Insider’s Guide To Ruby Falls In Chattanooga [Video]

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Ruby Falls Lookout Mountain is home to the tallest and deepest underground waterfall open to the public in the United States.

The fall is hidden deep within the 2,388 summits of Lookout Mountain which allows you to see sweeping views of the Tennessee Valley from historic Lookout Mountain Tower, Blue Heron Overlook, and the Ruby Falls Village Plaza. 

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There are more caves and waterfalls in Tennessee than anywhere in the United States.  There are over 500 waterfalls in Tennessee and over 9,600 caves on record in Tennessee but most of the caves are located on private property.

Ruby Falls Tennessee is a little different than the others because it is open to the public and it is an absolutely stunning vision to behold.

Now more than ever we need to understand the importance of local travel.  Most people believe traveling means going to another country but there is so much to do and rich history right in our own backyards that we are missing out on because we don’t consider exploring the state we live in as a viable vacation destination. 

Just maybe your city has something spectacular to offer you and your family.  

Ruby Falls: Chattanooga Tennessee

I took my own advice and decided to take a day trip with my daughter Madison to visit Ruby Falls Lookout Mountain in Chattanooga, TN.  

Ruby Falls is located in the northwest corner of the state and is apart of a group of Chattanooga attractions that are grouped together which include Ruby Falls, the Incline Railway, and Rock City, TN.

Chattanooga is less than 2 hours from Murfreesboro which makes it the perfect day trip from Nashville.  Madison and I woke up early grabbed a bite to eat and hit the road to explore Ruby Falls and Lookout Mountain for the day and we could be back home before it got dark.

Ruby Falls Reservations

Perhaps a key factor in making your visit fun and educational is calling ahead and making reservations for the small VIP tour group (8 people), which I did not do and it was a mistake. 

Our tour had at least 30+ people and it was hard to take pictures and ask questions about the formations without feeling rushed but I definitely plan on returning and I will make sure we plan ahead and schedule the VIP tour.

Tours sell out quickly! In response to COVID-19, tour group sizes have significantly reduced. Tours are by reservation only, and tickets must be purchased online in advance. Availability is limited. 

Due to COVID-19, any person over the age of 2 is required to wear a face mask covering the nose and mouth while inside Ruby Falls cave and facilities as directed by the Hamilton County Health Department. Per CDC guidelines, children under the age of two should not wear a face mask. 

Because the Ruby Falls’ cavern trail and the elevator are so small the cave does not consistently accommodate 6 feet of social distancing.

Ruby Falls Hours and Tickets

Ruby Falls hours are daily from 8 am – 8 pm (EST)  and on holidays enjoy the Ruby Falls Haunted Cavern or the Ruby Falls zip line.

Ruby Falls tickets can be purchased online or in-person.  I purchased tickets for both Ruby Falls with Rock City tickets but you can add the Incline Railway if you have enough time.

If you plan to experience more than one of these attractions in a day, be sure to check the Incline and Rock City hours of operation.

Three attractions seemed like a lot for us and we were exhausted by the time we finished Rock City so if you want to experience all three attractions I suggest staying the weekend in Chattanooga.

 In order to see this waterfall,  I paid the admission price for a guided tour for both Madison and me.  It began with an elevator ride taking us some 1120 ft below the surface of Lookout Mountain, then traveled through a maze of corridors with formations that Doug our guide explained along the way.  

My daughter Madison was so excited and amazed by the formations and to see her face light up with excitement and anticipation about what was coming up next was exactly what I wanted to achieve with this day trip to Ruby Falls.

Day trips with your kids can be another opportunity for learning. This fast-growing travel option is gaining popularity as parents look for more ways to combine their love of travel with a chance to make teachable moments.

History of Ruby Falls

The story of Ruby Falls begins with the original Lookout Mountain Cave whose natural entrance is located at the foot of Lookout Mountain on the banks of the Tennessee River.

Tales of this cave’s huge chambers and winding passages have long been passed down from one generation to the next, and the cave’s whereabouts have been known by Chattanooga inhabitants for centuries.

The rich history of this cave includes Native Americans, cave explorers, notorious outlaws, civil war soldiers, and even a president of the United States.

The Ruby Falls walking tour is easy breezy and nothing compared to that of  Leo Lambert, the founder of person Ruby Falls when he first explored the cave. 

When Leo found the cave he had to crawl for 17 hours! Can you imagine how claustrophobic and nerve-wracking that would be? 

We saw the same rock formations Leo saw and there are signs everywhere pointing out specific rocks and it only took us 1.25 hours to complete the tour.

On December 28, 1928, while excavating the elevator shaft a worker operating a jackhammer discovered a void in the rock and felt a gush of air. This void was located at the 260-foot level, still 160 feet above the Lookout Mountain Cave.

Upon further inspection, an opening, 18 inches high and five feet wide, was discovered.

Lambert, along with a small crew, entered this opening to explore the newfound cave. While exploring they discovered a number of unusual and beautiful rock formations, flowing passages, and several stream beds.

Pushing their way deeper and deeper into the cave, they finally reached its marvelous jewel, the waterfall.

Mr. Lambert and his exploration party were awestruck by its magnificence and beauty and returned to the surface to share their newfound discovery with the rest of the crew. The round trip journey took them about 17 hours.

A Look Inside Ruby Falls

Once we reached the falls it is completely dark! I do mean completely dark.  Madison was squeezing my hand so tight and out of nowhere came the light show.

The purple and blue light show was spectacular and we were allowed to take photos behind the falls once it lit up. 

The falls look like something straight out of a sci-fi movie so be sure to look and watch the water spill down the falls like a thunderous volcano erupting right before your eyes.

