Lookout Mountain Incline Railway

So this somehow made it on my bucket list, although near the bottom of the bucket it was still something I had planned to do at some point. Today could of been the perfect time to mark it off, arriving less than 10 minutes before the last trip up the mountain we found no lines, actually only three older ladies and someone’s grandson made the trip up with us. So we pay the $ 30 dollars for two adults just as the conductor yelled «all aboard». We chose to grab two seats at the back or is it the front of the trolley to get an unobstructed view of the track and emerging view as the trolley climbed the steep incline (definitely the best seats going up or down). As the conductor shouted out some interesting facts that have seemed to escape me for this review I do remember his instructions; that this is the last trip up and will also be the last trip down and the trolley will only remain at the top station about 8 minutes so remember this if you have any interest in hanging out at the top, of course this only comes into play if you’re on the last ascend.
Well to be honest this was more than enough time to climb the 2 flights of stairs after exiting the trolley to access the viewing area and to go inside the gift shop and smash a few souvenir pennies. After making our way back to the parking lot once it was all over we laughed about how this penny smashing experience could have been the most expensive ever. Ohhhh before I forget — the ride up is exhilarating although the track elevation is constantly changing so does the pitch so by no means is it a straight incline it does do some stair stepping and only the last stretch do you really feel the steepness everyone is concerned about. As you’d expect the top has some pretty awesome views and a gift shop filled with everything you’d ever want to stick on your refrigerator. The trip down seems to go much faster although the descend is roughly about the same amount of time as the trip up. Is it worth it? Sure it is, it’s kind of like between taking the Cog Train across the top of the Swiss Alps and riding the Polar Express in the Cuyahoga Valley in Ohio, I’ve done both and I’d say it probably closer to the Polar Express without the cookies and milk…

Came may 2016 go the last ride of the day. Was only a few people on the ride. I thought it was overpriced for what you got. You go up a mountain and then only have 10 minutes before u need to catch the train to go back down.

I was a bit skeptical because it was sooooo steep! However there’s no way you can go to Chattanooga and not do a mountain activity so I did and I am very happy I pushed my fear aside. It was slow and steady and the views from the top are amazing!!!

The kids loved it. I could have skipped it. The history was interesting but the line was incredibly long and the ride so short. Once your at the top there isn’t anything to do but look out (which you can drive up there and do) or go to point park and pay $ 5 per adult. There just wasn’t anything remarkable once you rode it to the top and the price was high in my opinion. Ultimately the kids loved it and I would pay almost any price for that. Their memories are invaluable.

The view is spectacular!!! Make sure to go well before closing so you have plenty of time to explore at the top of the mountain. Had a wonderful time!

I adore this ride. I’ve gone many times. But today was sooooo disappointing. One whole side of the windows is hazy. So a rider can’t see clearly what is outside! The view is terribly altered!
This is the whole point — to see the beautiful mountain!
The inside was dirty
The heater was cock-​eyed; it looked like was falling off the wall
Where is the TLC and maintenance?
Please replace the Windows. That’s terrible people can’t see well out of them. Thank you!

Incline Railway up to Lookout Mountain is a great time! It’s the first thing me and my father did when we arrived in Chattanooga, Tennessee. There weren’t any lines, we bought tickets and hopped on the first railway car up to the top. I must say the incline/​decline is pretty steep and it’s remarkable how you traverse the railway. The ride up to Lookout Mountain is about 15 – 20 minutes and the operator speaks to you and explains all about the incline railway.
Once you arrive at the top, the views of the state of Tennessee are nice. I believe you could see farther into other states… which you do when you visit Rock City Gardens… which I found the views to be much grander. We did have a relatively clear day. We spent about a half hour at the top of Lookout Mountain, got some souvenirs and went back down on the railway.
Lookout Mountain Incline Railway is definitely a unique and worthwhile experience. I enjoyed my time taking the railway up and down Lookout Mountain and the views up top were refreshing! Definitely do this when you’re in Chattanooga!

This was a very beautiful ride ‼truely enjoyed the serene view. At the top of lookout mountain we enjoyed the walk and observatory decks

I went yesterday with my husband and kids and I personally hated it. I knew it was going up a steep mountain but I didn’t know I would be so scared. I had an anxiety attack when I got off but at least my husband and son liked it.

This ride is over priced. I would probably pay half of what I paid. I also had to pay for parking which was $ 2. Since this was my first time in Chattanooga, I was open to try everything. The trolley was worn out and the windows on the right side were all foggy and defected. My unlucky self sat on the unfortunate side and had to basically look either in front of me to get a better view. The top has a little gift shop with souvenirs and a candy bakery. I did enjoy the view at the top were all the telescope things were. It was a great view and had many balconies to look from without it being crowded.

We had a great time riding round-​trip on the incline, from bottom to top and then back down. While on top at Lookout Mountain, there’s plenty to do! We visited Lookout Mountain National Military Park and took a guided tour with a park ranger. It was misty and lightly raining, just like the weather during the «Battle in the Clouds» of the Civil War. Be sure to visit the Ochs Museum on the Park grounds — it’s a short walk down the hill at the point. Also stop by the Park’s Visitor Center — nice little museum and gift shop. A nice walk back to the incline through a nice neighborhood — beautiful houses!
There’s also a snack shop and souvenir shop at the incline station on Lookout Mountain. Interesting old photos of the original wooden incline and how it progressed through the years. Go to the lower floor and see the room where the gears and machinery are and how they actually operate the railway.

