ruby falls field trip

• Outreach Performances & Programs
• Fundraising
• Field trip lesson plans
• Field Trips Grants
• Service Learning
• Hot Springs
• Little Rock
• Los Angeles
• San Francisco
• Colorado Springs
• Statewide / Region
• Daytona Beach
• Fort Lauderdale
• Gainesville
• Jacksonville
• Orlando-Metro
• Palm Beach Metro
• Space Coast
• Tallahassee
• St. Augustine
• St Petersburg-Clearwater
• Atlanta-Metro
• Chicago-Metro
• Springfield
• Central Region
• Indianapolis
• North Region
• South Region
• Bowling Green
• Baton Rouge
• New Orleans
• Baltimore-Metro
• The Berkshires
• Boston-Metro
• Cape Cod/Plymouth
• Greater Lowell
• Greater Springfield
• Grand Rapids
• Capital-River Region
• Delta Region
• Gulf Coast Region
• Hills Region
• Pines Region
• Jefferson City
• Kansas City
• Springfield-MO
• Delaware River Region
• Gateway Region NJ
• Greater Atlantic City
• Shore Region
• Skylands Region
• Southern Shore Region
• Capital District Region
• Central New York Region
• Finger Lakes Region
• Hudson Valley Region
• Long Island
• Mohawk Valley Region
• New York City
• North Country Region
• Southern Tier Region
• Western New York Region
• Cincinnati Ohio
• Cleveland Ohio
• Columbus Ohio
• Metro Canton Ohio
• Oklahoma City
• Allegheny Mts. & Valleys
• Gettysburg/York
• Harrisburg-Metro
• Lakes & Erie Regions
• Lancaster-Metro
• Lehigh Valley
• Philadelphia Metro
• Pittsburgh & Laurel Highlands
• The Poconos
• Scranton/Wilkes-Barre
• Chattanooga
• East Tennessee
• Middle Tennessee
• The Smokies
• West Tennessee
• Bryan - College Station
• Corpus Christi
• Dallas/Fort Worth
• Panhandle Plains Region
• San Antonio
• Central Virginia
• Chesapeake Bay Region
• Coastal Virginia -Eastern Shore
• Coastal Virginia-Hampton Roads
• Northern Virginia
• Shenandoah Valley
• Southern Virginia
• Southwest Virginia-Blue Ridge Highlands
• Southwest Virginia-Heart of the Appalachia
• Virginia Mountains
• Martinsburg
• Madison Wisconsin

Visiting Ruby Falls in Chattanooga, TN

If you’re planning a first time trip to the Chattanooga area, you probably included Ruby Falls in your itinerary. This popular tourist attraction, which is the deepest underground waterfall in the United States, provides a truly unique experience in the Scenic City.

Whether you’re traveling to Ruby Falls with kids or adults, you’re sure to have several questions about this impressive spot near Chattanooga. In this post, we will try to answer all your questions about Ruby Falls, including how to get there, what it’s like to tour with a baby or toddler, and how it compares to Rock City.

So, continue reading below for everything you need to know about one of the most unique things to do in Chattanooga: Ruby Falls!

Where is Ruby Falls?

Ruby Falls is located on Lookout Mountain in Chattanooga, Tennessee. If you’re traveling from the downtown Chattanooga area, the attraction sits at just a ten minute drive from the city.

Visitors who are coming from other nearby cities should have no problem finding Ruby Falls. Once you exit off the Interstate, you’ll find lots of clearly marked signs for Rock City, the Incline Railway, and Ruby Falls.

To Nashville

If you’re traveling to/from Nashville, you’ll take Interstate 24 toward Chattanooga. Ruby Falls is located at just over a two hour drive from Nashville; although, traffic coming into the city of Chattanooga can often get backed up.

Those visiting from the Atlanta area will most likely take Interstate 75 to travel north into Chattanooga. The drive to Ruby Falls should take just under two hours.

To Dollywood and Pigeon Forge

Many families like to combine visits to multiple East Tennessee cities like Chattanooga and Gatlinburg during their trip. If you’re planning to visit Dollywood, Gatlinburg, or Pigeon Forge on your vacation, you could also add a stop at Ruby Falls to your itinerary.

If this is your plan, you would just travel south on Interstate 75 to get from Dollywood to Chattanooga. This trip will take roughly 2.5 to 3 hours, depending on traffic in Pigeon Forge. 

Ruby Falls History

Many visitors are curious about the history of Ruby Falls prior to their visit. Since your tour includes a really interesting video of how Ruby Falls was discovered and how it was formed, I don’t want to spoil too much of the information here.

