Did you know that the Appalachians are the oldest mountains in the world? That’s part of what makes them so special. Rock City is a part of this ancient range and we’re no stranger to the mystical atmosphere that drifts through our cliffs and among our trails.
Since the dawn of the Tennessee River and the formation of Lookout Mountain, gnomes have called our special property home. They love to play and explore in this natural space of wonder, where new colors and scents bloom every season and exciting discoveries are found around every corner.
Our gnomes are fun and somewhat mischievous—passionate and creative. They roam, climb, mine, garden, craft, hike, write, and play music. Each is unique in personality and stature, with their own hobbies and favorite parts of Rock City.
Although you could always sense their presence, they were hard to spot! And now they’ve decided to reveal themselves, sharing their talents and passions with those that love Rock City. We’re excited to introduce you to them…
Edvard, the Soundcrafter, is a talented musician who uses sound to communicate with the earth. Whether it comes from his voice or one of the many instruments he’s built from natural materials, his joyful music fills the mountain. His favorite instrument is the pan flute, carefully crafted from native wood. If you listen carefully, you can hear it echoing along the Hall of the Mountain King trail.
Nimble, the Adventurer, is a skilled mountaineer. She loves to climb, hike and explore all kinds of terrain, whether it be steep cliffsides or wide streams. Nimble can never resist a challenge—and if it’s tall, she climbs it; wide, she fords it! Nimble is always prepared with her knapsack full of snacks, water and trusty rope, carefully stashed away. She loves the thrill of swinging across the cliffs and crevices around the Swing-A-Long Bridge trail.
Leif, the Soilsmith and gardener, has a special relationship with the earth and everything that sustains it. He understands the delicate balance between rain, sun, air, and soil, and tends to each plant with care. Bees and butterflies are his favorite creatures because of the way they sustain pollination and plant life. Leif is always working on a project, and you’ll often find him nurturing native plants along the Grand Corridor trail.
Bergmann, the Miner, is the most recognizable of our gnomes—a sensitive soul with an eye for beauty and a love of rocks. He understands the science of geology, which reveals the long, layered history of the earth. On his search for rocks and minerals, he carefully studies each dig site to find the natural fissures where the rock wants to split. He carries his trusty pick-axe, often sparkling with gem dust, along with the gem pouch he treasures.
You might be thinking, “I’ve seen gnomes in the gardens for years,” and you’re absolutely right. Many of those cheerful little statues were brought in by our founders, Garnet and Frieda Carter, who sourced them from Zwergstatt-Gräfenroda—a legendary German gnome-maker that’s been crafting the figurines since 1874. Some of Rock City’s oldest gnomes are nearly 140 years old, already vintage when Frieda lovingly placed them among the rocks and rhododendrons.
The original statues, lovingly carved from terracotta and painted by hand, aren’t exactly built for this climate. Between Lookout Mountain’s humid summers and frigid winters, the fragile figures face a constant battle with the elements. Thankfully, our dedicated Innovations team diligently works to patch, paint and preserve these beloved relics of Rock City’s storybook past.
But sadly, many of the original statues are nearing the end of their life cycle. “They’re not meant to last 100 years,” says Will Jackson, senior manager of Innovations at Rock City. “That’s why we’re so excited to introduce our longtime residents and finally show them in the gardens.”
Freida Carter was a creative and visionary woman with a love for gardening, music, and German folklore. She knew gnomes lived here just as they do in Germany and the ones she imported were simply representations of the real residents—those quiet caretakers who helped her tend to Rock City’s enchanted landscape. We’re excited for you to meet some of their friends brought to life in a whole new way.
Now crafted by the Innovations team using old-world techniques and modern technology, you’ll see new statuary of our original residents.
Think of them like the characters of Toy Story. When you’re around, they’re perfectly still—but the moment you look away, they come alive! They play, explore, tend to the earth, and stir up a bit of mischief, just as gnomes do.
So when you visit Rock City, keep your eyes peeled for these mystical creatures. They’re around the gardens but can be tricky to spot. Grab a Gnome Quest—a whimsical scavenger hunt created by the gnomes themselves. Choose one of four quests at the garden gates, and if you complete it, a special token awaits you at the end… a little reward from the gnomes for being such a clever adventurer.
To learn more about our gnomes visit: https://www.seerockcity.com/experience-rock-city/gnomes/