you have the option of walking the stone bridge or swing bridge (or do both if you wish). There's a little cave area with gnomes as well as an area that's a "cave" with a gemstone/crystal wall. Like I said, lots of "pretty" things to check out along with great photo opportunities.The walk is easy and not rough. Roughest part to us was the walk back to our car in the parking lot because of the slight incline. Otherwise most people should be able to walk it without issue.You can also do the inclined railway for an additional fee.The grounds are kept clean. The staff we encountered was friendly. Hope to come back again in the future.
Quite magical and a perfect place to go with kids. I came here during Labor Day weekend and honestly, I thought it was great. Note though, if you have a stroller, it's not going to happen here. You'll have to either carry your kid/toddler or they're going to have to walk through the whole area and you can easily spend about 2 hours going through the whole walk.There are a good amount of steps, so it's good to know that before going. If you have any physical disabilities or difficulties, this might be a place where you skip. There are a lot of magical places though that I found that all the toddlers and kids that we went with enjoyed. There are also cramped spaces where the rocks are very narrow, that you'll have to either duck or slip through sideways. Otherwise, it's pretty open as far as walkways goes.Overall, a great experience and would recommend if you have never been and you want to see some curated pieces and read stories about the area.
Tip: Book online for convenience and pick the earliest time on a weekday for the best chance at no crowds.If you've been here before, I recommend going to a special event like Rocktober or doing it in the dark for a different experience. However, if it's your first time, daytime is best!It took me 1.5 hrs to go through the full loop. There's plenty to see and take pictures of. What a great place to take in the scenery and breathe out your worries! Navigating the place is super easy; all you gotta do is follow the red doors and signs.This family-friendly tourist attraction is well worth it!
It's totally a tourist trap, but that doesn't take away from the natural beauty and wonderful views this place offers.Just 15 minutes or so south of downtown Chattanooga, Rock City is a great spot to explore and it's worth the admission at least once if you haven't been before. Buy tickets in advance if you can as the line is quite long. Be prepared for crowds, and maybe do a few sit-ups before you go.... a few of those rocks you have to slide between are quite narrow!
I'd definitely recommend a visit here. I love solo day trips and this was part of my weekend trip. The rock garden is beautiful, so much to see. About 3/4 - 1 mile stroll. There are some really tight squeezes between boulders, that was pretty fun.
This was actually an enjoyable family experience. It took us about 2 hrs to complete with a couple of toddlers. This is not a stroller friendly activity. You can bring a stroller and park it at the gift shop. Otherwise, the toddlers were all held.The one downside is that as the pathways were narrow, the pace can be a bit slow depending on the people in front of you. The swing along bridge wasn't bad, but those with squeamish little ones who might throw themselves back while being held, I suggest taking the alternative rock bridge.
I came here as a kid when I was about 10 years old, but now wanted to show it to my husband. It did not disappoint. This was by far our favorite thing to do in Chattanooga.You can rush through and do it in just over an hour, or you can really savor it and spend over 2.5 hours (even longer if you do conceals or lunch here). I enjoyed the nostalgia to see the Mushroom Rock again, the wooden suspension bridge, the 1000 Ton balanced rock, Lovers Leap, and of course Fairytale and Mother Goose Land. We marveled at everything and loved it. I would love to come back and show my kids and grandkids.
Restaurantji Recommends
Typical American fast food fare. It's overpriced, but they're on top of a mountain and have no real competition.
(Translated by Google) excellent(Original)ممتاز
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Fun for most but if you're claustrophobic I don't recommend the falls. Beautiful scenic paths.
Mesmerizing walk up and through the Rock City Garden! Pet-friendly and kid-friendly, plenty of parking, great views and exciting new entertainment throughout the year!
Native Chattanoogan here... Rock City has changed so much over the years and I feel like recently it's lost some of its spark. They've removed the deer which was always fun to see and many of the hidden gnomes are gone. I do appreciate the timed tickets now so you're not forced to be with masses of people. The Fairyland Caverns needs a massive update though and I would love to see more sitting areas with the scenic views. Overall I feel like once you've gone once there is no need to go again. If you're local, use your tickets to purchase a year pass and see the Christmas lights for free!!