Basically, Leo Lambert discovered the cave and falls in the late 1920’s. It is named after his wife, Ruby Lambert. While you tour the cavern, you’ll see the spots where Leo crawled with his lantern on his adventure. You’ll also learn about the waterfall and how it changes throughout the years.

Ruby Falls Cave Tours

Ruby Falls is open year-round (except on Christmas Day), and you can purchase tickets for the tours on their official website . When we bought tickets, the website stated that you weren’t able to book tours in person, but I saw many people doing that with no problem.

Once your time slot is called, your tour guide will take your group into a glass-front elevator, which travels underground to the entrance of the cave. Our tour group only had about 12 people in it, and we all fit in one elevator. If you are in a larger group, the tour guide will take two separate loads down.

After you enter the cave, your tour guide will explain some basic rules. Shortly after this, you’ll watch the video of the history of Ruby Falls.

Then, your group will follow the tour guide through the caverns. He/she will stop to explain features of the cave and answer questions from guests. Our tour guide had a really great personality and made the journey super fun.

On your way to the waterfall, your group will most likely have to stop to let other tour groups (who are on their way back from the falls) go by. Once you finally reach the fall, you’ll be permitted to take lots of pictures and selfies before heading back out to the pathway.

Many visitors are curious about how long the Ruby Falls cave tour lasts. Our tour took about 90 minutes, but we had a really small group. If the group scheduled during your time slot holds 30 or so people, you will want to plan for longer than 90 minutes.

Ruby Falls with a Baby or Toddler

If you are visiting Ruby Falls with a baby, toddler, or younger kids, you may be wondering if they can handle the tour. In all honesty, I would probably wait until your children are older before planning a visit to Ruby Falls.

Since you are required to tour the cave with a guide, you can’t really walk at your own pace, and 90 minutes of slow walking isn’t really ideal for younger kids. We had my five-year-old daughter with us on our guided tour, and she started asking when it would be over at just fifteen minutes in.

There were also families with toddlers and babies in our group and in the groups that passed. I think every single toddler we saw during the tour was being carried and throwing a fit at some point.

If you have a really small baby who you think will just sleep the whole time, you could probably handle visiting Ruby Falls. However, if your kids aren’t yet at the age to have a really long attention span, they may get bored early on in the tour.

Additionally, many visitors want to know if Ruby Falls is stroller friendly. Unfortunately, the attraction’s cavern trail is not able to accommodate strollers. Therefore, you’ll want to wear a baby carrier or just carry your toddler throughout the tour.

Ruby Falls vs Rock City

If you have never visited the city of Chattanooga or the historic Lookout Mountain, you may be wondering if Ruby Falls is the same as Rock City. While the two attractions are located within close proximity of each other, they are very different experiences.

Whereas Ruby Falls is an underground cave tour to a waterfall, Rock City is a (mostly) outdoor walk along scenic pathways. While Rock City also features a waterfall, it is an outdoor fall that you can view from a distance as opposed to the underground fall at Ruby Falls.

If you’re looking for more information on Rock City, we highly recommend checking out our Honest Review of Rock City Gardens . In that article, we go into detail on what it’s like to tour Rock City as a family.

Is Ruby Falls Worth It?

If you’re planning a trip to Chattanooga and wondering if Ruby Falls is worth it, the answer is- it depends. Families visiting with older kids and adults will definitely enjoy the Ruby Falls experience, and I would even say it’s a must-see destination.

It’s a really unique attraction, and the caves and waterfall are stunning to see in person. The tour is also really informative and could be used as an educational experience that is also entertaining.

If you’re traveling with younger kids, it may be a good idea to add Rock City to your Chattanooga itinerary while saving Ruby Falls for your next visit when the kids are older. Rock City allows you to tour at your own pace and there’s a lot more free space for kids to explore. 

Personally, I would recommend Ruby Falls to those traveling with groups of people aged 10 years old and above. Additionally, Ruby Falls offers a High Point Zip Adventure that’s the perfect add-on for older kids and adults.

Final Review of Ruby Falls

Overall, Ruby Falls is a great place to visit in Chattanooga TN. The history behind the accidental discovery of the cavern is really interesting, and it’s fun to see the underground rock formations in person.

We lucked out with a really quick-witted tour guide who made our cave walk tour even more enjoyable. Plus, you really can’t beat the amazing sight of the thundering waterfall once you actually reach Ruby Falls.

