Tennessee is full of astonishing places to explore, but did you know that it’s also home to the tallest underground waterfall in the U.S.? Ruby Falls, located deep within Lookout Mountain in Chattanooga, is also the deepest underground cave waterfall open to the public.
The falls are accompanied by specialty lighting and music. Expect some misting from the water!
Ruby Falls: Tallest Underground Waterfall in the World
Discovered in 1928, by Leo Lambert, a chemist who loved caving, too, Ruby Falls (named after Lambert’s wife) is a two-and-a-half hour drive east from Nashville. Guided tours begin at 8 a.m. daily with a 260 feet descent in a glass-front elevator inside Lookout Mountain. Next, you’ll walk through the cavern trail to the waterfall amid rock formations. Recorded audio is in a large group format. Once you arrive at the waterfall, expect misting and music. Falling water is accompanied by special music, depending on the holiday.
Tips
— Purchase tickets with timed entry online; walkup tickets are not available.
— Plan on a two-hour visit
— The waterfall sees over 400,000 visitors a year from all over the country.
— Ticket options include a Cave Walk; Lantern Tour (Friday nights); History Tour; and a Gentle Walking Tour.
— Ruby Falls is open year-round and has an average 60-degree temperature.
Ruby Falls is located at 1720 S. Scenic Hwy. Chattanooga, TN 37409. The phone number is 423-821-2544. Purchase tickets in advance of your visit as tours fill up quickly.
