TOUR AMERIA 2023 – HAWKINS POINTE PARK, ROSSVILLE, GA

August 15, 2023

Lookout Mountain Incline Railway

It’s running once again! We so wanted to ride the incline railway so I’m sure you can understand how disappointed we were to discover it was out of service. Last week it was hit by lightening and the main fuse blew. It took several days to purchase and install a new fuse but as of today the fuse is in place and the railway is back in full service.

So, let’s go for a ride.

Built in 1895 today it is recognized as a National Historic Site and a Mechanical Engineering Landmark.

In this photo from the 1930’s you get a glimpse of the entire amazing mile from the station at the bottom to its terminus at the top.

Another photo from the 1930’s that shows the steepness of the railway.

The railway incline is 72.5%, one of the steepest in the world. However, you never realize you are going up an incline because the seats are built in such a way that while on the railcar you are actually sitting level.

Of course getting a railcar up such a steep incline is all but impossible under normal circumstances. The wheels would never get enough traction to propel the car.

The solution? A Funicular Railway! A what you say? I had no idea either what it was so I did some investigating. A Funicular Railway uses cables to pull the cars up the hill. Today, two 120 volt electric motors and cables are used to pull the railcars up the steep railway. With the cables the steel wheels don’t need to have traction, but are used only to guide the railcars along the track. Next, the Funicular Railway is made even more efficient by counterbalancing the two railcars and using the weight of the descending railcar to help pull the ascending railcar up the incline.

But wait a minute, one track, two railcars, what happens when they meet?

Another historic picture from the 1930’s.

One zigs and the other zags! This is called the switch and is just about midway on the ride. In this picture you get an idea of how steep the incline really is.

Well, we’re at the top of Lookout Mountain so off to the observation deck we went.

There before you is the Chattanooga Valley. We were very fortunate to be able to make this ride on a perfectly clear day. What an impressive view The clouds themselves just seem to be floating by. It’s days like this that we get up for.

Time to go back down. Can you imagine doing this on a sled? Nope, me neither!

Coming back into the lower station.

So, we can now count ourselves among the thousands who come here year after year to ride the Incline Railway. Not a long ride, and there were a few attractions at the top that we didn’t take the time to hike to, but it was a fun and enjoyable way to spend some time in the summer sun. If you are ever in this area, I urge you to take the ride. It’s worth the time.

Almost forgot.

The newest T-Shirt.

Thanks again for spending some time with us.  It’s always great to be able to share our story with family and friends. Comments? Feel free to share them with me. And always remember, cherish every moment of every day that God gives you and live those moments to the fullest.