Since the Ruby Falls parking lot is just a short walk to the caves and the attraction is easy to combine with experiences like the Incline Railway and Rock City, we would definitely recommend adding Ruby Falls to your list of must see Chattanooga Attractions!

​You’ll also want to check out the visitor center and gift shop for additional information and keepsakes! Do you think Ruby Falls is worth it? Comment below to share your thoughts!

Shari is an experienced planner and organizer for Disney vacations, cruising, and U.S. travel. Her family vacation information, reviews, and tips provide insight for moms and dads everywhere. You can read more about her story, including her journey through breast cancer, in the about me page.

Similar Posts

Ultimate Family Beach Vacation Packing List (Free Printable PDF)

Honest Review of WaterColor Inn and Resort in Florida

29 Things to Do in Chattanooga with Kids

Zoos and animal attractions near gatlinburg, tennessee.

10 Best Roller Coasters at Dollywood (Ranked for 2024)

13 Fall Festivals and Activities in Chattanooga

Leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

The Ultimate Guide To Ruby Falls

Ruby Falls, a spectacular underground waterfall, is a true icon of must-see nature!

Ruby Falls, the deepest and tallest underground waterfall in the US, is accessible only via guided tours traversing the narrow caverns of the Lookout Mountain leading to the miraculous Ruby Falls!

Ruby Falls Cave and Ruby Falls, located deep inside Lookout Mountain in Chattanooga, Tennessee, near Tennessee and Georgia state border, is a world of fascinating nature featuring stunning geological formations, a fault line, and one of the most unique and spectacular waterfalls in the world! Ruby Falls is situated about 1,120 feet below the mountain’s surface and approximately 0.5 miles deep inside the mountain from the entrance. The imposing waterfall, plunging nearly 145 feet from the cave’s ceiling into a pool at its bottom, along with light and music effects, is a sight to behold that’s better seen in this short video –   The amazing Ruby Falls ! 

Sculpted and shaped by nature, Ruby Falls Cave in Lookout Mountain was created several million years ago as a result of groundwater dissolving the soft limestone and minerals, creating cracks and narrow passages that lead to the Ruby Falls located at the end of the Ruby Falls Cave cascading down the cave’s roof. Ruby Falls was discovered by Leo Lambert, a cave enthusiast, who through an extraordinary expedition which included passing through narrow dark caves and crawling through tight spaces, first saw the waterfall in 1928 and named it after his wife, Ruby! 

Ruby Falls is equipped with a modern and futuristic elevator, making it a breeze to get to the bottom at the entrance of the Ruby Falls Cave, but from there, it’s a one-mile roundtrip hike to Ruby Falls! 

Ruby Falls can only be explored via guided tours of the cave, departing multiple times a day from the Ruby Falls Visitor Center. The Park offers various cave tour options and experiences, including the Classic Waterfall Tour, which is the most popular of all cave tours and offered year-round, the seasonal Lantern Tours, and Extended Cave Experience offered year-round but only on select dates. To add to the adventure, Ruby Falls also features a zip line and the Lookout Mountain Tower, an observation tower featuring sweeping views of the neighboring area. Lookout Mountain is also home to a few other great attractions, including Rock City  and  Incline Railway , located pretty close to Ruby Falls and are a great addition to your Ruby Falls itinerary! 

Here is my ultimate guide to Ruby Falls, featuring essential trip-planning information, various cave tour options, activities, nearby attractions, and recommendations on hotels and restaurants near Ruby Falls!

Planning Your Trip To Ruby Falls

Flying into and staying in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and visiting a couple of other Lookout Mountain attractions, is the best way to get the most out of your trip to Ruby Falls!

Best Time To Visit Ruby Falls : Ruby Falls is open throughout the year except on 25th December on Christmas, and with a constant temperature of 60° F inside the cave, it’s a year-round destination! However, spring and fall are the peak seasons at Ruby Falls and Chattanooga, when temperatures are perfect for outdoor activities and fall brings colorful foliage. Summers are pretty hot in Tennessee, but given the constant temperature of 60° F inside the cave, heat shouldn’t be a huge problem if you’re planning to visit just the cave and waterfalls. Winters are cold with some snowfall in Chattanooga, but if you don’t mind cooler temperatures and use layered clothing, visiting in winter is a great way to beat the crowds at Ruby Falls.

Time Required At   Ruby Falls : Given you book your tour tickets online in advance and arrive before your tour departure time or there’s no wait time when you go to purchase tickets in person, exploring Ruby Falls will not take more than half a day. However, being a popular tourist destination, there may be long wait times if you don’t have an advance reservation, especially during holidays and weekends. Also, you would need additional time if you choose to do the Extended Cave Experience or enjoy the zip line at Ruby Falls.

