Ruby Falls
Discover the magic of Ruby Falls, a stunning 145-foot underground waterfall on Lookout Mountain. Explore ancient caves and natural wonders.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better experience
Ruby Falls
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better experience
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover the magic of Ruby Falls, a stunning 145-foot underground waterfall on Lookout Mountain. Explore ancient caves and natural wonders.
"The underground waterfall is breathtaking and feels almost magical when the lights shine on it. "
🎯 Book Ruby Falls Tickets Early
Purchase tickets online days in advance to secure your spot and preferred tour time.
🧥 Bring a Light Jacket
The cave is a cool 58°F year-round. A light layer is recommended for comfort.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Majestic Underground Waterfall
Deep within Lookout Mountain
Witness the breathtaking beauty of a 145-foot waterfall cascading into a cavern. A truly magical sight!
Stunning Cave Formations
Throughout the cave tour
Marvel at unique stalactites and stalagmites, naturally sculpted over millennia. Nature's art gallery!
Lookout Tower Views
Near the Ruby Falls entrance
Enjoy panoramic vistas of the surrounding Tennessee Valley from this historic observation point.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Tickets in Advance
Dress for the Cave Environment
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
2 day iternary in Chattanooga. Can Ruby falls be done by 75year old?
🎯 Book Ruby Falls Tickets Early
Purchase tickets online days in advance to secure your spot and preferred tour time.
🧥 Bring a Light Jacket
The cave is a cool 58°F year-round. A light layer is recommended for comfort.
Rock city/ ruby falls
Would you all recommend doing Ruby Falls or Raccoon Caverns?
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
Paths can be slippery. Comfortable, closed-toe shoes are essential for safety.
📸 Capture the Magic
The waterfall and cave formations are incredibly photogenic. Don't forget your camera!
Ruby Falls in March?
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Ruby Falls Tickets Early
Purchase tickets online days in advance to secure your spot and preferred tour time.
🧥 Bring a Light Jacket
The cave is a cool 58°F year-round. A light layer is recommended for comfort.
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
Paths can be slippery. Comfortable, closed-toe shoes are essential for safety.
📸 Capture the Magic
The waterfall and cave formations are incredibly photogenic. Don't forget your camera!
⏳ Allow Extra Time
Tours can run longer than expected, especially with large groups. Plan accordingly.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the breathtaking beauty of the underground waterfall and the stunning cave formations, often describing the experience as magical. Guides are frequently praised for their knowledge and friendly demeanor, enhancing the tour. However, some find the tour groups too large, making it difficult to hear the guide and prolonging the tour duration, leading to a feeling of commercialization. +1
"The cave is cool and that waterfall is very beautiful but the size of the tour groups are too large. It’s difficult to hear the guide due to the amount of people and what should be a 30 minute tour took almost an hour and half. It felt very commercialized compared to other cane tours I have taken. They do offer a later lantern tour that sounded like it would have been more fun and less crowded than the main tour we took. The guide did a good job of explaining things and was very friendly"
Heather Pike
"I recently visited Ruby Falls, and it was such an amazing experience! The cave scenery is absolutely gorgeous — every turn has stunning rock formations that look like animals and other unique shapes carved by nature over time. The highlight, of course, is the huge underground waterfall — it’s breathtaking and feels almost magical when the lights shine on it. Our tour guide made the trip even better with funny jokes and interesting stories about the cave’s history. After the tour, I tried the food they sell there, and it was surprisingly good! Overall, Ruby Falls is definitely a place everyone should visit — beautiful, fun, and unforgettable."
Shei Hie
"Five stars for overall experience, but maybe some things to know:
1) If planning to go to Rock City after, note that the tour is over an hour. Allow 30-45 minutes in between the end of the falls tour and Rock City.
- Get there early for pictures and to see the lookout
2) The cave is stunning and the story behind it all is amazing. That said, it's a cave, so it's cramped in some spots, there is no air conditioning, and you are not the only tour down there. Use that info as needed.
3) These things are in the FAQ section, but wear comfy/sturdy shoes. It can be slippery in parts
4) Buy tickets days in advance! Don't wait until the day before!"
Roopa Iyer
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The address for Ruby Falls is 1720 Scenic Hwy, Chattanooga, TN 37409. It's located on Lookout Mountain, making it easily accessible by car.
Ruby Falls is a short drive from downtown Chattanooga. Take US-41 S/Lookout Mountain Blvd and follow signs for Ruby Falls. Many visitors combine a trip to Ruby Falls with Rock City and the Incline Railway.
Yes, there is ample parking available on-site at Ruby Falls. The parking lot is generally easy to navigate.
While public transportation options are limited, ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in Chattanooga and can take you to Ruby Falls.
