At the top of Lookout Mountain in Georgia is Rock City Gardens, located just six miles from Chattanooga, Tennessee. Though Rock City is a wonderland of mesmerizing trails, exotic gardens and striking views, there are other tourist attractions located less than eight miles from this historic site. Tourists in the area flock to such places as Lookout Mountain, Ruby Falls the Incline Railway and the Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga.
Lookout Mountain rises to the height of 1200 feet above ground. This panoramic scene spans the borders of Georgia and Tennessee. Historic views include Lover's Leap, the Seven State Flag Court and the etched-out cliff carving of Stone Face. Gigantic boulders and spectacular rock formations make up the scenic view on this mountain. Another awesome feature is the 100-foot cascading waterfall. Within the mountain are narrow passageways for explorers, like the Fat Man's Squeeze. To view the mountain's surroundings, visitors walk through winding trails and trod over swinging bridges or stationery ones made of brick. These walkways lead to observation decks, giving breathtaking views of six states---the Carolinas, Virginia, Kentucky, Tennessee and Georgia.
Chattanooga, Tennessee is the home of the Ruby Falls on top of Lookout Mountain. It is six miles from Rock City Gardens, Georgia. The falls was discovered in 1928, by Leo Lambert, who named the falls after his wife, Ruby. To see this 145-foot cascading waterfall, visitors have to take an 1100-foot elevator ride deep into the massive mountain. Along the ride, visitors are treated to spectacular views of mineral formations and onyx stalagmites along the way. The cavern stays at a constant 60 degrees year round. Lights and music surrounds the space, giving a dramatic effect as people walk behind the cascading waters, watching it descend into a pool.
Three miles from Rock City Gardens, the Incline Railway operates on Lookout Mountain. This 10-minute excursion is the steepest rail ride in the world. The train moves at a speed of ten miles per hour and travels back down a 72.7 percent incline from the top of the mountain. The rail ride goes over a few bridges as it moves up and down Lookout Mountain.
Today, the rail operates using two 100 horsepower motors. However, when the attraction first began operation, coal burning steam engines were used. Passengers can board this train at the upper station, located at Lookout Mountain, Tennessee, or they can jump on board at the lower station in Chattanooga.
All attractions surrounding Rock City Gardens extend beyond Lookout Mountain. The Tennessee Aquarium is located in downtown Chattanooga, just seven miles from Rock City Gardens. Two massive buildings --- Rivers Journey and Oceans Journey --- make up the Tennessee Aquarium. Oceans Journey is the saltwater aquarium, while Rivers Journey has both salt and fresh water environments.
Within Rivers Journey, an astonishing waterfall starts as rain coming from the Appalachian Mountains. By the time the rainwater makes it to Chattanooga, it becomes a rapid waterfall. Oceans Journey is the site of a tropical cove and Shark Island. This building houses stingrays, tiger sharks, sea horses and jellyfish. There's even a butterfly gallery showcasing species from around the world.
