Lookout Mountain, a hard-to-miss landmark that beckons over Chattanooga, offers breathtaking views of the valley and is home to iconic attractions such as Rock City, Ruby Falls, the Incline Railway, and Chickamauga & Chattanooga National Military Park. 

In addition, Lookout Mountain boasts a variety of outdoor activities for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike. Here are five must-try outdoor activities on Lookout Mountain that you don’t want to miss:

1. Hiking

Lace up your hiking boots and explore the variety of scenic trails atop Lookout Mountain. Spanning for miles, Lookout Mountain offers countless trail options that showcase the area’s natural beauty, including stunning rock formations, waterfalls, forests, and overlooks. 

To name a few of the more popular places to hike on the mountain:

Lula Lake

The Lula Lake Land Trust is a pristine area featuring a breathtaking waterfall, crystal-clear waters, and miles of scenic hiking trails. Open to the public on select weekends, it’s a perfect spot for hiking, picnicking, and soaking in the surroundings. Please note that it is important that you make a reservation ahead of time before visiting the area.

Cloudland Canyon State Park

Cloudland Canyon State Park sits on the western side of Lookout Mountain with 1,000-foot deep canyons, waterfalls and creeks. Offering approximately 64 miles of trails, Cloudland Canyon is great for hikers of all abilities. 

One of the easiest trails with arguably the best views is the Overlook Trail. With two main overlooks, this is a great spot to catch the beautiful fall foliage in autumn. 

Craven’s House

Looking for a little history on your hike? Craven’s House is a historic site that played a significant role in the Civil War’s “Battle Above the Clouds.” Built in 1855 by Robert Cravens, this house served as a strategic location during the battle. Today, it’s part of the Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park, where you can hike the surrounding trails and also get a glimpse into the past. 

2. Mountain Biking

For those who prefer two wheels over two feet, Lookout Mountain has a range of biking trails to explore. The mountain’s terrain offers various difficulty levels, from easy scenic paths to more challenging routes with steep inclines and technical sections. Here are just a few of our favorites:

Guild-Hardy Trail 

The Guild-Hardy Trail is a favorite among both hikers and bikers and known for its relatively gentle terrain and scenic views. Mostly made of gravel, the route runs on an old Chattanooga and Lookout Mountain Broad Gauge Railroad bed that moves along the east side of the mountain. Start this trail from Ochs Highway and pass under the Incline Railway, by Ruby Falls, and other historical markers for the Civil War. 

Cloudland Canyon State Park

If you’re looking for a good mix of mountain biking trails, check out the 30+ miles of single-track located within Cloudland Canyon State Park. The trails consist of easy, intermediate, and advanced sections with plenty of climbs and descents. Hop onto the trails from any of the multiple parking areas throughout the park. A popular place to begin is from the Five Points Trailhead.

​Durham Mine Trails

The Durham Mine Trails, located within the Lula Lake Land Trust’s Durham Property on Lookout Mountain, offer an exciting mountain biking experience steeped in history and natural beauty. This area, once a thriving coal-mining community active from the 1860s to the 1950s, has since been transformed into a 15-mile trail system that caters to bikers of all skill levels. The trails weave through a landscape that has healed from its industrial past, now flourishing with diverse wildlife, including Pink Lady Slippers and Pileated Woodpeckers. 

Key trails include the beginner-friendly DC&C trail, which follows an old railroad line, the Steam Shovel trail for advanced riders, with its challenging jumps and berms, and the Fuggett Branch trail, offering a thrilling descent into Fuggett Gulch. With accessible parking and even backcountry camping available, the Durham Mine Trails are a must-visit for mountain biking enthusiasts looking to explore both the rugged history and natural beauty of Lookout Mountain.

These are just some of the many places to go for a ride amidst the natural beauty of Lookout Mountain.

