The Incline Railway America's Most Amazing Mile

The Incline Railway, located on the foot of Lookout Mountain, opened on November 16, 1895. Originally the cars were made of wood and powered by huge coal-burning steam engines. Electric power was used after 1911, and it now uses two 100 horsepower motors. Today the Incline Railway still attracts people from around the world. The Incline Railway has 2 stations available one at the top of Lookout Mountain and the other at the foot of the Mountain. As the Incline Railway climbs historic Lookout Mountain, Chattanooga's surrounding mountains and valleys come alive. The trolley-style railcars carry you cloud high and the breathtaking 72.7% grade of the track near the top give the Incline Railway the unique distinction of being the steepest passenger railway in the world.

The ride on the Incline takes about 10 minutes each direction, with Incline trains leaving every 20 minutes. On a clear day you can see the Great Smoky Mountains which are over 100 miles away!! In addition to the ride there is an observation deck, food service, and a gift shop available in addition to other activities so it is best to plan for at least an hour for the whole experience. The Incline Railway travels a little under 10 mph.

The Incline Railway is open daily except Thanksgiving Day & Christmas Day. All times are Eastern. Hours Are Subject To Change.

Current Hours
Monday - Friday
9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Last round trip leaves at 5:20 p.m.
Last one way trip leaves at 5:40 p.m.

Weekends
8:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Last round trip leaves at 8:50 p.m.
Last one way trip leaves at 9:10 p.m.

Summer: (Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day)
8:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Last round trip leaves at 8:50 p.m.
last one way trip leaves at 9:10 p.m.

Spring & Fall: (April, May, September & October)
9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Last round trip leaves at 5:20 p.m.
Last one way trip leaves at 5:40 p.m.

Winter: (November through March)
10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. last round trip leaves at 5:20 p.m.
Last one way trip leaves at 5:40 p.m.
Winter operating schedule (December through March) may vary