It seemed like it took us forever to get to the fall but the return trip is faster but it also gave us an opportunity to takes photos of rock formations we may have missed on the way down,  so make sure you have your camera ready.

What Happens To The Water At Ruby Falls

The stream, 1120 feet underground, is fed both by rainwater and natural springs. It collects in a pool on the cave floor and then continues through the mountain until finally joining the Tennessee River at the base of Lookout Mountain.

Explore Your Own Backyard

Ruby Falls made both my daughter and me, aware of the natural wonders that are all around us.  What land or natural beauty is around your city?

Look at a map and see what natural resources surround your area! You may be surprised to discover areas that you have never explored or driven to!

Don’t see anything new? Look up national parks, gardens, waterfalls, oceans, lakes, rivers, etc. that are around your city! You are guaranteed to find something!!

 

Tips for exploring Ruby Falls Tennessee

• Make sure everyone goes to the bathroom before the tour starts because once you start the tour there are no detours not even to use the bathroom.
• Bring a sweater because caves keep a constant temperature of around 60 degrees year-round.
• Don’t try to do all three attractions in one day.
• If you can spend the night in Chattanooga and make a weekend out of your adventure then I would do that instead of taking a day trip.

Where to Eat Near Ruby Falls 

Chattanooga is a short 10-minute drive from Ruby falls with plenty of dining options.

Sugar’s Ribs/East Ridge: Sugar’s Ribs is for the purist BBQ fan. They are more like an old fashion, roadside BBQ but in a comfortable setting with a great view of the surrounding mountains and downtown Chattanooga.

Boathouse Rotisserie & Raw Bar: Come for the View! Come back for the food! The vista is provided by the Signal and Lookout Mountains, reflecting off the Tennessee River. The Boathouse features a perfect environment and a well-rounded menu.

Champy’s Famous Fried Chicken: Champy’s is by far my favorite chicken shack.  We have one in Murfreesboro and we dine there as a family at least once a week because it’s just that good!

3rd Deck Burger Bar: The Burger Bar Has An Atmosphere Like No Other In Chattanooga. This Gem Sits 40 Feet Above The Beautiful Tennessee River Offering Outside Patio Seating Or Indoor Leather Couch Seating Right On The River!

Alchemy (inside The Westin Chattanooga): Relax by a fire pit with a cocktail in hand, enjoy appetizers on the rooftop at sunset, or dine on chef-curated dishes inside Alchemy, located right on the tenth floor. Using only the finest seasonal ingredients, Alchemy offers a mouthwatering array of dishes.

Driving Directions to Ruby Falls and Lookout Mountain

FROM DOWNTOWN CHATTANOOGA

• Travel South on Broad Street US-11 S away from Downtown Chattanooga
• Proceed to the railroad underpass. Broad Street becomes Cummings Hwy (Highway 41)
• Continue on Cummings Hwy (Hwy 41) about 0.5 mile
• Take the ramp on the left side of the highway labeled Ruby Falls (Scenic Hwy)
• Ruby Falls is ahead on the Right

FROM GEORGIA I-75 NORTH

• Take I-75 North to Chattanooga.
• Near Chattanooga take the I-24 West split (Exit 2 on left)
• Continue on I-24 West toward Downtown Chattanooga (6.4 miles)
• Take exit #178-US 27 North toward “Downtown/Lookout Mountain/Market Street”
• Stay right and take the second exit on the right “Lookout Mountain – South Market Street”
• Immediately stay left on the Lookout Mountain Ramp off the exit
• Proceed straight through the next two stop streets to the traffic light at Broad Street
• Turn Left (south) on Broad Street US-11 S
• Proceed to the railroad underpass. Broad Street becomes Cummings Hwy (Highway 41)
• Continue on Cummings Hwy (Hwy 41) about 0.5 mile
• Take the ramp on the left side of the highway labeled Ruby Falls (Scenic Hwy)
• Ruby Falls is ahead on the Right

FROM KNOXVILLE I-75 SOUTH

• Take I-75 South to Chattanooga.
• Near Chattanooga take the I-24 West split (Exit 2)
• Continue on I-24 West toward Downtown Chattanooga (6.4 miles).
• Take exit #178-US 27 North toward “Downtown/Lookout Mountain/Market Street”
• Stay right and take the second exit on the right “Lookout Mountain – South Market Street”
• Immediately stay left on the Lookout Mountain Ramp off the exit
• Proceed straight through the next two stop streets to the traffic light at Broad Street
• Turn Left (south) on Broad Street US-11 S
• Proceed to the railroad underpass. Broad Street becomes Cummings Hwy (Highway 41)
• Continue on Cummings Hwy (Hwy 41) about 0.5 mile
• Take the ramp on the left side of the highway labeled Ruby Falls (Scenic Hwy)
• Ruby Falls is ahead on the Right

FROM ALABAMA I-59 NORTH

• Take I-59 North.
• I-59 will end at I-24
• Merge with I-24 East
• Continue on I-24 East to Chattanooga
• Take Exit #174 “Lookout Valley US 11 Lookout Mountain”
• Turn right on Cummings Hwy (Hwy 41) Continue 2.5 miles
• Take Right onto Alford Hill Drive
• At the stop sign take a left onto Old Wauhachie Pike
• Continue to the next stop sign and take a right onto Scenic Highway
• Ruby Falls is ahead on the Right

FROM NASHVILLE I-24 EAST

• Take I-24 East to Chattanooga
• Take Exit #174 “Lookout Valley US 11 Lookout Mountain”
• Turn right on Cummings Hwy (Hwy 41) Continue 2.5 miles
• Take Right onto Alford Hill Drive
• At the stop sign take a left onto Old Wauhachie Pike
• Continue to the next stop sign and take a right onto Scenic Hwy
• Ruby Falls is ahead on the Right

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