Getting To Ruby Falls : The best way to get to Ruby Falls is by directly flying into Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport, but a lot of people also fly into Atlanta or Nashville International Airports and then drive to Ruby Falls. Alternatively, you could also take an Amtrak train or a Greyhound bus to the closest city and then drive to Ruby Falls.

• Flight : The Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport (CHA), Chattanooga, Tennessee, just 15 miles from Ruby Falls, is the closest major domestic airport to Ruby Falls. However, you could also fly into a couple of international airports near Ruby Falls – Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), Atlanta, Georgia, about 127 miles from Ruby Falls and Nashville International Airport (BNA), Nashville, Tennessee, approximately 130 miles from Ruby Falls.
• Train : The Atlanta Peachtree Station, an Amtrak train station located in downtown Atlanta about 116 miles from Ruby Falls, is serviced by several Amtrak train services and is the closest Amtrak Station to Ruby Falls.
• Bus : Greyhound offers bus services to Georgia and Tennessee, with two Greyhound bus stops – Chattanooga in Tennessee and Trenton in Georgia, located within 15 miles from Ruby Falls.

Tickets & Parking At Ruby Falls : Ruby Falls offers various tour options, including Classic Waterfall Tour, Lantern Tour, and Specialty Extended Cavern Tour, and offers timed tickets, which allows you to select your preferred tour time so that you can skip the line and arrive just before your tour begins. You also have an option to buy combo tickets that includes admission to  Rock City  and  Incline Railway , two other popular attractions of Lookout Mountain. I highly recommend booking your Cave Tour tickets online on the  Ruby Falls Website and reserving your tour slot in advance. Ruby Falls offers complimentary parking for visitors, including car, bus, and RV parking, and also provides locker rentals and dog kennels.

Lodging Options Near Ruby Falls : While the lodging options right next to Ruby Falls in Lookout Mountain are limited to a couple of Bread and Breakfasts, you will find plenty of excellent hotels in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Here’re my top picks for hotels near Ruby Falls

• The Westin Chattanooga
• The Read House
• Hotel Indigo Chattanooga
• Chattanooga Choo Choo

Dining Options In Ruby Falls : There are three dining choices at Ruby Falls – (1) Cavern Cafe, located inside the Ruby Falls Castle, serving sandwiches, snacks, and beverages, (2) Back Porch, located in Village Plaza offering outdoor dining, and (3) Ruby’s Kitchen, a small grab and go option in the Village Gift Shop. 

Other Attractions Near Ruby Falls : Ruby Falls is located pretty close to many popular attractions in Tennessee, especially the attractions in and around Lookout Mountain, including  Rock City  and  Incline Railway , which I highly recommend visiting on a trip to Rock City.

Things To Do In Ruby Falls

Undeniably, the Ruby Falls Cave Tour is the main attraction at Ruby Falls, but there’re a few other things you could enjoy at Ruby Falls and in the nearby area of Lookout Mountain! 

Ruby Falls Cave Tours : The only way to get to Ruby Falls is via one of three ranger-led guided tours offered at Ruby Falls – Classic Waterfall Tour, Lantern Tour, and Extended Cavern Experience. The Ruby Falls tour begins at the entrance of the cave, located about 1,120 feet below the ground, accessible via a state-of-the-art elevator. The walk to the waterfall is pretty easy but involves passing through narrow and uneven terrain, and unfortunately, it’s not stroller or wheelchair-friendly. 

• Classic Waterfall Tour :  The most popular tour of Ruby Falls, the Classic Waterfall Tour is a well narrated guided tour of the cavern, which takes around 1 hour 15 minutes, featuring stunning rock formations, views of the fault line that passes through the cave, and of course the majestic Ruby Falls at the end of the trail. Throughout the hike, you will see some impressive live geological formations, including the Elephant’s Foot, Dragon’s Foot, Angle’s Wing – a drapery / curtain formation, and Frozen Niagara. At the end of the trail, you will see the Ruby Falls and get to enjoy a spectacular light show that illuminates the entire waterfall, adding to the charisma of the miraculous Ruby Falls.
• Lantern Tour :  This is a specialty guided tour offered seasonally every Friday night, where you venture into the dark cave using handheld lanterns as the only source of light. This is a slow-paced tour provided for small groups and must be reserved in advance.
• Extended Cavern Experience :  This is the most extensive cave tour offered at Ruby Falls. The Extended Cavern Experience is led by senior tour guides sharing in-depth information about the history and geology of the Cave and Waterfall and gives you a lot more time at the waterfall. The Extended Cavern Experiences are offered year-round but only on select dates and must be booked in advance.

