Explore a Train Station, a Mountain, and a Cave in Chattanooga
In the early 20th century, Chattanooga, Tennessee was a booming train hub. Travelers boarded trains in northern cities such as Cincinnati and stopped in Chattanooga to switch trains or rest prior to heading to southern cities such as Atlanta. Chattanooga’s legacy as a train town is still on display with a train-themed hotel, and a nearly vertical funicular railway that grants a stunning panoramic view of mountains, a meandering river, and a valley that is blanketed with verdant trees.
No trip to Chattanooga is complete without a stop at the Chattanooga Choo Choo Hotel. The Choo Choo Hotel—which is currently known as The Hotel Chalet at The Choo Choo—is a 1909 Beaux-Arts train station that was converted into a lovely hotel where visitors can spend the night in a Pullman train car, listen to live music next to a roaring firepit, and relax in a gorgeous tree-lined pool.
The grand highlight of The Hotel Chalet at The Choo Choo is a beautifully preserved turn-of-the-century train terminal that serves as a light-filled gathering space where guests can socialize, read, or sip on coffee, sparkling water, or a cocktail.
Chattanooga’s Incline Railway—with a gradient of nearly 73%—is one of the world’s steepest passenger railways. The Incline Railway has been hailed as ‘America’s most interesting mile.’ Travelers aboard the Incline Railway can gaze out of large glass windows as they chug towards Lookout Mountain, which offers a stunning panoramic view of Chattanooga, the Tennessee River, and mountains exploding with foliage. Lookout Mountain features a snack bar where you can order a delicious lunch while you enjoy a scenic view.
Photo by depositphotos.com
If you’re a nature lover, Raccoon Mountain Caverns offers visitors the opportunity to explore the interior of Chattanooga’s gorgeous mountains. You probably won’t spot a raccoon while touring Raccoon Mountain Caverns, but you may spot a salamander or a Crystal Caverns cave spider—which is only known to exist in Raccoon Mountain Caverns. The Raccoon Mountain Caverns cave system spans almost 6 miles. Visitors can take a Crystal Palace Walking Tour or opt for a Wild Cave Expedition Tour, which involves crawling and squeezing into tight spaces.
Chattanooga is a charming city with a rich history that is surrounded by striking natural beauty. If you’re in the mood for a mountain retreat in a cozy town with comfortable accommodations and plenty of options for cosmopolitan and outdoor fun, a trip to Chattanooga is an absolute must.
UnusualPlaces Field Notes
- Location
- Chattanooga, Tennessee — multi-stop guide to The Hotel Chalet at the Chattanooga Choo Choo, Lookout Mountain Incline Railway, and Raccoon Mountain Caverns
- Access
- This is a three-stop city itinerary, so plan separate visits and transport. The historic Chattanooga Choo Choo / Hotel Chalet campus says visitors can explore its public gardens, shops, restaurants and public art; hotel rooms and pool access are separate. The Incline Railway runs between St. Elmo and Lookout Mountain stations and says its cars are wheelchair-accessible. Raccoon Mountain Caverns offers guided tours by booking; its Crystal Palace cave route has steps and is not wheelchair or stroller accessible. Ruby Falls, mentioned as an optional nearby Lookout Mountain attraction in trip planning, requires an advance timed reservation and has narrow passages and steps.
- Admission
- No single admission applies to Chattanooga or this multi-stop guide. Examples checked October 1, 2026: The Choo Choo campus grounds/public gardens are free to explore; Incline Railway round trip is $24.99 adult and $12.99 ages 3–12 (ages 2 and under free with a paying passenger); Raccoon Mountain Crystal Palace tour is $28.99 adult and $18.99 ages 4–12; Ruby Falls Cave Walk is $29.95 adult, $19.95 ages 4–12 and free age 3 and under. Bookings, taxes, and attraction availability vary; confirm with each operator.
- Time needed
- No total time is published for this three-stop itinerary. Operator examples: allow at least one hour for the Incline Railway experience; Raccoon Mountain’s Crystal Palace guided cave walk takes 45–55 minutes; Ruby Falls recommends 2–3 hours for the full attraction visit (the cave walk itself is about 70–90 minutes). Travel between sites and other activities add time.
- Best season
- No single preferred season is published for this city itinerary. The cave experiences at Ruby Falls and Raccoon Mountain remain about 58–60°F year-round; outdoor mountain views and travel conditions vary by weather. Check each attraction’s current schedule and weather notices before going.
- Opening hours
- There are no shared hours for the itinerary. The Incline Railway currently lists 9 a.m.–6 p.m. Monday–Friday and 9 a.m.–7 p.m. Saturday–Sunday through October 31, with the last car 40 minutes before close; confirm later-season hours. Raccoon Mountain Crystal Palace tours generally run daily, with more departures Friday–Sunday. Ruby Falls uses advance timed-entry reservations and advises checking availability. The Hotel Chalet front desk is 24/7, but hotel service hours are not visitor hours for the whole campus.
- Facts checked
- 2026-10-01
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