How to spend a long weekend in Chattanooga TN

One of my top long weekend getaway destinations has to be Chattanooga TN. This is the perfect melting pot of city enthusiast and nature lovers. Chattanooga is located along the Tennessee river bordering Georgia. It is also home to Lookout Mountain which should be on everybody's bucket list - I mean how often do you hear of an indoor waterfall?

How to get there: Chaap Chattanooga Airport - this is a smaller airport just outside of town with domestic flights across the US with United, American, Allegiant, and Delta Airlines. If your nearby airport does not offer flights the next best option is Hartsfield - Jackson Atlanta International Airport this is a major US Airport and is located just under 2 hours away from Chattanooga TN.

Day 1:

Stop One: Ride the Incline Railway (Mon-Sun 9AM-6PM) Prices range from $7.00 to $15.00.

This is a roundtrip ride starting at the bottom station (3917 St. Elmo Avenue).

The Incline Railway is one of the steepest passenger railways in the world also known as "America's Most Amazing Mile". This trip features a one mile track up the side of lookout mountain at a 72% grade (a slightly greater incline than an escalator). The top features an observation tower and giftshop.

While loading at the trolly at the bottom station is a time assigned endeavor the top station is essentially just a line to come back down since you can spend as much time as you would like at the top. Therefor I recommend doing this early in the day before the line at the top gets too long.

Stop Two: Ruby Falls

Cave Walk to Ruby Falls Tour - (Mon-Sun 8AM-8PM) Prices range from $14.00 to $25.00.

This next stop is actually located inside of lookout mountain. This is a guided tour which you descend 260 feet into the mountain and are guided through caverns trails. (Warning: It is dark and can feel claustrophobic in these caverns) The trails lead you to tallest and deepest cave waterfall open the public in the US. You will have approximately 15 minuets with your tour group to spend at the waterfall and take pictures before heading back.

This is a bucket list adventure that you need to see - how often do you get to go into a mountain for an indoor waterfall?!

Stop Three: Rock City Gardens

Hours varies based on the time of the year so always check their website for hour information: https://www.seerockcity.com/ Prices range from $13.00 to $22.00.

Rock City is 1700 feet above sea level about 6 miles from Chattanooga on the top of Lookout Mountain. It is home to the Rock City Gardens which is beautiful trail through rock formations, suspension bridge, and beautiful gardens. It is also home to the "Seven States Lookout" and a 100-foot waterfall cascading down the side of the mountain with many additional minor attractions throughout the self-guided trails.

Stop Four: Sunset Rock located on Lookout Mountain as I'm sure you can guess a perfect place to end the day and watch the sunset!

Day 2:

Stop One: Head into downtown Chattanooga for some amazing breakfast at the Maple Street Biscuit Company. Not only is this a great place to eat, but it located just a few blocks away from the Tennessee River. A perfect place to head after breakfast for a morning walk across the Walnut Street Bridge.

Stop Two: Tennessee Aquarium - Prices range from $22.00 to $35.00.

Sunday - Friday: 10 am - 5 pm

Saturday: 10 am - 6 pm

Home to thousands of species to my personal favorite a butterfly garden this is a must see stop for Adults and Kids.

Stop Three: Chattanooga Zoo- Prices range from $10.00 to $55.00.

Mon-Sun 9AM-5PM

While this zoo is small compared to most other located in the US it is still worth the trip to see. Home to many animals and exhibits there is always something to see here.