Fairyland Caverns in Rock City Gardens

When I was a very little girl, my first “caving” was at Rock City. Fairyland Caverns has little windows I peered through to see scenes from fairy tales.

I doubt it was a real cave, but I have been fascinated by caves ever since.

Even if you have never been to Rock City, I’d bet you have seen the bird houses. Or the barns.

In the 1920s, Frieda and Garnet Carter imported German gnome statues and planted wildflowers to create a fairy tale garden. When we visited Rock City in the late 60s, I was exactly the right age to be absolutely delighted.

I don’t remember much. I was very little. But I do remember the Enchanted Trail leading to these views:

I remember the swinging bridge. My mother and little brother were afraid to cross. But Dad and I made it swing.

I remember the waterfall, High Falls. I think they had the water colored when I was there. Although that could have been somewhere else.

Rock City is on the top of Lookout Mountain near Chattanooga, Tennessee. You drive up and up and up the mountain and just as you cross into Georgia, you will find Rock City. It overlooks seven states. Maybe. They are at least that direction. And you can see a really long way.

Rock City really does look like a city made of rocks, with streets between the massive boulders.

The first miniature golf course ever, Tom Thumb Golf, was built at Rock City.

Rock City is still in the same family. You can experience some of it on Google now. You can virtually See Rock City.

You can get books about Rock City on Amazon.

See Rock City: The History of Rock City Gardens
by Tim Hollis
Around two hundred million years ago, geological forces produced an expansive grove of rocky caverns and outcroppings atop Lookout Mountain. It was not until the twentieth century, however, that this awe-inspiring citadel evolved into a nationally recognized tourist attraction when Garnet Carter and his wife, Frieda, developed the natural marvel into the Rock City Gardens we know today, an enchanted tribute to fairytales and a breathtaking homage to nature. Join Rock City expert Tim Hollis as he guides you through the origins of the site’s most fascinating spots, including Fairyland Caverns, See Seven States and Lover’s Leap. Also learn the story behind the world-famous ‘See Rock City’ marketing campaign, as well as the steep challenges the landmark has faced in an often volatile tourism industry. Perhaps the only aspect of Rock City more enchanting than its physical beauty is the fairytale story that surrounds it.

Buy See Rock City: The History of Rock City Gardens Used or New on Amazon >
Look inside the Book

Lookout Mountain from the Images of America Series
by William F. Hull
Few places in the southland compare to the resplendent beauty of Lookout Mountain. A scene of wonder to early explorers because of its intriguing rock formations, Lookout Mountain was the site of the pivotal Battle above the Clouds in November 1863, when Federal forces climbed the steep slope to claim a Union victory. In the passing years, Lookout Mountain grew into a home for a well-heeled community, and with the opening of the Dixie Highway in its shadow, the development of major tourist attractions was not far behind. Rock City and Ruby Falls became familiar to thousands of travelers, further solidifying the mountain’s name on the American road map. The cool air in summer and the splendid views of the valley below, offered by Point Park and the famed Lookout Mountain Incline Railway, have left lasting impressions on generations of sightseers.

Buy Lookout Mountain from the Images of America Series Used or New on Amazon >
Look inside the Book

Or you can buy a See Rock City bird house.