Lookout Mountain Tower :  The Lookout Mountain Tower at Ruby Falls is a 70 feet tall observation tower constructed using the limestone excavated while installing the elevator at Ruby Falls. You can either take the stairs or use the elevator to go to the upper level of the Lookout Mountain Tower to enjoy panoramic views of the nearby area. There’s also an observation room in the upper level fitted with large windows, comfortable seating facing the windows, a restroom, and a small cafeteria, which serves as a great waiting room if there’s a long wait time before your Cave Tour. 

High Point ZIP   Adventure :   Open seasonally, the High Point ZIP Adventure offers several thrilling zipline courses across the forested land atop the Lookout Mountain. The High Point ZIP Adventure is not included with Ruby Falls Cave Tours and requires additional tickets that can be purchased online or in person from the ticket counter at Ruby Falls.

Ruby Falls Special Events : Ruby Falls hosts various events and activities throughout the year, each offering a different appeal and a fun way to enjoy the fabulous nature at Ruby Fall. Here’re the most popular annual events at Ruby Falls –

• Romance At Ruby : Offered in February to celebrate valentines day, and includes a Lantern Tour, a photo, and a gift.
• Ruby Falls Discovery Day : Celebrated on December 30th, features discounted tour tickets for the first few visitors to celebrate the discovery of Ruby Falls.
• Ruby Falls Christmas Underground : Come December, Ruby Falls offers “A Journey to the North Pole,” featuring an ice cave, costumed characters, and the Sugar Plum Fairy Village.

Other Tennessee Attractions & Related Posts

Great Smoky Mountains

Incline Railway

Must Have Travel Gear Guide

I hope you enjoyed reading the post, The Ultimate Guide To Ruby Falls, and I hope this will help you plan your trip to Ruby Falls. You can find other attractions in Tennessee in my  Tennessee Travel Guide .

Happy feeding your soul! Shreyashi

Shop Travel Essentials

Travel backpack, packing cubes, water purifier bottle.

This is not a sponsored post, and I recommend products based on my experience. This may contain affiliate links, and I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase using my link at no extra cost to you. More Travel Accessories .

Thanks for the valuable information!

You’re most welcome, Gina!

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Subscribe me to the Travel The Food For The Soul newsletter!

This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Accept Read More

Subscribe To My Monthly Newsletter

Get notified about new articles

• Skip to primary navigation
• Skip to main content
• Skip to primary sidebar
• Skip to footer

TravelAwaits

Our mission is to serve the 50+ traveler who's ready to cross a few items off their bucket list.

How To Experience This Incredible Illuminated Waterfall Deep In An Underground Cave

• Activities and Interests
• Chattanooga
• Destinations
• United States

The mountains of Tennessee are among the most popular tourist attractions in the United States. The Great Smoky Mountains dominate as far as volume of visitors and attractions, but don’t forget about the Cumberland Plateau in eastern Tennessee. Along the southwestern ridge, you’ll find Lookout Mountain and the tallest and deepest underground waterfall open to the American public, Ruby Falls.

Where Is Ruby Falls?

Lookout Mountain is located around a half-hour’s drive from Chattanooga, Tennessee. The mountain is home to not one, but three nationally rated attractions. You can ride up one of the world’s steepest grade passenger railways aboard the Incline Railway or view seven states at once at Rock City . But the highlight of your visit to the mountain will be journeying into the depths of Ruby Falls .

Ritu Manoj Jethani / Shutterstock

Why Is Ruby Falls Unique?

The underground waterfall was actually discovered by accident.

The original entrance to Lookout Mountain Cave was located by the Tennessee River. The 2.1-mile cave was used to mine saltpeter for gunpowder and served as a makeshift hospital during the Civil War, according to The Chattanoogan . Legend has it that the cave visited by President Andrew Jackson — a signature with his name appears on one of the cave walls.

But because of railroad expansion in 1905, the cave was sealed off. In 1928, caving enthusiast Leo Lambert, wanting to preserve the cave, hired a mining company to drill from the top to build an elevator shaft. In doing so, they discovered a second cave, and the falls.

The thunderous, 145-foot waterfall is 1,120 feet below the surface. With only the light of his lantern available, Lambert found the falls so beautiful, he named them for his wife, Ruby, and opened the cave as a tourist attraction in 1929. In doing so, he “redefined Chattanooga tourism in discovering one of the best natural wonders in the southeast,” according to City Scope .

