Point Park, TN: Beautiful Views, Fascinating History
If you like nature and American history, then Point Park in Chattanooga is the perfect destination for you. You can learn about the Battle of Lookout Mountain and its importance in the Civil War and enjoy breathtaking views of the Tennessee Valley.
Point Park is a 10-acre memorial park located on the northern side of Lookout Mountain. I spent a lovely hour wandering around there just a few weeks ago. I highly recommend it for nature lovers and history buffs alike!
Point Park: Quick Facts
- Location: Lookout Mountain, Tennessee
- Entrance Fee: $10 per adult (age 16 and up); 15 and under free
- Wheelchair accessible: yes! (at least, the main overlooks are accessible)
- Pet friendly: yes!
- Website: nps.gov
Note that the pricing recently changed, so many websites still list a $7 entrance fee. But the current cost for entry is in fact $10, as we discovered while entering the park. Right now there is an honor system, probably because of COVID; you pay via a ticket machine.
Metered parking is available on the road outside the park. But if you have a bit of time, you can leave your vehicle at the foot of Lookout Mountain and ride the Incline Railway up to the top. The Incline Railway’s upper station is only a 5-minute walk from Point Park, and you can spend a fun half day exploring Lookout Mountain.
The History of Point Park
Point Park is part of the Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park, which spans several battlefields in Tennessee and Georgia. This is the oldest national historic park in the United States. It was founded in 1890, just a few decades after the end of the Civil War.
Point Park itself overlooks the site of the Battle of Lookout Mountain, often called “the Battle Above the Clouds”. Why? Because soldiers were fighting above the cloud line on the slopes of Lookout Mountain.
The Battle Above the Clouds
In 1863 the American Civil War was raging. The Union army advanced south toward Georgia, but Confederate forces put up resistance near Chattanooga. After a terrible loss at Chickamauga, demoralized Union troops retreated into Chattanooga.
Meanwhile, the victorious Confederates fortified Lookout Mountain and nearby Missionary Ridge. Since they held the high ground, their guns controlled the Tennessee River and they were able to interrupt Union supply lines.
But on November 24, 1963 Major General Joseph Hooker led a charge up Lookout Mountain and managed to defeat the Confederates. This led to another Union victory at Missionary Ridge the following day, which in turn allowed Union troops to sweep south into Georgia.
Chattanooga was the gateway to the Deep South, and once it fell, nothing could prevent Sherman’s devastating March to the Sea. By extension, nothing could prevent the downfall of the Confederacy. And that is why the Battle of Lookout Mountain was so important.
What To See At Point Park
You enter through turreted gates built back in 1904. Then follow the paved path toward the side of the mountain and enjoy gorgeous views of the Tennessee Valley.
Seriously, the park is worth it for the scenery alone. Chattanooga spreads out below, but the truly beautiful part is the Tennessee River, which curves right below Lookout Mountain to form Moccasin Bend.
The Civil War history adds a unique feel to the park. There are signs about the Chattanooga Campaign placed periodically along the paths, and you can also see (and touch) original Confederate cannons. They stand at strategic artillery positions and dominate the surrounding land.
It’s strange to think that this idyllic location was the site of intense bloodshed. Now, the cannons melt into the landscape and are good for a photo-op, but once they caused so much pain and suffering. The Lookout Mountain battlefield reminded me to be grateful for the opportunity to grow up in peace.
It’s easy to get swept away by the beauty of the scenery. But don’t miss the following things to do in Point Park!
New York Peace Memorial
The New York Peace Memorial stands tall in the center of the park. Union veterans from New York erected the monument in 1907 in honor of reconciliation and reunification.
You can climb the steps of the monument and read plaques in honor of the Union troops who fought at Lookout Mountain. And at the very top of the monument, a bronze Union soldier shakes the hand of a bronze Confederate soldier.
Ochs Memorial Observatory & Museum
The Ochs Memorial Observatory is located at the very northernmost point of Lookout Mountain. There is an amazing overlook, plus the small Ochs Museum has exhibits about the Battle of Lookout Mountain and the history of the area.
In addition to Civil War information, you can learn about the original indigenous inhabitants of Moccasin Bend.
Cravens House & Hiking
There are a lot of hiking trails in the area (as this map demonstrates). One option is to head down to the Cravens House from the Ochs Memorial Observatory. A lot of the fighting in the Battle of Lookout Mountain happened around this historic home, and after the Confederate retreat it was occupied by Union troops.
Later the Cravens family returned and fixed it up, and now it is part of the Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park. (Note: the Cravens House can also be accessed by car once you leave Point Park.)
We did not have a chance to hike during our short visit, but I would love to return some day and explore more. For instance, the hike to Sunset Rock is supposed to be beautiful.
James Walker’s “Battle of Lookout Mountain”
You should also pop into the Lookout Mountain Battlefield Visitor Center, located just outside of Point Park. Inside you can view a 13-by-30 foot oil painting of the Battle of Lookout Mountain.
The artist, James Walker, was an eyewitness of the battle, and he completed the painting in 1874 at the request of Major General Hooker. There is no charge to view the painting.
Final Thoughts on Point Park
If you are in the Chattanooga area, then Point Park definitely deserves a visit. And if you have a bit more time, consider these other three destinations, as well:
- As I mentioned up above, you can ride the Incline Railway up Lookout Mountain and walk to Point Park. The Incline Railway is one of the steepest passenger railways in the world, so it is a unique 15-minute ride.
- Rock City is only a 10-minute drive from Point Park. These whimsical gardens feature more beautiful views and charming art installations.
- Cloudland Canyon State Park is on the other side of Lookout Mountain. It’s a beautiful place to hike and relax in nature!
Time to start planning your visit to Point Park!
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