Eagles Nest - Lookout Mountain Park

Tucked away on the slopes of Lookout Mountain in Chattanooga, Tennessee, lies a forgotten piece of local history known as Eagle’s Nest.

Overshadowed by nearby attractions like Rock City and Ruby Falls, this quiet, weathered site offers visitors a glimpse into a vision that never fully came to life—but still leaves a lasting impression.

Once imagined as part of an elaborate terraced garden stretching across the mountain, Eagle’s Nest was meant to be a place of beauty, reflection, and cultural celebration. Today, though largely reclaimed by nature, its crumbling steps, stone amphitheater, and moss-covered monuments whisper stories of the past to those curious enough to explore it.

The Origin of The Eagle's Nest

The Eagle’s Nest traces back to the early 20th century, during a period of transformation and development on Lookout Mountain. The area that would become Eagle’s Nest began as a limestone quarry, actively used during the construction of Scenic Highway and Cummings Highway—two major routes that helped open up Lookout Mountain to easier travel and tourism.

Once the roads were completed, the quarry was no longer needed for stone, and it began to take on new meaning. Rather than being abandoned entirely, the site became part of a broader vision led by Milton Ochs, brother of famed newspaper publisher Adolph Ochs of The New York Times. Milton was a passionate advocate for preserving the natural beauty and historical significance of Lookout Mountain, and he saw Eagle’s Nest as part of a larger plan to enrich the area with cultural and scenic value.

Meanwhile, Adolph Ochs had an even more ambitious dream—he envisioned the “Hanging Gardens of Lookout,” a sweeping landscaped terrace that would stretch from Rock City to Cravens House, filled with fountains, statues, waterfalls, and lush gardens. Eagle’s Nest was to be one of the crown jewels of this project: a space where visitors could reflect, learn, and connect with both nature and history.

Though the full vision for the Hanging Gardens was never realized, the development of Eagle’s Nest marked an important chapter in the evolution of Lookout Mountain. It was a blend of natural beauty and intentional design—an effort to shape the mountain not just for travel and commerce, but for public enjoyment and cultural enrichment.

Milton and Adolph Ochs' Vision for Lookout Mountain

Milton and Adolph Ochs were instrumental in shaping the vision for Lookout Mountain beyond its role as a Civil War landmark. While the mountain was already rich in history and natural beauty, the Ochs brothers saw potential for it to become a cultural and recreational destination—something far more immersive and meaningful than just a scenic overlook.

Milton Ochs, a civic-minded leader and preservationist, played a key role in protecting land on Lookout Mountain and promoting its historical value. He was deeply involved in local efforts to create public spaces that would celebrate both the natural landscape and the city’s heritage. Milton helped form the Chattanooga Lookout Mountain Park Association in 1925, with the goal of preserving and enhancing the area for public use. His commitment ultimately led to significant land acquisitions, including the Eagle’s Nest site, which were later transferred to the federal government and incorporated into the Chickamauga & Chattanooga National Military Park in 1934.

While Milton worked to secure the land, his brother Adolph Ochs, the publisher of The New York Times, dreamed even bigger. Adolph envisioned an ambitious project he called the “Hanging Gardens of Lookout.” Inspired by the classical wonder of the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, his plan included a continuous stretch of terraced gardens, flowing waterfalls, fountains, and statues honoring notable historical and literary figures. The project would begin near Rock City and stretch to Cravens House, creating a lush, contemplative path along the mountain’s edge.

Eagle’s Nest was intended to be a key part of that vision—a landscaped retreat carved from a former quarry, with walkways, seating, and monuments nestled into the terrain. It was meant to inspire reflection, education, and appreciation for art and history, all while surrounded by the quiet beauty of Lookout Mountain.

Although the full “Hanging Gardens” were never completed, the remnants of that dream remain visible at Eagle’s Nest. Weathered stonework, steps winding into the trees, and scattered monuments hint at the Ochs brothers’ vision—a mountain not only remembered for its past, but also celebrated as a place of peace, culture, and enduring inspiration.

Though time and nature have reclaimed much of it, Eagle’s Nest still bears the physical remnants of a once-grand vision. Tucked quietly into the forest off Scenic Highway on Lookout Mountain, the site is filled with intriguing features that reflect the creative ambition of the Ochs brothers and the era in which it was imagined.

At the entrance, you'll find a wide set of sandstone steps that lead down from the roadside into the quiet, wooded quarry. These steps, now worn and slightly overgrown, were carefully placed to guide visitors into what was meant to be a reflective, immersive landscape—far removed from the road above.

At the heart of the site sits a small, aged limestone amphitheater, partially tucked into the quarry wall. Though simple in design, it evokes the spirit of public gatherings, performances, or quiet contemplation that the original designers likely envisioned. Today, moss creeps over the stone benches and the silence of the forest surrounds it, adding to the site’s mysterious atmosphere.

Two weathered eagle statues, each standing about five feet tall, still overlook the site. Though worn by time, these majestic birds symbolize the spirit of the Eagle’s Nest and the ideals of strength and vision it was meant to represent. They mark the entrance to the site and give it a namesake identity that has endured for nearly a century.

Nearby, an empty stone pool—once designed to hold water lilies and fed by a small fountain—now resembles a sunken altar. Though the water no longer flows, the pool still hints at the tranquil garden atmosphere the Ochs brothers hoped to create. The pool's edges are softened by leaves, moss, and forest debris, giving it a forgotten, almost mythical quality.

Adding a surprising cultural element, a bust of William Shakespeare sits quietly among the trees. This statue was meant to be just one of many, as Adolph Ochs planned to line the garden pathways with tributes to influential figures in history, art, and literature. Today, Shakespeare’s likeness stands alone—a poignant symbol of a dream partially realized.

Each of these features—though weathered and partially reclaimed by nature—offers a window into the past. The Eagle’s Nest remains a place where imagination, history, and landscape collide, inviting curious visitors to explore, reflect, and reconnect with a little-known chapter of Chattanooga’s story.

The Quarry's Transformation and Current State

What began as a working limestone quarry used during the construction of Scenic Highway and Cummings Highway gradually transformed into something far more imaginative. Once the blasting ceased and the stone was no longer needed, the site—now carved out and framed by rugged rock walls—became the foundation for a new vision: a peaceful retreat tucked into the mountain, filled with gardens, sculptures, and serenity.

In 1925, efforts to preserve Lookout Mountain's natural and historical character were formalized with the creation of the Chattanooga Lookout Mountain Park Association. Through this group’s efforts, land was acquired across the mountain—including the quarry site that would become Eagle’s Nest. The association’s goal wasn’t just preservation, but also beautification and accessibility. They envisioned Lookout Mountain as a public space for enjoyment, education, and cultural enrichment.

That vision gained momentum when, in 1934, the land was officially transferred to the federal government, becoming part of the Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park. Eagle’s Nest—like other sites on the mountain—was folded into the broader effort to honor Chattanooga’s Civil War history while also preserving its scenic landscapes.

But over time, as attention shifted to larger nearby attractions like Ruby Falls, Rock City, and the Incline Railway, Eagle’s Nest quietly faded from public memory. The gardens were never completed. The fountains stopped flowing. The amphitheater fell silent. Nature began its slow reclamation, wrapping vines around statues, filling the lily pool with leaves, and softening the sharp lines of hand-carved steps.

Today, the Eagle’s Nest feels like a hidden ruin, quietly resting in the woods just off Scenic Highway. While its condition is weathered and its original purpose long forgotten by most, the site remains open and accessible for those who know where to look. In many ways, its quiet state of decay adds to its charm—inviting visitors to step off the beaten path, uncover a forgotten vision, and walk among the echoes of a Chattanooga dream that almost was.

Visiting Eagle's Nest

Nestled on Lookout Mountain in Chattanooga, Tennessee, Eagle's Nest offers visitors a glimpse into a lesser-known historical site, rich with intrigue and natural beauty. Accessing this secluded spot can be achieved through two primary routes: directly from Scenic Highway or via the nearby Ruby Falls parking area.

Direct Access from Scenic Highway:

For those seeking a more immediate approach, Eagle's Nest features a modest pull-off along Scenic Highway. This small parking area accommodates one to two vehicles and leads directly to a trail descending into the quarry's base. Due to its limited capacity, arriving early or during off-peak hours increases the likelihood of securing a spot. The pull-off is discreetly situated along the highway, so attentive navigation is essential to locate it. Chattanooga Local

Get Directions: Eagles Nest Chattanooga

Access via Ruby Falls Parking:

An alternative and more accommodating option involves parking at Ruby Falls, a well-known attraction on Lookout Mountain. Visitors can utilize the upper Ruby Falls parking lot, which offers ample space. From there, a short walk along Scenic Highway leads to the trailhead descending into Eagle's Nest. This route not only provides convenient parking but also allows for the exploration of multiple attractions in a single visit.

Exploring Eagle's Nest:

Upon arrival, visitors will encounter wide sandstone steps leading into the forested quarry. The site features an aged limestone amphitheater, two weathered eagle statues perched atop the quarry walls, and a dry, overgrown pool that once housed water lilies and a fountain. The serene and somewhat mysterious atmosphere is enhanced by the encroaching flora, offering a unique experience for those interested in history and nature.

Considerations:

• Safety: The area has been largely reclaimed by nature, resulting in uneven terrain and overgrown paths. Visitors should exercise caution, wear appropriate footwear, and be mindful of their surroundings. 

• Respect: As a site of historical significance, it's important to preserve its integrity. Visitors are encouraged to refrain from disturbing the structures or removing any artifacts. 

• Awareness: Given its secluded nature, it's advisable to inform someone of your visit and expected return time. 

Eagle's Nest stands as a testament to Chattanooga's rich history, offering a tranquil retreat for those seeking to delve into the past while enjoying the natural beauty of Lookout Mountain.