The ride up the railway itself is cool, but you can’t really see the view from the train (and it’s hot in the cart). Once at the top, there is nothing to do except the Battlefield of Chattanooga and the little gift shop. There should be other attractions up here to make the trip really worth it. If you drive up here, you can get to the observation decks for free. The worst part is waiting for the train to go back down. The lines were so long we had to wait about 40 minutes to get to our car. Not sure if I’d do this again with my grandkids lol

This was a cool ride but just too much waiting, especially at the top, waiting to go down. And the $ 15 for the ten minute ride up and ten minute ride down is a bit much. I’m thinking maybe $ 8 or so would be more appropriate. I remember when I was a young kid riding the incline in Pittsburgh. I think they’re fairly similar. I just checked their website and see the fare is only $ 5.
The observation deck at the top is very cool with an awesome view of Chattanooga.

Wonderful experience! A def must do if you’re in the area. Yeah, people complain about the tickets being pricey but I think it’s worth every penny.
Granted, the view out the windows wasn’t spectacular, but the ride itself was so much fun!
The observation deck at the top offered incredible views of the area.

It was definitely an experience. The train is so odd. Has to be for the incline. It was so neat though. I loved it. I loved all the facts on the way up. I felt like I knew a lot more once I got to my destination which made it more enjoyable. Make sure if you sit in the very front to sit on the right side. A poorly placed propane tank made for an unenjoyable ride down. I definitely recommend for families and single folks alike.

I did enjoy the ride up the mountain (even though I wish it weren’t so residential and developed at the top).
Trains seem to run about every 20 minutes. Once at the top there are fairly good views of the city and river below (assuming it’s a clear day). The station at the top is within easy walking distance of Point Park as well.
It rained the night before we took the tram and some of the seats were wet. Also, you could see areas where water had stained or discolored places in the car, which is a shame. The owners should really do a better job of maintaining things.
I had expected more nature and history with less residential development, but that’s really beyond their control.
Though you can drive up to the top and park, I think it’s a neat little piece of history despite some of the issues.

Thoroughly terrifying when you first board from the top, but then gentle and fun. Probably better to park and board from the bottom since it takes a bit of driving to reach the top.

This place was just ok. Not really worth the expense or the wait (the trains run every 30 mins or so, which usually means a decent wait both going up and going down).
You can drive to Point Park at the top of Lookout Mountain, and all you have to pay is (inexpensive) parking. It’s a beautiful drive to get up there, and since Point Park is a main attraction of taking the railway, you get most of the benefit without the hassle or cost.
Unless you have a kid who is obsessed with trains, save your dough for Rock City (which is a hilarious attraction worth checking out). If you’re really curious about the railway, you can watch the train come and go from the observation deck at the top station without having to buy a ticket.

This funicular is funky old (since 1895… stellar engineering, I’d say) and very steep… especially after it hits Scenic.
1400 something odd feet ascension and 1 mile in length… completely memorable ride to get atop Lookout Mountain. just minutes away from city center.
Loved it… the wait getting down the mountain can be quite long, and it can also get rather windy and chilly up there, waiting.
Allow you to sit on the steps, if one doesn’t want to wait for next car, and doesn’t mind braving shoe dirt on bum.
Amazing views… pretty at Point Park… there are 2 stops. we took the one at the base, in historic St Elmo town…
after eating, we literally went INTO the mountain to Ruby Falls, and marveled agog at some more spectacular sights… this time a waterfall emanating from within the mountain, its source. to this day, unknown. amazing stuff.
Chattanooga is such a beautiful, chill city… 4^th largest in state of TN. Such a very popular place for families to bring young kids… even toddlers. everything goes slowly on this rail. There is popcorn, fudge, candy, chocolate for sale at the depot up top.
$ 5 all day parking at St Elmo Station down below.
1:40 easy, easy drive from ATL.

The train claims to be the steepest incline in the world at 70-​some degrees. It is quite steep. It’s a fun 15 – 20 minute ride. At the top and bottom there’s only one track but in the middle there are two that allow the two trains to pass when one is going up the mountain and the other coming down.
On either side of the tracks on your way up or down are houses, some of them are not in the best of shape. There is even a hole in the wall general store about halfway up. At the top of the mountain there are nicer houses in what appears to be the «old money» section.
It’s kind of cheesy but still it was a fun ride. At the top, they encourage you to walk 3 blocks to the Point Park which is a confederate war memorial park. There is a bit of history here and there are also great views. There’s also a $ 3 charge for that on the honor system.
At both top and bottom there’s a gift store. At the bottom there are other shops and restaurants you can walk to. There is paid parking at both ends. The top has meters, the bottom is a lot but it’s closely watched so make sure you pay for the right space. You may get towed otherwise!
Overall, great ride. Everyone should try it at least once!