Discover the Hidden Gem of Rock City, Georgia: A Must-See Destination for Fall Foliage Viewing

Published
Downtown Chattanooga, Tennessee

 

Routes and prices to Rock City



Rock City is roughly equidistant between the cities of Nashville and Atlanta, which both have international airports and reliable transport links. It is less than two hours drive from Atlanta and about two hours and 15 minutes from Nashville. Knoxville and Birmingham are two other cities where you can start your trip, Knoxville is an hour and 50 minutes while Birmingham is two hours and 15 minutes.

The city of Chattanooga is a good place to base yourself as it is only six miles away, and it will take you about 15 minutes to drive. The two closest hotels to Rock City are Chanticleer Inn Bed and Breakfast and Garden Walk Bed and Breakfast — both in Lookout Mountain, a short walk from the gardens.

Rock City Gardens is open year-round and it opens at 8:30 am and closes between 5 and 8 p.m. depending on the season. Tickets can sell out so it is advisable to book in advance to make sure that you get a slot that suits you! It costs $26.95 for an adult and $16.95 for a child aged between three and 12 years old.

Things to do in Rock City

Trail at Rock City Gardens, Lookout Mountain



Aside from Lover’s Leap and the seven states view, there are many other areas of Rock City Gardens to discover. There is the Fairyland Caverns, the Mother Goose Village with scenes from nursery rhymes, the Swing-a-Long Bridge that looks over Chattanooga Valley and seven art installations to marvel at along the Enchanted Trail. All of these locations look particularly beautiful when surrounded by fall foliage.

Another important reason to visit in October is Rocktoberfest, a themed festival that happens over every weekend of the month. It features German food, music and beer as well as children’s entertainers and a bird of prey show. The price is $29.95 for an adult and $19.95 for a child, and the hours go from 8:30 am to 5 p.m. For those that aren’t afraid of the colder weather, the Enchanted Garden of Lights happens nightly from mid-November to the beginning of January. Experiencing the rock formations when they are lit up with all different colors is a unique way to view this landscape.

Dave Pennells

By Dave Pennells

Dave Pennells, MS, has contributed his expertise as a career consultant and training specialist across various fields for over 15 years. At City University of Seattle, he offers personal career counseling and conducts workshops focused on practical job search techniques, resume creation, and interview skills. With a Master of Science in Counseling, Pennells specializes in career consulting, conducting career assessments, guiding career transitions, and providing outplacement services. Her professional experience spans multiple sectors, including banking, retail, airlines, non-profit organizations, and the aerospace industry. Additionally, since 2001, he has been actively involved with the Career Development Association of Australia.