The falls and the unusual cave formations are a thing of natural beauty. It was one of the first commercial caves to install electric lighting, and it’s now equipped with LED lights, which provides a new sense of wonder for visitors.

amadeustx / Shutterstock

How To Visit Ruby Falls

From 1930 to 1935, both Lookout Mountain Cave and Ruby Falls were open to the public, but soon, natural erosion discovered inside Lookout Mountain forced it to be closed permanently. Ruby Falls remains open to the public to this day.

Today, Ruby Falls is a complete vacation. Chattanooga offers hundreds of lodging options, and Ruby Falls’ website offers specific hotel and vacation packages .

Tickets to the falls are available online , or at the new ticket atrium, which features a 37-foot waterfall mural, self serve kiosks, and lockers. Tickets will be marked with specific times for entry, and guided tours are available.

To access the falls, be ready to descend 260 feet in an elevator, deep into the mountain. Each tour lasts approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes.

When you get off the elevator, you’ll be greeted by a guide who will lead you through the cave towards the falls. You’ll see water pools, stalactites, and stalagmites. The passageways vary in width but are not wheelchair or stroller accessible , so plan accordingly.

As you move through the cave, you’re heading to the highlight of your journey, the Falls Room.

“Each tour group enters when the light show starts and exits when the lights go down. The lights illuminating the falls change from blue to red to white. Groups shuffle closer and further from the base of the falls to avoid the cool mists and to change their perspective. You have enough time to see the falls and take your pictures but don’t wait too long to get a clear frame,” writes travel agency Coleman Concierge .

Tickets for “The Cave Walk To Ruby Falls” are around $20 for adults, and children receive discounted rates. Tours from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m EST.

Visitors now get the opportunity to see Ruby Falls in a new light. Lantern light to be exact. During this specialty tour, the cavern and falls are illuminated only by lanterns, just as Leo Lambert experienced them in 1928. Visitors say the rock formations and shadows change with this lighting, providing an entirely new experience.

Lantern tours are available on Friday and select Saturday nights through the end of 2020. Tickets cost around $30 per person. Masked are required.

Know Before You Go

Due to the natural formations, narrow access and steps in parts of the cave. The cavern is not wheelchair or stroller accessible, but all other exterior venues including viewing stores, restaurants, and restrooms are wheelchair compliant. You can get more specific accessibility information by emailing [email protected] .

The temperature inside Ruby Falls year round is a cool 60 degrees, but with a little humidity, the temperature in the cave feels like a perfect 70 degrees.

Destinations mentioned in this article:

• Chattanooga, Tennessee
• Great Smoky Mountains

Jordan worked at KSDK from 1995 to 2020 and has produced every show from news to specials during his tenure, including creating Show Me St. Louis, The Cardinal Nation Show, and the Rams Tailgate Show. Jordan has won four regional Emmy awards and two Edward R. Murrow awards for journalistic excellence. Additionally, Jordan runs a local blog focusing on the responsible drinking community of St. Louis, called Drink314 .

Jordan has been married for 23 years and is the father of two children. He is an avid biker and snowboarder. He collects baseball cards, old toys, and tacky salt n’ pepper shakers. He has an incredible and vast knowledge of useless information and is the grandson of a former Cleveland bootlegger.

Matador Original Series

What it looks like inside the world's largest underground cave waterfall.

D eep within Lookout Mountain, on the outskirts of Chattanooga, Tennessee, is Ruby Falls , the world’s largest underground waterfall. Accessible by a glass elevator that descends hundreds of feet into the earth, this is one of the coolest outdoor experiences you can have in the state.

The journey begins with a 260-foot descent by a glass-fronted elevator, offering a glimpse of the mountain’s interior before plunging you into the cavern. You can then join a guided tour that takes you along a paved half-mile trail past rock formations sculpted by millennia of water erosion.

Photo: Ruby Falls

As you near the end of the path, the cavern opens into a breathtaking chamber where Ruby Falls crashes down a moss-covered cliff illuminated in lights.

The tour also offers information on the cave’s history. You’ll learn about Leo Lambert, the man who stumbled upon the waterfall in 1928, and how he transformed it into a popular tourist destination named after his wife, Ruby.

There are a few tour options to choose from. For the adventurous, there’s the Lantern Tour — limited to a small group, the after-hours experiences take you through the cavern with hand-held lanterns, an early morning Gentle Walking Tour, and the Low Sensory Cave Tour.

