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On one of our many trips to Florida, we decided to explore the area of Lookout Mountain, Tennessee. Our first stop was Rock City. Here we found 41,000 feet of winding trail where we saw some of the most remarkable sights in the world.
The Grand Corridor is a great taste of what lies ahead in Rock City. Nature carved this wondrous entrance millions of years ago and it is exquisite. Rock and tree formations make it a great place to take photos.
The next place on the trail is the marvelous Needle Eye. The winds howl as they pass through the narrow rock passage. Here, there are places where you literally have to squeeze between the gigantic rocks to make it through. The cool stone walls give one a refreshing feeling as you pass between them on a hot summer day. With the massive rocks towering above you on either side, you realize how massive these natural monuments really are.
From here you continue on to the Deer Park. You can see two species of deer in their natural forest home. This is probably the only chance you’ll ever have to observe rare white, Fallow deer in the wild. They are descendents of a species that were brought to the area in the 1930’s. It has been said that the numerous gnomes that live in Rock City sometimes ride these deer at night.
Gnomes are scattered throughout the park and children especially delight in these colorfully painted creatures. They give Rock City a magical theme and it is just the right touch for this natural setting.
The next site on the agenda is not for the weak-hearted or for those who are afraid of heights. High above the rocks and trees, Swing-Along Bridge provides you with the most wondrous breathtaking view. It also is a challenge to many visitors. The best advice I can give is to look out at the marvelous scenery but never look down into the gorge below. The Bridge stretches 180 feet across an expanse of blue sky from one outcropping of rock to another. It’s fantastic and even if it leaves you weak-kneed, the children will love it. It sways gently from side to side due to wind currents and the movement of other visitors who are walking along it.
For the most panoramic view of your life, step to the edge of Lover’s Leap. On a clear day, you are able to see seven different States. It’s one of the most awesome experiences I’ve ever had. The legend behind this gigantic cliff where water falls gently into a quiet pool makes it even more spectacular.
According to legend, a young Indian brave named Sautee fell deeply in love with Nocoochee, a beautiful Cherokee maiden. They were from different tribes and their tribes were in the midst of a feud. Though Nocoochee returned Sautee’s love, it seemed that they would never be together. Finally, the lovers decided to take the problem in hand and ran off. Sautee was captured by warriors and thrown over the tip of the mountain. Nocoochee, in deep despair and grieving for her lost love, leaped over the edge to her own death. The tragedy of the two young lovers have a great deal to do with the fascination of one of the most beautiful places in the United States. This is one place where I took numerous photos. The view is a photographer’s dream.
Continue along the trail until you come to the Seven States Flag Court. It is a great tribute to each of the States that make up the gorgeous panoramic scene from Lover’s Leap. The States that can be seen from Lover’s Leap are: Virginia, Tennessee, North and South Carolina, Kentucky, Alabama, and Georgia. The large expanse of land and sky give you the sense of nature’s wonders and makes you realize what a small part of the world you really are.
From here, you trek down the trail until you come to Fat Man’s Squeeze. You walk down a set of steps to gain access to this part of the path. You literally have to squeeze between the rocks to continue on your way. On the far side is a clearing. Folklore has it that gnomes and elves used to gather here, away from human eyes, to hold meetings. When they realized that people could get through the narrow opening, they retreated to a more private clearing deep within the forest.
Along the trail is a Blarney Stone. It is said if you make a wish and kiss the Stone, that your wish will be granted. This is an exciting prospect for children.
Near the end of the trail, you come to 1,000-Ton Balanced Rock. It is a curiosity of nature that boggles the mind. The 1,000-ton rock sits on top of two points of rock, which acts as its base. This wonder of nature cannot be explained. How did it get there? Could it be that the course of time, wind and water has eroded most of the base away? No one will ever know but when you visit be sure to look at it closely. After viewing it, you may have a theory of your own.
Each year Rock City puts on an annual holiday light show that features over half a million lights in seasonal scenes. Each year the popularity of the display grows and in 1998, over 50,000 visitors were attracted to the gardens from all corners of the globe.
After you have finished exploring the trail, stop in at Cornerstone Station Gifts. You will find a variety of souvenirs to purchase for keepsakes of your time here. Birdhouses, miniature barns, books, plus much more, make fantastic memoirs of an exciting day.
Rock City Gardens is located just off Interstate 75. Admission is $9.95 for adults, $5.50 for children 3 to 12. Children under two are free. Prices are subject to change.
The park is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day 8:30AM to 8:00PM.
For a great experience and a fun day with the whole family be sure to take in Rock City, Tennessee. You will remember this wondrous and unique experience for years.
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