Lookout Mountain facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Lookout Mountain – High Point |
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Lookout Mountain as viewed from downtown Chattanooga
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 2,389 ft (728 m) NAVD 88 |
| Prominence | 1,532 ft (467 m) |
| Listing | Highest point in Walker County |
| Geography | |
 High Point
Location in Georgia (U.S. state)
High Point
Location in the United States
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| Location | Walker County, Georgia, U.S.A. |
| Parent range | Cumberland Plateau |
| Topo map | USGS Durham |
Lookout Mountain is a famous mountain ridge located where three U.S. states meet: Georgia, Alabama, and Tennessee. It sits near the city of Chattanooga. This mountain has a long history, including an 18th-century battle involving the Cherokees. It was also the site of an important battle during the American Civil War on November 24, 1863, known as the Battle of Lookout Mountain. Today, it's a popular spot for tourists, offering amazing views and fun attractions.
What's in a Name?
The name "Lookout Mountain" likely comes from a Creek word that means "rock rising to a point." This name has been used on maps for a long time, appearing as early as 1795.
Exploring Lookout Mountain's Geography
Northern and Eastern Slopes
Lookout Mountain and nearby Sand Mountain are part of the southern end of the Cumberland Plateau. This area was once covered by an ancient sea. Over millions of years, the land was lifted up and shaped by erosion.
The highest point of the mountain, called "High Point," is in Walker County, Georgia. It stands at about 2,392 feet (730 meters) above sea level. The lower parts of the mountain extend into the Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park.
Lookout Mountain is home to several popular spots. You can find the Ruby Falls caves deep inside the mountain. The amazing rock formations of Rock City are also located on the ridge. Other attractions include the Lookout Mountain Incline Railway, Covenant College, and a hang-gliding school. Lookout Mountain is one of the most visited tourist attractions in the Chattanooga area.
Important Civil War sites here include "Point Park," managed by the National Park Service, and the Cravens House. Nearby, you can also visit Cloudland Canyon State Park in Georgia.
Southern and Western Slopes
The southwestern part of Lookout Mountain is in northeastern Alabama. The Little River flows through Little River Canyon National Preserve on the mountain. This river creates the beautiful DeSoto Falls in DeSoto State Park.
At the very southern end of Lookout Mountain, in Gadsden, Alabama, is Noccalula Falls Park. This park features a 90-foot waterfall. It also has a pioneer village with homes from the 1800s. This area is great for white water sports and rock-climbing. Climbers can enjoy views of the Coosa River basin.
Can You See Seven States?
At the "Rock City" attraction, there's a marker that claims you can see seven different U.S. states from that spot. These states are Tennessee, Kentucky, Virginia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia, and Alabama. This claim is even painted on many barn roofs in the surrounding area. However, no scientific studies have ever proven that you can actually see seven states from this point.
Sunset Rock: A Historic Viewpoint
Sunset Rock is on the northwest side of Lookout Mountain. It's a popular place for hikers and tourists. This spot is part of the Chickamauga and Chattanooga Military State Park, which is the largest and oldest Civil War national park.
From Sunset Rock, you can see the Tennessee River, Signal Mountain, and Prentice Cooper State Forest. The 100-foot cliff and mild weather make it a favorite place for rock climbing. Many climbing routes were set up here starting in the 1960s. Climbing is especially popular in the fall when the weather is cooler.
Sunset Rock is also important for its Civil War history. A Tennessee Historical Commission Marker at the trail's start tells its story. In 1863, Confederate Generals Braxton Bragg and James Longstreet used Sunset Rock as a lookout. They watched the Union troops moving into Lookout Valley. It's said that the Union troops could actually see the Confederate generals from the valley. This helped the Union forces understand the Confederate plans. This led to the Battle of Wauhatchie, where the Confederates tried to block Union supply lines. The Union forces won, which helped them end the siege of Chattanooga.
Lookout Mountain's Past
Native Americans and the Mountain
The Chickamauga Cherokee people, a group of Native Americans, lived in the Chattanooga area. They called the mountain Chat-a-nu-ga, which is where the city's name comes from. It's believed that people lived on the mountain long ago, though clear evidence is hard to find. Some boulder patterns on top of the mountain suggest there might have been old lanes or walls.
Early Settlements
In the early 1800s, missionaries came to Lookout Mountain to work with Native Americans. After the Trail of Tears, much of the land on Lookout Mountain was bought by a few wealthy families from Chattanooga.
Summertown, a community on top of the mountain, was hard to reach. In 1852, Colonel James A. Whiteside built a small road to make it easier. Whiteside owned a summer home there, which he turned into a hotel. Another wealthy person from Chattanooga, Robert Cravens, bought most of the land on the side of the mountain. He built the Cravens House in 1855. Within a few years, about 25 families would spend their summers on the mountain.
Sunset Rock was once home to a photo shop run by JB Linn. After Union forces took over the mountain, Linn set up his shop there. He called it "Gallery Point Lookout." In December 1863, he and his brother started taking pictures of war commanders, officers, and wealthy people. Many of Linn's photos still exist today.
The Civil War Battle
On November 24, 1863, the Battle of Lookout Mountain was fought on the mountain's slopes. Much of the fighting happened near Cravens' house, about halfway up. Lookout Mountain sometimes has a unique weather event: fog can settle halfway down the mountain after sunrise. This happened on the day of the battle, giving it the famous nickname, the "Battle Above the Clouds." The Union forces won this battle. Their victory helped them end the Confederate siege of Chattanooga.
After the Civil War: A Tourist Boom
Growth and Development
After the Civil War, more wealthy business people started living on Lookout Mountain year-round. The mountain also became even more popular as a tourist spot. In the early 1900s, the area was officially made into a town.
In the 1910s and 1920s, business owners like Garnet Carter and Leo Lambert began to develop and promote attractions on the mountain.
Today, some of the popular tourist attractions include:
- Battle of Lookout Mountain Museum: This museum shows soldier figures and maps of the battle.
- Lookout Mountain Incline Railway: This historic railroad has a very steep climb, with an incline of 72.7%.
- Rock City: Here, you can walk on trails made of rock and see unique sights like Lover's Leap and Balanced Rock.
- Ruby Falls: This is a cave with a stunning 145-foot waterfall located deep inside the mountain.
