I’ve seen the barns all along Highway 75 (and beyond) with the simple message: “See Rock City” for years. I even looked it up a few times. But honestly, I avoided going for a long time because I thought that it was just a kitschy tourist trap. When I finally decided to just try it, I quickly realized how wrong I had been. It’s actually a really beautiful place to spend an afternoon. The rock formations are spectacular, there is a waterfall, and the views are amazing.
Rock City began as Frieda Carter’s effort to create “a rock garden to end all rock gardens.”
She planted beautiful plants and flowers all around the garden, created a pathway that led to the waterfall, and even placed gnomes here and there along the way. Her interest in European folklore is what led to the fairytale-like feel of the gardens.
It officially opened to the public on May 21, 1932. The Fairyland Caverns and Mother Goose Village were added some time later, in keeping with Frieda’s love of stories. And there are now “more than 400 different species of native wildflowers, shrubs, and trees.”
The “Swing-A-Long” bridge was scary for me at first.
There comes a point on the path where you can either walk across a stone bridge or across what’s known as the Swing-A-Long bridge – an almost 200-foot suspension bridge that is about 40 feet above the creek below. As someone who has a tendency to be nervous about heights, neither one looked that appealing. I was determined to face my fear that day though.
I waited until no one else was around, so that no one else would be walking across the bridge at the same time. I walked slowly, so as not to move the bridge too much. And I’m pretty sure I held my breath the whole time across – which, in hindsight wasn’t the best idea. Haha! But…I did it! It was a small thing, that was big to me, and I was proud of myself for making it across.
It’s impossible for me to pick just one spot that was my favorite, because it all felt extremely magical in its own way.
I love rocks, trees, moss, flowers, water, pretty doors, magical fairytales, and beautiful views, so this place was like heaven for me. (Except the bridge. That was a test. Haha!)
The Lover’s Leap waterfall was flowing strong that day.
This is a manmade waterfall that is about 140 feet high.
Rock City Gardens – 1400 Patten Rd., Lookout Mountain, GA 30750.
Rock City’s address is in Georgia, but it’s on the same road as Ruby Falls, and in the same area as the Incline Railway – the St. Elmo neighborhood of Chattanooga, TN. People can get into some hot debates about whether it’s actually in TN or GA, but either way, it’s well worth visiting at least once.
They have special events throughout the year, if you’re interested, as well. I personally would love to go experience the Enchanted Garden of Lights for Christmas. Perhaps this is my reminder to add it to my list of places to go for the holiday season this year.
And if you’re looking for other things to do while you’re in the Chattanooga area, here’s a list of some of the fun things I’ve done.