3. Rock Climbing

Chattanooga is a premier destination for rock climbing and Lookout Mountain has access to world-class climbing areas like Sunset Rock, with its breathtaking views and expansive cliffs. Whether you’re into sport or trad climbing or bouldering, Lookout Mountain’s provides endless opportunities for adventure. Here are a few popular crags:

Sunset Rock

Not only is Sunset Rock a great spot for relaxing while watching the sunset, it is also a very sought-after rock climbing area. With route development that began in the 1960s, climbing has become a popular activity at Sunset Rock, due to its world-class rock quality and range in route difficulty. Consisting of primarily trad and top rope routes, the area’s rock caters to climbers of all skill levels, from beginners to experienced climbers. After a climb, enjoy the panoramic sunset views that make this spot a favorite among climbers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Boulders on Old Wauhatchie Pike

The Boulders on Old Wauhatchie Pike, managed by the Lookout Mountain Conservancy (LMC), is located at the base of Lookout Mountain near Chattanooga’s St. Elmo neighborhood. This area offers quality bouldering for all skill levels, with easy access and proximity to town, making it an ideal spot for a quick after-work climb, a family outing, or a full session with friends. Its convenient location and diverse climbing routes make it a favorite among both locals and visitors.

Zahnd Wilderness Management Area

Zahnd is a hidden gem for boulders on Lookout Mountain in northwest Georgia. Spanning 163 acres, this quieter alternative to the more popular Rocktown offers climbers a peaceful retreat with plenty of quality southern sandstone to explore. A hunting or fishing license is required to access this area, with options for daily or annual passes that include camping. 

Hang Gliding

If you’ve ever dreamed of flying, then Lookout Mountain Flight Park (LMFP) is the place for you. Known as a premier destination for hang gliding and paragliding, LMFP offers instruction for beginner and experienced fliers from some of the world’s top USHPA-certified instructors. With more than 40 years of experience under the ownership of Matthew Taber, this family-run flight park has helped countless visitors achieve their flying dreams. 

5. Sightseeing

Don’t feel like going on a big adventure, but want to spend time outdoors? We have just the solution. Lookout Mountain is famous for its attractions, namely the three you see on billboards all over town and the state. If you’re wanting to see a waterfall in cave, ride up Lookout on a historic railroad, or explore beautiful gardens and See the Seven States, check out the places below.

Rock City Gardens

Rock City is a popular tourist attraction located on top of Lookout Mountain in Chattanooga. It is famous for its unique rock formations, breathtaking views, and enchanting gardens. Visitors can walk along the scenic trails and explore different attractions, including Lover’s Leap, Fat Man’s Squeeze, and the Swing-A-Long Bridge. 

The highlight of Rock City is the panoramic view of seven states from the top of Lookout Mountain. With its stunning natural beauty and captivating attractions, Rock City offers an unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages, making it a must-see destination in Chattanooga.

Visiting in the winter? The start of the holiday season always brings exciting change to the top of Lookout Mountain at Rock City. Every year, Rock City installs more than a million Christmas lights throughout its magical fairyland gardens. You can purchase tickets every year to the Enchanted Garden of Lights through their website. 

Incline Railway

The Incline Railway is a historic funicular railway that climbs up Lookout Mountain, offering spectacular views of the surrounding Cumberland Plateau and Chattanooga cityscape. It is one of the steepest passenger railways in the world, with a maximum gradient of 72.7%. The Incline Railway offers a unique experience for visitors as they ascend one mile above sea level to the top of Lookout Mountain. 

Ruby Falls

Enjoy a walking tour at Ruby Falls. Follow your guide through the cave to the breathtaking Ruby Falls. Take the glass elevator underground by 260 feet into the mountain, where you will find the tallest and deepest cave waterfall open to the public in the United States. 

Lookout Mountain is a treasure trove of outdoor activities, each offering its own unique experience. Whether you’re hiking, biking, climbing, or simply enjoying the views, this beautiful location is sure to provide an unforgettable adventure. So, pack your gear and get ready to explore all that Lookout Mountain has to offer!

Stay Overnight at Chanticleer Inn Bed & Breakfast

Are you planning a trip to Chattanooga and looking for the perfect place to stay? Look no further than the beautiful Chanticleer Inn Bed & Breakfast! Our inn offers comfortable accommodations and easy access to all the best attractions in the area. Whether you’re traveling with family, friends, or for business, our friendly staff is ready to make your stay unforgettable. Book your stay today and discover the outdoors from the comfort of our charming inn.