One of Chattanooga’s most iconic tourist attractions, the Lookout Mountain Incline Railway isn’t just a mode of transportation—it’s a piece of history! Known as “America’s Most Amazing Mile,” the Incline Railway has been transporting tourists and locals alike up and down Lookout Mountain since 1895, offering adventure and breathtaking views of the Scenic City. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker, history buff, or nature-lover, the Incline Railway in Chattanooga is a must-visit attraction. Here, we’ll take a ride through the incline’s history and discuss what to expect on your trip.
A Ride Through History
Lookout Mountain’s first incline railway opened in 1887, running from St. Elmo’s 38th Street to just below the mountain’s point. In 1895, John T. Crass formed the Lookout Mountain Incline Railway Company, which built a shorter, faster railway up the steepest part of Lookout Mountain. Crass’ incline opened on November 16, 1895, and is the incline that is still open today. The success of the Lookout Mountain Incline Railway caused the first incline to close in 1900.
In its early years, the Incline Railways’s cars were made out of wood and powered by coal-burning steam engines. However, in 1911, the incline switched to electric power, using two 100-horsepower motors to power the large drums that operate the incline’s cable. This cable was made by the same company that supplied the cables for the Brooklyn Bridge.
In 1919, the Incline Railway suffered a tragedy when the upper station and one of the cars were destroyed by an accidental fire. The incline closed for two years to rebuild and reopened with two new cars, each offering 32 heated seats.
Over the years, the incline has had many famous riders, including President Teddy Roosevelt in 1905 and Elizabeth Taylor, a famous actress, in the 1950s.
In 1974, the Incline Railway was designated as a National Historic Site by the United States of the Interior, honoring the original designers, Jo Conn Guild Sr. and Linn White. Later, 96 years after the incline’s inaugural ride, the American Society of Mechanical Engineers designated the Incline as a National Historic Mechanical Engineering Landmark.
The incline received its latest update in March of 2020 when a new pair of cars were installed. This installation cost $4 million and included a variety of improvements, such as more window space to enjoy the panoramic views, wheelchair accessibility, heating, new lighting, and onboard security cameras.
Lookout Mountain Fire and Reconstruction
Tragedy struck the Incline Railway once again in December of 2024 when a large rockslide triggered a devastating wildfire on Lookout Mountain, which spanned approximately 10 acres. Many St. Elmo businesses suffered fire-related damage, and multiple homes in the area were evacuated for the residents’ safety.
As for the Incline Railway, the attraction’s specialized cable system was severed and the rail infrastructure and cross timbers were heavily damaged, causing the incline to close indefinitely. The Chattanooga Area Regional Transportation Authority (CARTA) immediately began restoring the incline by ordering a new cable system and working with a team of engineers to create detailed repair plans.
Despite this tragedy, CARTA is committed to rebuilding and preserving the almost 130-year-old attraction, and the Incline Railway has a targeted reopening date of June 2, 2025.
What to Expect on Chattanooga’s Incline Railway
With a lower station in St. Elmo and an upper station on top of Lookout Mountain, guests can board the incline’s railway cars at either location. A ride on the incline takes approximately 10 minutes, and the glass-paneled cars offer panoramic views of the Chattanooga area as you ascend the mountain. Near the top, the cars ascend at a 72.7% grade—making the Incline Railway the steepest passenger railway in the world.
At the top, guests can continue to enjoy the view at the observation deck, peruse the incline’s gift shop, or grab food at the snack bar. Just a short walking distance away, guests can also visit Point Park, a 10-acre memorial park, before boarding the incline for the return journey.
Looking Ahead for the Incline Railway
With an almost 130-year-old history, the Incline Railway in Chattanooga is more than just a tourist attraction—it’s a historic part of Chattanooga! Despite the damage caused by the wildfire, CARTA plans for the Incline Railway to open in the summer of 2025 and continue welcoming future generations of riders. Whether you love history, nature, or adventure, this is a must-visit attraction in Chattanooga.
