Rock City officially opened as a public attraction on May 21, 1932, during the Great Depression. Soon after the opening, the founder Garnet Carter enlisted the help of a young sign painter named Clark Byers, who was hired to travel the nation’s highways and offer to paint farmer’s barns in exchange for letting him paint three simple words: See Rock City. The distinctive black-and-white signs appeared as far north as Michigan and as far west as Texas. These paintings can still be seen today in various locations throughout the nation.
Only six miles from Chattanooga, Tennessee, sitting pretty atop Lookout Mountain is a true marvel of nature featuring ancient rock formations, many gardens exhibiting more than 400 different native species of plants, and spectacular panoramic views. Offering exploration of many marvels including the Grand Corridor and being able to thread yourself through the amazing Needle’s Eye, as well as the chance to see the seven states that Rock City is so famed for. Not forgetting the breathtaking Swing-A-Long Bridge or for the weaker at heart the rock-solid Stone Bridge. Both bridges allow for the same spectacular view of the valleys below. Don’t forget to make you wish upon the 140-foot High Falls and see if you can catch a glimpse of Stone Face that is keeping watch over the Chattanooga Valley and Missionary Ridge. Next make sure and visit the amazing Lover’s Leap (or Eagle’s Nest) and enjoy the extraordinary view. And if you have your youngsters enjoying the adventure, don’t miss Fairyland Caverns or the Mother Goose Village, where your little one while sure to be amazed. And on your way out, don’t forget to stop by the wonderful Gift Shop where you can buy a world famous See Rock City birdhouse as well as many other souvenirs that will forever remind you of this wonderful trip.
Your visit to Rock City can take you all day so why not come early and have a biscuit and a fresh hot cup of coffee at the Big Rock Grill before your magnificent journey among the massive boulders begin. Your journey will take you through many formations and adventures, most of which have been named over the years. Just follow the 4100-foot stone walking path that winds through this boulders and is surrounded by natural geological and botanical wonders. Your adventure will invite you to explore formations like the Grand Corridor, thread yourself through the amazing Needle’s Eye, the breathtaking Swing-A-Long Bridge or for the weaker at heart the rock-solid Stone Bridge. No matter your course, both bridges stand to offer the same magnificent view of the Chattanooga Valley. Also don’t forget to make a wish while you are admiring the 140-foot High Falls and see if you can catch a glimpse of Stone Face that is keeping watch over the Chattanooga Valley and Missionary Ridge. Next make sure and visit Lover’s Leap or Eagle’s Nest and enjoy the extraordinary view. And lastly if you are young or young at heart you don’t want to miss Fairyland Caverns or the Mother Goose Village, where you are sure to be amazed. On your way out, don’t forget to stop by the wonderful Gift Shop where you can buy a world famous See Rock City birdhouse!
The Grand Corridor.
Just as the name would suggest this serves as the entrance to things to come in the wonders that lie ahead of you upon entering Rock City. The Great Corridor was created by the elements of nature over millions of years, this is the first of many amazing photo opportunities for you to enjoy.
Needle Eye
The amazing Needle’s Eye will have you shoulder to shoulder with immaculate boulders that allow only slivers of sunlight to penetrate in the dark shadows of the rocks below and causing the strong winds to produce a mighty howl as it comes whistling through the narrow passage.
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Deer Park
Have you ever wondered where Santa’s reindeer rested? Well now you know the secret. Step to the edge of the rocks and gaze down upon the Park. Visitors often catch a glimpse of not just one, but two species of deer wandering about.
Swing-A-Long Bridge/rock-solid Stone Bridge
This amazing swinging adventure provides visitors with both a challenge and a breathtaking view of the valleys. This marvel stretches 180 feet through the blue sky. For many the key to navigating this is easy, DON’T LOOK DOWN!
Lovers Leap/ Eagle’s Nest
According to folklore and many locals, a young brave named Sautee fell deeply in love with Nacoochee, a beautiful Cherokee maiden. Nacoochee loved Sautee as well, but their tribes were engaged in a bitter feud. The two finally ran away together, but Sautee was soon captured by the Cherokee and thrown from the tip of Lover’s Leap. The despairing maiden soon followed her lover, leaping to her own death far below.
Having weddings at this location is also acceptable although they do not make the arrangements for this and only allow a small party to attend due to the traffic of others enjoying the Gardens. Although if getting married at Rock City and experiencing the breath taking views for you and your guest, Rock City has purchased Grandview to cater to weddings, receptions, and those special occasions. Grandview is a 4100 square foot facility that is the prefect place to hold such events, and is located adjacent to Rock City Gardens producing the most breath taking views. Although due to the nature of use, Grandview is available for a fee.
This location is also famous for “seeing seven states” where it is said you can view Georgia, Tennessee, Alabama, North and South Carolina, Virginia, and Kentucky.
Fat Man Squeeze
Legend has it that gnomes and elves used to hold large seasonal gatherings in a clearing on the far side of this boulder, thinking that they were safe from the curious eyes of humans. After realizing how many humans were able to wiggle through, the Little Ones retreated to a more private meeting place deep within the forest.
1,000-Ton Balanced Rock
No matter which angle you choose for admiring this curiosity, it is simply mind boggling. The Rock perches atop the two points of its tiny base as if it has been there forever. Have wind, water, and time simply worn away the bottom, or is there another explanation? Only the gnomes know the answer.
During the various seasons and holiday, Rock City offers even more enchantment.
With autumn being in the air, Rock City’s Enchanted Maize is open and Rocktoberfest is underway celebrating German heritage with food music and fun. Then as those events are winding down, yet another fantasyland is opening known as the Enchanted Garden of Lights – Rock City’s Christmas attraction.
The Enchanted Maize Maze, which runs from the end of September to the end of October, winds through Blowing Springs Farm cornfield located at the foot of Lookout Mountain. As you are having fun exploring the many trails winding through this cornfield, your answers to the questions located at each signpost determine whether you will find your way out or if you will become a victim to the maize. This is a new educational experience and fun for all ages. Also featured along with the maize, they offer hayrides, a playground, farm animals, snack bar, drinks, the See Rock City Barn, and much more.
Rocktoberfest is the celebration of German heritage at Rock City with food and fun being presented by Big River Grille and Brewing Works. This event is located in Rock City Square that has been transformed for the celebration. You are invited to join in the celebration taking in the music and food.
The Enchanted Garden of Lights Presented by Rock City Gardens runs from November into the first of January, except for Christmas Eve night. My guess is that they have to close so Santa can sneak the deer away. This light extravaganza is award winning and has been features more than 25 holiday scenes that transform the daytime garden into a splendid fantasyland.
The admission price for this wonderful adventure is a mere $14.95 for adults and $7.95 for children three to twelve, or for a better value get a combination ticket allowing you to see Rock City, Ruby Falls, and the Incline Railway for just $38.00 for adult and $19.00 for kids. Children under the age of three are free, although due to the narrow passageways strollers aren’t allowed. And during special events, such as Enchanted Maize and Garden of Lights, admission is subject to change. To me, if you want the best of both worlds, purchasing tickets to explore and ramble during the day as well as entering the fantasyland at night, which would be the way to experience it all.
Information about specific formations and events gathered from www.seerockcity.com.
