Lookout Mountain Incline Railway Guide

What to Do: The Lower Station & St. Elmo

3917 St Elmo Ave, Chattanooga, TN 37409

Your journey begins at the foot of the mountain in the historic St. Elmo neighborhood, which is packed with localized storefronts right outside the platform.

• The Railcar Boarding Platform: Step aboard the redesigned, wheelchair-accessible cars that depart from the lower depot every 20 minutes.
• St. Elmo Shopping: Explore a charming collection of unique shops adjacent to the station, featuring homemade candle-making, local art, and nostalgic apparel.
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Dining

Smash Boyz: A beloved local food truck born right in the heart of Chattanooga. They specialize in perfectly crisped smash burgers and a rotating menu of elevated, high-quality street food.

The Hummus Bowl: Located right in the center of the historic St. Elmo neighborhood, this fast-casual spot serves up fresh, vibrant, and fully customizable Halal Mediterranean bowls and wraps.

Little Coyote: Offering a laid-back, modern atmosphere, this neighborhood favorite features premium smoked meats, fresh house-made tortillas, and an impressive, agave-driven craft cocktail program.

Mr. T's Pizza & Ice Cream: A staple of historic St. Elmo, this family-owned and operated shop is the perfect casual stop for a classic pizza pie followed by a scoop of ice cream.
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What to Do: The Upper Station Rim

827 East Brow Rd, Lookout Mountain, TN.

As you exit the railcar at the apex, you enter the upper station perched right on the mountain's limestone edge.

• The High-Point Observation Deck: Walk onto the panoramic rooftop deck for an unobstructed, 1,000-foot view looking down on the Moccasin Bend of the Tennessee River and the city skyline.
• Point Park Walking Access: The upper depot sits a short, scenic 3-block walk away from Point Park (part of the Chickamauga & Chattanooga National Military Park system), allowing you to easily pair history with your rail experience.
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Dining & Shopping

SoHi Pizza & Mountain Top Bar: Perched directly at the upper station terminal, this rooftop destination pairs made-to-order artisanal pizzas with a fantastic selection of craft beers and cocktails. It is the perfect spot to enjoy a premium meal while soaking in panoramic, high-point views of the city below.

Incline Gifts: Located right inside the upper station, this physical gift shop is the ultimate place to pick up authentic Lookout Mountain souvenirs, apparel, and localized keepsakes to remember your journey up the mountain.
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Know Before You Go

We allow boarding the cars from either the lower or upper station. Tickets can be purchased at either station.

Reservations & Pricing: Round-trip tickets are $22.00 for adults and $10.00 for children (ages 3–12). It is highly recommended to book your tickets online in advance to secure your departure time slot and avoid long platform lines. Verify current pricing at ridetheincline.com before your visit.

Parking: Do not attempt to drive your motorcoach or unhooked dually up to the top station's narrow mountain roads. Instead, drive your rig straight to the lower St. Elmo Station. Buses and RVs park free in the dedicated oversized vehicle lot, while standard vehicles pay a small fee ($3.00 for up to 3 hours, $5.00 for over 3 hours), making it a stress-free stop for Hawkins Pointe guests.

Duration: The train ride lasts roughly 10 minutes each way. Plan for about 1.5 to 2 hours total to enjoy the ride, browse the upper gift shop, and take photos on the observation deck.

Summer Hours: May 23 – August 7, 2026 • Daily 8:30 am – 9:30 pm. Hours are subject to change, so check the official website before heading out.

Pet Policy: Pets are not allowed aboard the Incline railcars, with the exception of registered service animals.
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Location & Getting There

The Incline Railway operates between two distinct stations, but we strongly advise starting your trip at the bottom as it is closer to Hawkins Pointe.
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St. Elmo Station 

(Lower Terminal = Recommended Entrance)
3917 St. Elmo Avenue, Chattanooga, TN 37409

From Hawkins Pointe: A straightforward 18-minute drive of approximately 10 miles. Head northwest on S. Mack Smith Road, continue to I-75N to I-24W. Use the right lane to take exit 178 to merge onto TN-58 S/Market St toward Lookout Mt. Follow Market St, Alton Park Blvd and W 40th St to your destination, turn right onto St Elmo Ave/Tennessee Ave, then left into the parking lot.
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Lookout Mountain Station 

(Upper Terminal)
827 East Brow Road, Lookout Mountain, TN 37350

Note: Parking here is limited to standard vehicles via paid street meters. Only use this entrance if you are already on top of the mountain exploring Point Park.
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Get Tickets

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Staying Near the Incline Railway

Hawkins Pointe RV Park provides premium, hassle-free lodging just minutes from the St. Elmo lower station, giving you immediate access to the mountain without the stress of navigating tight mountain switchbacks.

• Overnight RV parking
• Executive RV sites
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