4786. Take the Incline Railway up to the top of Lookout Mountain in Chattanooga

 I wanted to go to the top of Lookout Mountain. I wasn't sure if the hubby could do the incline railway because of how steep it was. On the other hand, I wasn't sure if he would be able to drive to the top either. This was going to be the lesser of two evils situation. He said he should be able to handle the incline railway.

Lookout Mountain Incline Railway has been carrying passengers up and down Lookout Mountain for over 125 years. It is known as America's Most Amazing Mile. Lookout Mountain Incline Railway is open daily 9-6 (7 on weekends). It is closed on Mondays during the off season. It is $22/person to ride the incline railway. Parking in the lot by Lookout Mountain Incline Railway is $3 for 3 hours. It is small lot and there is other public parking within walking distance. We got lucky and were able to park in the lot adjacent to the incline railway.

Lookout Mountain Incline Railway takes about 10 minutes to get to the top. It is fairly easy ride. Until the last 1/3 and then you hit a grade of 72.7% which is 17.3% degrees away from being completely vertical. The hubby did not like that part at all. He did well with the rest. I'll be honest, that last section was a bit steep. 

Once we got to the top of Lookout Mountain, we walked to Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park. We did not going to Point Park because of the additional fee. We looked through the stone fence and saw into the grounds. I saw a cannon. I was good. 

Before we boarded the railway to head back down, we went up to the observation deck. What a gorgeous view. It is said you can see 6 or 7 states. It was quite hazy so didn't get to see them all. The hubby had issues with the observation deck and I didn't a chance to go all the way to the top. 

We wanted to check out the engine room but didn't find it. I suppose we had to take the elevator. 

The ride down was a piece of cake. At one point we passed the other car that is heading up the mountain (just as we did on the way up). That's always fun.

I'm glad we had enough time to ride the Lookout Mountain Incline Railway. It was definitely worth the experience. Even if you don't like heights, you should be able to handle this ride. The hubby did.