Yes, there are numerous hotels near Ruby Falls and Lookout Mountain, offering various options from budget-friendly to more upscale accommodations. Popular searches include 'hotels near Ruby Falls' and 'lodging near Ruby Falls'.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission prices for Ruby Falls can vary, but it's recommended to check their official website for the most current pricing for the cave tour. Booking tickets in advance is highly advised.
It is strongly recommended to buy Ruby Falls tickets days in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons, to guarantee your entry and preferred tour time.
Ruby Falls operating hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check their official website for the most up-to-date hours of operation for the cave tours and other attractions.
Look for discount coupons for Ruby Falls or package deals that might include Rock City and Ruby Falls tickets. Checking their website or local tourism sites can reveal available offers.
Your Ruby Falls ticket typically includes a guided cave tour that leads you to the stunning underground waterfall. Some packages may include access to other attractions.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The guided Ruby Falls cave tour typically lasts about 1 hour, but can sometimes extend to 1.5 hours, especially with larger groups.
The tour involves a significant amount of walking and some stairs within the cave. While not overly strenuous, comfortable shoes are a must, and it can be cramped in spots.
Yes, photography is generally allowed inside the cave and at the waterfall. However, be mindful of other guests and the tour guide's instructions.
Ruby Falls is generally suitable for children, but the cave environment can be a bit overwhelming for very young or sensitive kids due to the darkness and confined spaces.
The temperature inside Ruby Falls cave remains a constant 58°F (14°C) year-round, making it a cool escape during warmer months.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, Ruby Falls has a cafe and gift shop where you can purchase food and drinks. Reviewers have noted the food is surprisingly good.
Outside food and drinks are generally not permitted inside the cave tour area. It's best to consume your own food before or after the tour.
The cafe at Ruby Falls typically offers a selection of snacks, sandwiches, and beverages suitable for a quick bite.
📸 📸 Photography
The area around the underground waterfall is the prime spot for photos. The Lookout Tower also offers great panoramic shots of the surrounding landscape.
While general photography is permitted, it's advisable to check with your tour guide about flash photography, as it can sometimes disrupt the cave's natural ambiance or other visitors.
Due to the low light conditions in the cave, a camera with good low-light performance or a tripod might be helpful. Many visitors use their smartphones effectively.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Tips for families: Wear comfortable shoes, as little ones will be doing a fair bit of walking. Consider bringing a light jacket for everyone, as the cave is cool. While the tour is generally engaging, keep in mind that very young children might find the darkness and confined spaces a bit daunting. The gift shop and cafe offer snacks and souvenirs, which can be a fun treat after the tour.
💰 Budget Travelers
Packing your own snacks and drinks to enjoy before or after the tour can also help save money on food expenses. Many visitors find that the guided tour provides excellent value for the experience, especially when compared to other paid attractions.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Photography tips: While flash is generally discouraged to preserve the cave's ambiance, experiment with your camera's low-light settings. The Lookout Tower also provides excellent vantage points for landscape photography. Be prepared for a lot of walking and potentially damp conditions, so protect your gear accordingly.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Discovery of Ruby Falls
The story of its discovery adds a layer of historical intrigue to the visit. The guided tours often share these fascinating details, bringing the cave's history to life for visitors. It's a testament to the hidden wonders that can be found beneath the surface.
Today, Ruby Falls is a National Natural Landmark and a must-see attraction, drawing visitors from all over to witness its subterranean beauty. The guided tours ensure the preservation of this delicate ecosystem while allowing the public to experience its grandeur.
Navigating the Cave Tour
As you progress, the anticipation builds for the main event: the underground waterfall. The tour culminates at the base of Ruby Falls, where the water cascades dramatically into a pool. The lighting is strategically used to enhance the visual spectacle, creating an almost ethereal atmosphere. Guides often share interesting facts about the cave's geology and history, making the tour both educational and entertaining.
It's important to note that the cave maintains a consistent cool temperature year-round, so dressing in layers is advisable. Comfortable walking shoes are also crucial, as the cave floor can be damp and slippery. While the tour is generally accessible, those with significant mobility issues might find certain sections challenging.
Combining Ruby Falls with Nearby Attractions
When planning a multi-attraction visit, it's crucial to allow ample time between each. The Ruby Falls tour itself can take longer than anticipated, and travel between sites needs to be factored in. Purchasing combo tickets or planning your day strategically can help maximize your experience and minimize waiting times.
Consider purchasing tickets for Rock City and Ruby Falls together, as this can sometimes offer a cost savings. Checking the operating hours for all attractions beforehand is also recommended to ensure a smooth and enjoyable day exploring the wonders of Lookout Mountain.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit