Ruby Falls has been captivating visitors since its grand opening in 1929—but its story began long before then. For more than a decade, founder Leo Lambert dreamed of finding an entrance to the closed off Lookout Mountain Cave, and after lot’s of searching he found something even more beautiful. Caverns with underground flowing streams, incredible geological formations, and a plunging waterfall deep in the caverns that he named after his wife and high school sweetheart, Ruby. Nearly 100 years later, it continues to draw visitors from across the globe to see one of Chattanooga’s most treasured gems.
All Things Ruby Falls
Ruby Falls offers a variety of tours to suit different interests and paces. Their Cave Walk to the Waterfall is a guided walk through the cavern to the waterfall in a large group setting. They do also offer an Adult Exclusive express walk in a large group setting sans children. For something more intimate, try the Gentle Walking Tour, which offers a slower pace, smaller group size, and a more in-depth experience. Adults looking for a unique evening can opt for the Friday night Lantern Tour, where the cave is illuminated only by the glow of a handheld lantern. Which doubles as a seasonal ghost tour in the fall (September 7 - October 31). History enthusiasts will enjoy the new special History Tour, that features early-access to the cave, extended time at the waterfall, a limited number of participants and stories of legendary events and happenings from almost a century of history.
Important to note: Ruby Falls does not sell walk-up tickets. Be sure to purchase your timed-entry tickets online before heading up the mountain to Ruby Falls Castle.
Beyond the Cave
There’s plenty to see above ground too. From the historic Lookout Mountain Tower, you can take in sweeping views of the Cumberland Plateau and Tennessee River. Ruby Falls Castle itself is worth the visit—built in the 1920s with limestone excavated from the elevator shaft leading to the caverns, it’s now on the National Register of Historic Places. Today, it houses the Castle Café, perfect for a mid-visit snack.
Looking for more thrills? The High Point ZIP Adventure offers multiple zip lines and a 40-foot climbing wall. And if you’d like to stay immersed in nature, consider booking a Treetop Hideaway for a luxury treehouse glamping experience. These upscale accommodations can be enhanced with extras like an in-treehouse massage, a private guided hike, or a curated wine, beer, or spirits delivery from local experts at Imbibe.
Wanna Feel Like a Local?
If you’ve got time before or after your tour, there are plenty of nearby adventures. For hiking, the Guild-Hardy Trail connects to Ruby Falls property, crossing trestle bridges and passing beneath the Incline Railway. Or check out my personal favorite and a Chattanooga classic hike, Craven’s House to Sunset Rock. Craven’s House is a historic spot where a civil war battle once took place, but now it’s one of the best hikes in the city. Plus the views from Sunset Rock? Unmatched.
Wanting to do something more low-key? Head over to Naughty Cat Cafe in St. Elmo at the base of Lookout Mountain for some kitty cuddles and refreshments. Just make sure to book your reservation in advance! You can also cover both the highs and lows of Chattanooga by heading over to the Incline Railway and riding to the top & back! You can’t go wrong with either choice.
When hunger strikes, St. Elmo delivers. 1885 Grill is a Southern coastal restaurant that offers lunch, dinner, and brunch on the weekends plus they have great week night specials and often have live music. Little Coyote is phenomenal dinner spot with a huge patio with mountain views. Specializing in smoked meats and fresh tortillas, Little Coyote brings Texas BBQ to Chattanooga complete with delicious cocktails and all the agave you could ever dream of. Or grab picnic-ready bites from Purple Daisy Picnic Café and enjoy them at Point Park or Cravens House before hitting the trails.
Want more ideas for hikes or free activities? Browse our other blogs and resources to make your Chattanooga trip unforgettable.
