On a good day, from the I- 24 freeway in the valley, you can see up to 100 gliders soaring back and forth in the ridge lift. What you can't see from the expressway is the landing area, and this is also an impressive development. At one time the business was allocated on top of the mountain at the launch point, but now a sprawling rural development has erupted in the landing zone. The landing zone itself has tripled in size since the site opened in the mid '70s, providing a 2500-foot runway for ultralights and acres of grassy fields for hang glider pilots to touch down on. Because this is where hang glider pilots end their flying for the day, the landing zone has become the gathering point for grinning recreational aviators after a stunning day of soaring.
Many pilots spend the night.
The Landing is based on the northern perimeter of the landing zone at the park, while LMFP's own housing units sit toward the south end. Each organization has a large community room where non-flyers or pilots whose day has ended can sip a cool one with friends. If your family isn't into flying, they may still enjoy the trip to Tennessee and Georgia. You can also be a regular tourist and ride the Incline Railway, visit Rock City, Ruby Falls, the Aquarium, or the IMAX theater in Chattanooga. You won't be an expert, but you can continue to learn in the high-thrill way of flying that is hang gliding.