Included in your ticket is entry to The Lookout Mountain Tower, which offers panoramic vistas of the Cumberland Plateau and the Tennessee River winding through the valley below.

A separate ticketed activity, the High Point Zip Adventure course, will take you on a zipline through the mountain forest.

The Ruby Falls Castle also has a cafe that serves breakfast, lunch, dinner, and lighter fare. The seasonal menu is complimented by a range of local craft beer and Chattanooga-roasted fair-trade coffee. You can also stay overnight in one of the luxury treehouses and take advantage of the stunning Tennessee mountains.

More like this

Trending now, all the chattanooga outdoors, arts, and dining you need for a long weekend, this hotel gives you inside access to nashville’s trendiest neighborhood, the 10 most popular states for a fishing trip of a lifetime, discover matador, adventure travel, train travel, national parks, beaches and islands, ski and snow.

We use cookies for analytics tracking and advertising from our partners.

For more information read our privacy policy .

Matador's Newsletter

Subscribe for exclusive city guides, travel videos, trip giveaways and more!

You've been signed up!

Follow us on social media.

Adventure awaits at Ruby Falls!

Journey deep inside historic Lookout Mountain to see the tallest and deepest underground waterfall open to the public in the United States! Descend 260 feet by glass-front elevator to begin a guided walk along the paved half-mile cavern trail for a close-up view of thundering Ruby Falls . 

Take in breathtaking views of the Cumberland Plateau and Tennessee River from historic Lookout Mountain Tower .

         Buy Ruby Falls Tickets

423.821.2544

Ruby Falls Hours

Insiders Guide to Lookout Mountain

Light the Lantern of Love – Date Night at Ruby Falls

Discover the legendary love story at the heart of Ruby Falls’ history with a special after-hours date night. Hidden deep within Lookout Mountain, you will find an adventurous twist on celebrating Valentine’s Day at Romance at Ruby. During this...

Insider’s Guide for Fun Things to Do in Chattanooga

Just a couple of hours from Atlanta, Chattanooga is ideal for an easy, one-tank road trip.  There’s good reason the Scenic City is the only city to be twice named by Outdoor Magazine as the Best Town Ever. Deciding what to do in the Scenic City is a snap...

Incredible Mountain Vacation in Chattanooga, TN

There is good reason Chattanooga is the only city to be twice named by Outdoor Magazine as the Best Town Ever.  Nestled in a rolling valley surrounded by the mountains of the Cumberland Plateau and the winding Tennessee River, Chattanooga is a picturesque gem....

Privacy Overview

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Manage Your Subscription
• Give a Gift Subscription
• Newsletters
• Sweepstakes
• Hotels + Resorts
• Hotel Reviews

These Epic New Tree Houses in Tennessee Are on a Mountain Above the Tallest Underground Waterfall in the U.S.

Chattanooga, Tennessee's Lookout Mountain is home to an epic waterfall located 1,120 feet underground — and you can now stay in a luxe tree house on the mountain.

Courtesy of Treetop Hideaways at Ruby Falls  

On a recent winter day, I made the drive from my home in Atlanta to Chattanooga, Tennessee , an easy two-hour journey north, for a pre-holiday escape. I’d been to Ruby Falls , an underground 145-foot waterfall, before on many childhood field trips. But the attraction on Lookout Mountain recently added three custom-made tree houses that overlook the cave entrance and city below. 

They were made by the team at Treetop Hideaways , who have another tree house resort nearby and have been featured on the show Treehouse Masters for their luxurious tree houses that put childhood creations to shame.

The morning of my arrival, I got an email with all of the relevant details I’d need for my stay, including parking information and the access code for the cabin. It also had directions on where exactly to go when I arrived, since the tree houses are set on a service road just above the main entrance to Ruby Falls with an easy-to-miss sign. I also got a text from the concierge service asking if I needed anything. 

The three cabins can accommodate up to five guests each and are named for different types of plants found in the region: Redbud, Wood Lily, and Dogwood. I was assigned to Redbud and found my way to the cabin via gravel path. The tree house had a mural that says “See Ruby Falls,” a nod to the advertisement barns once found all over the Southeast and is made from salvaged materials, including barnwood. 

I didn’t need help with my bags since I packed light, but the parking lot area has firewood and retro Radio Flyer wagons to help you bring your luggage to your cabin. Before reaching the cabin, I saw the outdoor entertaining space each cabin has, including a grill station, fire pit, and hammock. It was a bit chilly for me, but I could see myself spending hours there during warmer months. Climbing the stairs, I found the wraparound porch, the perfect spot to take in the sunset. 

