Lookout Mountain Incline Railroad
Fifteen minutes is all it takes to unlock the Tennessee Valley's
scenic beauty aboard the historic Lookout Mountain Incline Railway.
This rail line has been in operation for over 125 years, taking the
first travelers up the mountainside in 1895. Despite its impressive
age, this funicular railroad is the second of its kind on Lookout
Mountain and the last of several pathways constructed to the
top.
Trains depart every 20 minutes, with two trains operating at a time
- one descending from the top and one ascending from the bottom. In
the middle of the mountainside, a passing loop allows the cars to
change places safely. The scenic journey is made at a slow and
steady pace of just 10 miles per hour, allowing riders to take in
all the magnificent views from their comfortable seats. Both fully
enclosed cars were replaced in March of 2020 and now include even
more windows to capture the scenery. Huge picture windows line the
sides of the bright red and yellow cars, and on the top, domed
glass provides another angle from which to watch the Tennessee
Valley unfold. Each departure can accommodate up to 42
guests.
With over 100,000 guests each year and a client roster that
includes the likes of President Teddy Roosevelt and Elizabeth
Taylor, the Incline is a delight for every passenger that graces
its rails. Some of the best vistas in southern Tennessee await on
"America's Most Amazing Mile."