Chattanooga, TN
Photo by Pikamander2, via Wikimedia Commons (CC0)
Lookout Mountain Incline Railway
4.4· 9,846 Google reviews
About Lookout Mountain Incline Railway
A mile‑long standard‑gauge funicular climbs from St. Elmo’s base station to Point Park atop Lookout Mountain in Chattanooga, Tennessee. The single track, with a midway passing loop, ascends a 72.7 % grade, ranking among the world’s steepest passenger railways. Inside the historic cars, panoramic views of the Tennessee River and the city unfold, while the summit station offers an observation deck and gift shop.
At a Glance
Verified daily- Type
- Heritage railroad & tourist attraction
- Location
- Chattanooga, TN
- Rating
- 4.4 ★ 9,846 Google reviews
- Upcoming
- Thu, Jul 16
Upcoming Events
Plan Your Visit
- Parking
- Paid lot
- Accessibility
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance · accessible restroom · accessible parking
- Hours
- Monday: 8:30 AM – 9:30 PMTuesday: 8:30 AM – 9:30 PMWednesday: 8:30 AM – 9:30 PMThursday: 8:30 AM – 9:30 PMFriday: 8:30 AM – 9:30 PMSaturday: 8:30 AM – 9:30 PMSunday: 8:30 AM – 9:30 PM
Find the Depot
The Trains
The Lookout Mountain Incline Railway runs on standard‑gauge (4 ft 8½ in / 1,435 mm) track for about one mile (1.6 km) between St. Elmo’s Station at the base and Point Park at the summit, with a single‑track line that expands to a short two‑track passing loop at the midway point. The line operates two passenger cars that counterbalance each other on the 72.7 % grade, moving together on the single track and separating on the passing loop to allow simultaneous ascent and descent.
History
See full history
The Lookout Mountain Incline Railway begins with the earlier Chattanooga and Lookout Mountain Railway, which operated from 1886 until 1895 before being dismantled in 1900. The current incline opened on November 16 1895 under the Chattanooga Incline and Lula Lake Railway, and its cable system was supplied by the Otis Elevator Company. Fires destroyed the powerhouse, upper station and stored cars on December 13 1896 and again on March 24 1919, each time halting service until substitute transportation was provided by the Chattanooga Railway and Light Company. In the 1940s the line was sold to Southern Coach Lines and later came under the operation of the Chattanooga Area Regional Transportation Authority, the public‑transit agency for the region. The railway received Historic Mechanical Engineering Landmark status in 1991, marking it as one of the world’s steepest passenger railways. After a rockslide‑triggered wildfire on December 7 2024 damaged the system, the incline reopened on July 14 2025.
Around the Depot
Tennessee rail fans can string together several stops around the Lookout Mountain Incline Railway. The Chattanooga Choo Choo sits about 3 mi off, the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum, Inc. roughly 8 mi away, and the Cowan Railroad Museum about 40 mi out.
Getting There & Staying Nearby
Optional trip extras from our travel partners.
Rent a Car
Most heritage railroads sit well off the interstate. Picking up a rental at the nearest airport is usually the easiest way in.
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Tours & Activities near Chattanooga
Tours
Guided tours, day trips, and things to do around the area, bookable in advance through Viator.
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