Perched on the edge of Lookout Mountain, you can do many things at Rock City. Get in shape. See some rocks. Get a chili dog.
There may be a thousand places in the word that you can see four hundred species of native plants in 14 acres of land. Maybe a hundred of them would also surround you with enormous rock formations that date back over 200 million years. Ten of them may also have enough elevation to allow you to see seven different states from atop them. But how many of those left can provide you with a knock out chili dog along the way? I only know of one: Rock City Gardens, located 1,700 feet above sea level on Lookout Mountain, on the boarder of Tennessee and Georgia.
By the time of the Civil War, locals were already spending time mingling among the formations they called “the rock city.” One person from each side of the war, a Union soldier and a Confederate nurse, speculated in their journals that you could “see seven states” from its peaks. The phrase stuck. By 1924, while Garnet Carter was busy developing a Lookout Mountain residential area and inventing miniature golf, his wife Frieda took interest in the large outcropping of rocks nearby. Garnet franchised Tom Thumb Golf all over the country. Frieda built Rock City.
She began by laying out a path through the area with a string stretched around, among, and sometimes through the center of the large rock formations all the way to Lover's Leap. Along the path, Frieda transplanted wildflowers and other plants to enhance the natural beauty of the rocks. As a final addition, she imported statues from Germany of gnomes and fairytale characters and placed them at a variety of points along the way. By May 21, 1932, Frieda flung the gates open and Rock City was ready for the world to behold.
Garnet recognized the gem that his wife had created, but the couple saw small returns at first due to the remote location of the attraction. He hired Clark Byers to carry out a business move still seen across the country today. Byers traveled around the eastern United States and offered farmers the chance to have their barn painted free of charge. The only catch was that the farmers allow Byers to paint three simple words on the barn's roof: “See Rock City.” Soon, the roadside billboards could be found as far north as Michigan, and as far West as Texas. The masses heeded the signs and decided to see Rock City for themselves. Today half a million people every year visit Rock City Gardens.
Along with a fantastic botanical and geological attraction, Frieda created something more to give to Rock City. She created a mythology, and the place practically drips with it. The small statues along the trail are just the beginning. Legend has it that Goblin's Underpass is, or maybe was, actually a route used by goblins. That is why you are not likely to see any of the gnomes near it. Then there is Fat Man's Squeeze, a natural defense the gnomes and elves would use to keep us big folks away from one of their meeting places. Once they found out us big people could get through, they retreated further into the woods. Added later to the trail was Fairyland Caverns, where you can see the wee folk at work mining and doing other things that the wee folk do, and Mother Goose Village, where fairytales almost come to life. Both are underground and rely heavily on black light. The kids will love them, even if they give you the creeps.
Of course, no trip to Rock City would be complete without a trip to the Seven States Flag Court, where you too can try to make out seven different states. I am not sure if actually possible, but the view is spectacular nonetheless. Take a rest while you are there on one of several picnic tables. By the way, did I mention the food stand has some pretty good chili dogs?
While the view from the Seven States Flag Court is wonderful, the one from the Swing-a-long Bridge may outdo it. If you can stomach to walk across a 180-foot long suspension bridge over a huge chasm, it is well worth the pause. If not, cross on the alternate and less wobbly solid bridge. I just don't want to hear you complaining that the view isn't as good.
Before you know it, you trip over the Enchanted Trail is complete and you are gathered into the gift shop to look at any number of items stamped with the “See Rock City” slogan. However, do not feel like you have to rush. Take your time and enjoy the self-guided tour of what really is an amazing landscape and view. Just watch out for the goblins.
Rock City Gardens is located six miles from Chattanooga, Tennessee. Pets are welcome so long as they are on a leash. For more information, phone Rock City Gardens at 800-854-0675 or visit them on the web at seerockcity.com. Restaurants are located on sight. Get a chili dog. Trust me.
