We were So Inclined

Sunday, June 12, 2022

We left Nashville this morning for a 2.5 hour jaunt to Chattanooga eating lunch on the road and topping off the fuel tank just before arriving. We are staying at River Life, a private campground with 5 sites along the Tennessee River. Our friendly host, Delon, met us as we drove up and, after we selected from the two site choices, directed me backing the RV into a cozy site with a great view of the river below. 

Arrival at our River Life Campsite

After setting up the motorhome, we drove the toad to the St. Elmo neighborhood of Chattanooga to take The Incline up Lookout Mountain. Originally, built in 1865, this purports to be the world’s steepest incline and most amazing mile. The ten-minute ride ascends at grades as high as 72.7%. At the top, we enjoyed beautiful views of the city and river below from the multi-level observation decks . We also sought relief from the heat in the air-conditioned gift shop & restaurant. 

At the Bottom of The Incline

Ascending The Incline

A View from the Top

We then walked about three blocks down a street behind the gift shop to a National Park Service office where we leaned about the Union’s Campaign for Chattanooga during the Civil War. Afterwards, we walked around Point Park (free entry with Senior Pass) and took in more beautiful views of Chattanooga and the Tennessee River below. The New York Peace Monument is located in the park’s center symbolizing reunification and reconciliation. We walked back to The Incline station and descended Lookout Mountain then joined our fellow incliners in their efforts to fight the heat at Clumpies Ice Cream Co.

NPS Office and Entrance to Point Park

Mural of the Battle above the Clouds

View of Chattanooga and the Tennessee River from Point Park

New York Peace Monument

Ready for Descent

On the way back, we stopped for dinner and beer at River Drifters along the Tennessee River and near the campground. We purchased a six pack of three types of beer brewed locally by Hutton & Smith. “Gneiss beer by people who give a schist.” Back at River Life, we enjoyed the views from our outdoor table and from the campground docks along the river as we watched night fall and the almost-full moon rise.

River Life

Moonrise over the Tennessee River