After reaching a high point in the late 1970s, Rock City declined during the 1980s as interstates pushed old highways—and the painted barns—off the beaten path. But Rock City has rebounded and is now lovingly embraced by the city of Chattanooga as a major attraction.
The turnaround began when Rock City updated its features to appeal to modern travelers—and joined with other nearby attractions in a marketing campaign. Rock City has rebounded with new trails, garden paths, waterfalls, a climbing wall, and seasonal festivals.
Original attractions along Enchanted Trail have been faithfully maintained under the third generation of family ownership. Visitors can still wander down the Grand Corridor, walk through the Needle’s Eye and over Sky Bridge, slither through Fat Man’s Squeeze, and marvel at natural formations like Mushroom Rockand Tortoise Shell Rock.
Balanced Rock, a 1,000- ton boulder is a favorite photo spot, and visitors can see seven states from the Observation Point on a clear day. Lover’s Leap, the site of a tragic Indian legend, and Goblin’s Underpass are also favorite sites.
Fairyland Caverns, Mother Goose Village, and the Fudge Kitchen
Children and adults both enjoy Fairyland Caverns, where rock walls are illuminated with ultraviolet “black light,” highlighting Frieda Carter’s collection of sculpted gnomes in creative vignettes. Mother Goose Village is a gigantic landscape of storybook characters illustrating many beloved fairy tales. The Fudge Kitchen offers enticements of a different variety. Visitors should allow at least an hour and a half to tour the property, although dawdling is encouraged.
Diamond anniversary
In preparation for its Diamond Anniversary, which will be celebrated May 19-21, Rock City has expanded and renovated the Garden’s Gateway, created a Critter Classroom for the Rock City Raptors shows, and carved out new trails to give better access to the theater area. A beautiful 3,200-square-foot Group Pavilion that can be fully covered with drop-down sides is another recent addition.
Landscaping and architectural additions continue to honor the original plan, so that new areas blend smoothly with the old. Themed music written for the park is subtlety piped along trails, its tempo and style matching natural elements and enhancing the experience in an unobtrusive manner.
The horticulture staff works year-round tending to the different species of trees and flowers on the 15-acre site, all the while carefully maintaining its natural ambience. The resident herd of white fallow deer are descendents of animals originally located there in the 1930s.
The addition of Grand View, a conference and special events center adjacent to the property, has also increased traffic. While improvements may catch the public’s attention, natural beauty is still the main reason visitors enjoy trekking through Rock City.
To discuss this article, click here!