Ruby Falls
Chattanooga, TN
Near Chattanooga, Tennessee, Ruby Falls is a series of underground waterfalls deep inside Lookout Mountain. You descend almost 300 feet (90 meters) by a glass-fronted elevator during a trek down into ancient caves to see the waterfall. Tickets for tours often sell out quickly; buy them online if you have a particular day and time you want to visit.
Plan on spending 2-3 hours at Ruby Falls. Ticket options cover different adventures such as a cave walk to Ruby Falls or a lantern-led evening tour on Friday nights. You can also add on a zipline adventure. Main tours include the dramatic elevator ride down to the cave and a stroll along the cavern trail. Learn about the history of the tallest and deepest cave waterfall open to the public in the United States during this tour.
Ruby Falls is a popular attraction for history buffs and families seeking educational experiences; ancient geological formations are on display here.
Tours last approximately 70-80 minutes; wear flat shoes and bring layers as it is cool in the caves regardless of outdoor temperatures.
Children under two can go on the cave walk to Ruby Falls for free.
Narrow cavern passages and steps make this attraction inaccessible for wheelchairs and strollers.
The Gentle Walking Tour is designed for guests who would like extra time to navigate the trail to the waterfall.
Ruby Falls is located at 1720 South Scenic Highway in Chattanooga, Tennessee. The landmark has ample free parking and most visitors arrive by car (exits 174, 175, and 178 off Interstate 23 lead to Ruby Falls). People staying in Chattanooga without a car often use rideshare apps to reach Ruby Falls.
Ruby Falls is open year-round. The waterfall is most impressive after heavy rain storms. Visitors looking to skip the crowds should plan a trip on a weekday or in the morning hours; afternoons and weekends are busier. A tour into the cave, where temperatures are much cooler, is an especially attractive option on a hot summer day.
In addition to tours into the cave to see the waterfall, Ruby Falls also offers a zip line. Purchase a separate ticket to experience the zip lines and climbing tower, surrounded by sweeping views of the river and beyond. Soaring through the treetops is a seasonal activity, so check hours and availability before your visit.
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