Guild-Hardy Trail The Guild-Hardy trail passes just below the historic Cravens House. Constructed in 1887-88, the Chattanooga & Lookout Mountain Railway climbed the mountain from St. Elmo at its base over a steady 5-mile grade that curved from the east side to the west side and back again. Although it was known as the Broad Gauge railroad, it was a standard-gauge line that used steam locomotives. From 1913 to 1920, the route was traversed by electric streetcars of the Chattanooga Railway & Light Company. Now a recreational trail, the railbed provides an opportunity to ascend or descend the mountain away from vehicular traffic (mostly) at a leisurely pace. The 5-mile trail gradually climbs the plateau, making for a relatively easy bike ride or day hike. The trail is owned and maintained by the Lookout Mountain Conservancy which works for wise land use and good growth across all 93 miles of the three-state plateau. RailGa.com. Georgia's Railroad History & Heritage. © Steve Storey Railroad History | The Depot List | Locomotives On Display | Odds & Ends | Sources & References | Home