Rock City is a dreamland full of waterfalls, caves, gnomes, faeries, and dioramas of German faery tales. The place was founded by a German, after all.
I was probably seven or eight when I first saw those iconic “See Rock City” signs, white on black painted roofs over bright red barns.
The Enchanted Trail
Having squeezed in between two giant boulder walls, we entered the park and began the 3/4 mile path.
I am utterly in my element when wandering around part-ificial landscapes with colourful electric lights. No chance in hell that a bear is going to get me up here.
Goblins Underpass
In addition to faery tales, gnomes, and mythical statues, there are goblins.
Lover’s Leap
This man-made waterfall is also known as High Falls. Earlier in the trail you see the back end of it, and after you pass through the Rainbow Cave you will see the frontal view.
The Stone Bridge
As you approach the viewing courtyard to “see seven states” you can either take the stone bridge, or the swinging bridge. We made a full circle.
The Swinging Bridge
I’ve always liked swinging bridges, but my dog was definitely re-evaluating how much he trusts me on this one. He spider-crawled quickly across it and we were both happy.
See Seven States!
Allegedly on the clearest of days, you can make out some noticeable landmarks that distinguish one distant green/grey patch from the other. I kept hearing people mention that this was written in some old book, so it must be true.
Except, typical me, I had to research it and that does not quite seem to be the situation. Regardless, the view is incredible. It would not really matter what I saw when I got to the top, the walk itself and the design of the park was so enjoyable it forgives any question of authenticity.
Stop and enjoy the view for a while.
Fat Man Squeeze
There were a few times I had to take some deep breaths and push myself through these narrow cracks and crevices. Just recently I had to acknowledge that constricting spaces make me panic, and I hadn’t the sense to anticipate there may be some of that going on here.
However it turned out to be quite easily navigable once in motion.
After making my dog walk across the swinging bridge, he had no time for any of this claustrophobic nonsense.
The Rainbow Cave brought us so much joy.
Pass through it to reach this frontal view of Lover’s Leap.
Fairyland Caverns
After taking in Lover’s Leap, begin the descent into the LED underworld. Follow the fountains and intricate shadow boxes of nursery rhyme scenes to the Mother Goose Village.
And that is the extent of the photo quality I could get after this point. It became really dark, loud, and misty. I could not see very well but it was still a pleasant experience.
There were dozens of children running around and squealing when they found their favourite characters, but sadly G* was unimpressed with meeting Humpty Dumpty. Turns out it was just a statue that did not even have the decency to move or speak to her after she searched for so long. Bless her.
In the area for a while? Follow me to some other awesome places in Downtown and Southside Chattanooga!
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