Ruby Falls, located inside Lookout Mountain, is a 145-foot waterfall named after the discoverer's wife. It's a beautiful site to see.
If you are lucky, Andy will be your tour guide and the journey will be the highlight of your trip. (If you see a 30-ish guy who looks like a cross between Owen Wilson and Matthew McConaughey, ask him if he will be leading tours. If you don't see him, ask for him!)
To see the falls, purchase a ticket inside the gift shop. Be sure to visit the restroom before you embark on the journey inside the mountain - there are no restrooms in the caverns. Be sure to wear good shoes, too, because the ground may be naturally slippery in spots.
While you are waiting to go on your tour and after you have used the facility's restroom, you can spend a little time looking at souvenirs in the gift shop.
These rocks are for sale. They make a great gift for little ones.
Stalagmites and Stalactites
This formation looks like the backside of a donkey.
The Falls are 26 stories deep inside Lookout Mountain. There is an elevator that transports guests down to the cavern trail. The path is about a mile walk roundtrip.
Be sure to wear good, closed-toe shoes when you visit. If you like the temperature on the cool side, then you're in luck. The temperature inside the cave is around 60 degrees all year long.
The path can be wet and/or narrow at times. Understandably, it is not wheelchair friendly.
Ruby Falls
Once you have finished your tour, have a look around Chattanooga while on the deck of the castle.
This is a great spot for viewing the city of Chattanooga.
Advanced tickets are required to view Ruby Falls and they are only sold online. The cost is $22.95 for adults and $12.95 for ages 3 - 11. Plan on spending at least 2 hours when you visit. Ruby Falls is open from 8 AM until 8 PM Eastern time every day except Christmas.
If you are traveling with Fido in tow, he won't be allowed to see the falls, but you might be able to secure him at one of the 4 shaded fenced-in kennels at no charge while you check them out.
Parking is free.
For more information, you can connect with Ruby Falls on the Web | Facebook | Twitter.
Exploring Ruby Falls can work up an appetite. Check out this post with some of my favorite places to eat in Chattanooga.
Gallivanting Laura says
I'm intrigued by how this tour guide looks haha. I love how they've lit up the falls inside, they look so beautiful. Were there any bats inside?
Jennifer Record says
Very cool! We explored another cave in PA and this looks like something similar..adding it to the Tennessee list!
Karen says
The caves look really interesting and the lighting makes it look really cool. I would love to visit sometime.
Sharyn says
I've heard so much about Chattanooga that I cannot wait to visit. Thanks for the inspiration.
Stacy says
I love exploring caves, it’s like an entirely different world in there. We’ve never been to Chattanooga, but will save this for future reference.
SelfLynda says
Chattanooga is a neat little town. I recommend that in addition to Ruby Falls that you visit Rock City and the Tennessee Aquarium, if possible.