I ventured into town for dinner, but otherwise used my stay to cozy up inside the cabin, reading a book from the bathtub and enjoying the peace and quiet. 

Here’s my review of the Treetop Hideaways at Ruby Falls . 

Treetop Hideaways at Ruby Falls

• The tree houses are furnished with antiques and upcycled items that give it a homey feeling. 
• There are no televisions, so guests can play card games or listen to tunes on the vintage record player for entertainment.
• The outdoor tub is made for relaxation and has curtains for privacy. 
• The brand-new tree houses are as close as you can get to the famed Ruby Falls, a waterfall that's 1,120 feet underground.

The room layouts vary based on the tree house, but mine had a lofted area with a full-size bed, an antique record player, and side tables built into the wall. The skylights and windows allow you to stargaze from bed, but if you don’t wake up with the sun, I’d bring an eye mask. Down the ladder is the living area, which has a leather couch that converts into a bed. 

There’s a small desk if you feel like penning the Great American Novel and a kitchenette stocked with a mini fridge and microwave, plus a coffee-making station. The kitchen sink is a converted washtub, and the cabin has plants scattered throughout. A closet has bathrobes and umbrellas for guest use. 

The bathroom is hidden behind a sliding salvaged door, with a shower and egg-shaped toilet. The sink is made from a converted statue and the basin is also made from reclaimed materials. Outside is the soaking tub, with curtains for privacy. 

Food and Drink

The tree houses have the essentials, like coffee makers, and come stocked with granola bars, s'mores fixings, water, and a bottle of wine. Ruby Falls has a small cafe, but for anything more substantial, you’ll have to venture out. Thankfully, the historic St. Elmo neighborhood at the foot of the mountain has plenty of options.

Purple Daisy Picnic Cafe is a longtime favorite, a cozy bric-a-brac filled space serving Southern-style barbecue and sides like Brunswick stew and banana pudding. Locals love the housemade pasta at Boccaccia Restaurant . Little Coyote is the latest from chef Eric Niel, who runs the best restaurants in town. The menu is a fusion of barbecue and Tex-Mex, so order a few dishes to share like the queso and shrimp al ajillo , plus mezcal and tequila cocktails. 

Activities and Experiences

The tree houses have everything you need for a few nights, including locally made toiletries from Good Fortune and coffee from Goodman Coffee. The microwave and mini fridge are perfect for any snacks you may want, but don’t expect to cook a full meal during your stay. There’s also a picnic set if you want to take it with you hiking. 

Use your stay as a chance to disconnect, since there’s no television, though there is Wi-Fi if you need it. The house has card games and a record player. Treetop Hideaways also has optional add-ons like massages, laundry services, and alcohol delivery from a local shop. 

If you’re not claustrophobic, you definitely should take a trip underground to see Ruby Falls since you’re staying as close as you can get. The underground waterfall was discovered by accident by Leo Lambert in 1928, who named his find in honor of his wife, Ruby. The attraction also has a zip line course. 

Above ground, Rock City is another longtime attraction on Lookout Mountain, open since 1932. It started as a private garden that took on a German fairytale theme. Today, it still has a nostalgic appeal, with rock formations and handmade dioramas of Mother Goose’s Village.  

The Incline Railway is another can’t-miss nearby attraction, a funicular that travels at a steep incline up the mountain. The car has plenty of windows for taking in the view as you ride. You can take the railway one-way and hike back down, or take a round-trip journey.

Accessibility and Sustainability

Dogwood is the ADA-accessible cabin, the closest to the parking lot, with paved access and a ramp that leads to the front door. The main bed is on the primary level, but there’s a (not accessible) lofted space with another twin-size bed, queen-size couch bed, and writing desk. The bathroom is accessible, but there are no grab bars so a bath and shower chair may be needed. There’s also a handicap parking spot in the lot.

The cabins come stocked with refillable toiletries instead of single-use products, plus reusable cups and a Brita pitcher you can refill. The repurposing of items, like quilts for curtains and old barn doors, is another sustainability effort. 

Treetop Hideaways at Ruby Falls are located on Lookout Mountain, offering views of the Tennessee River and the Cumberland Plateau. It straddles the Tennessee and Georgia state lines. While Ruby Falls is a short drive from downtown Chattanooga, you may find it helpful to have a car, even if you arrive by plane. Rideshare services like Uber are available, but you might need to walk down to the main entrance to pick one up.

Related Articles