Worth a Journey

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The World’s 100 Best Cable Cars & Mountain Railways

Lookout Mountain Incline Railway

Chattanooga, United States

  1. THE WORLD’S BEST CABLE CARS WORTH A JOURNEY · 2026 ✦ ✦ N° 92 2026
Lookout Mountain Incline Railway

A steep funicular railway that climbs Lookout Mountain in Chattanooga, carrying riders up a short incline of about 10 minutes. Riders see the city and valley from the cars, and at the top find an observation deck, a gift shop, a cafe and a museum.

Highlights

  • Observation deck at the top
  • Cable and motor room
  • Lookout Point views

Good to know

  • Online tickets still need exchange for boarding pass
  • Expect long waits to board, sometimes an hour
  • Cars have no air conditioning, cold weather recommended

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