See the Beauty of Rock City Gardens in Georgia

Next week the family is going on a farm vacation to the rolling hills of Wisconsin. As I’m preparing for the trip, it occurred to me that I never shared our recent visit to Rock City Gardens in Georgia just south of Chattanooga. Have you ever been there? You’ll find manmade elements woven through the natural gardens of this beautiful attraction in the northernmost part of the state.

Rock City Georgia Birdhouse

If you’re wondering what’s up with the birdhouse above that has “See Rock City” on the roof, then you’re probably not familiar with the story behind it (neither was I – so don’t feel bad). Drive through parts of North Carolina, Tennessee, Georgia, Alabama, and more, and you’re sure to see “See Rock City” painted on barns.

Three years after the garden opened, painter Clark Byers started painting the phrase on barns to attract visitors to the locale. Over a span of approximately 30 years, he painted 900 barns in 19 states! The barn story is really quite interesting. The advertising worked on me and hubby. When we were in Chattanooga there was no way I was going to miss seeing Rock City.

Lucky for us, Rock City was just a couple miles from our Blue Ivy Cottage Airbnb rental just over the border in Chattanooga, Tennessee. In fact, it was so close that I traveled here in the mornings to get my skinny vanilla latte from Starbucks located just across the driveway from the entrance to the garden.

Entrance to Rock City Garden in Georgia

 

Normally I not too much of a fan of manmade tourist attractions, but the blend of nature and hardscapes, along with the views, made the trip very enjoyable. Plus the rhododendrons were in bloom. The garden’s website says it’s “made by God and enhanced by man.” Since it was midweek in April, we didn’t have to fight a crowd while there.

Paver path in Georgia garden

 

There’s hubby ahead of me. I loved all the trees – I’m a bit of a tree nut – I used to climb them all the time as a kid. I often think I missed my calling as an arborist.

Path among the trees on a spring day

 

Two trails led through very narrow openings wedged between massive rocks. One of the paths was called Fat Man’s Squeeze and was narrower than this one.

Fat Man's Squeeze at Rock City Garden

 

To be honest, manmade structures like this charming little red door made the journey along the paths a little more interesting.

Garden Path with Red Arched Door

 

Garden Path in Northern Georgia

 

If you weren’t sure where to head next, signs along the way helped to guide you. The views were amazing.

This Way Next Sign on Path

 

Hilltop View in Northern Georgia

 

My personal favorite pathway was the suspension bridge that swayed while walking across it.

Suspension bridge at Rock City Garden

 

But the best attraction by far is the main waterfall in the park. Absolutely gorgeous! You can see this feature while driving down the road so you can enjoy it without having to go to the gardens.

Main Waterfall at Rock City in Georgia

 

It was so nice to see flowers in bloom. Whenever I need a pick-me-up I always head outside to spend time in nature. It never disappoints!

Hydrangea in bloom in the woods of Georgia

 

If you haven’t visited the garden yet, you can learn more about Rock City located just south of Chattanooga on the Georgia side of Lookout Mountain.

 

See More of the Georgia and Tennessee Area:

High End Custom Homes of Lookout Mountain, TN

Southern Homes on Lookout Mountain, Georgia

Charming Homes of Maryville, Tennessee

 

 

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6 Comments

  1. As a Southerner I am ashamed to say that with so many trips up to that area, I have never seen Rock City. I do remember seeing the signs for Rock CIty even as a child taking trips up North. Thank you soo much for this post. It is on my Bucket List for sure!!!

    1. Hi Deb,

      It’s not too late to visit. They were limiting the number of attendees when we went (due to Covid) and it was nice not having crowds to deal with. I think you’ll love it!