Journey into the Heart of the Earth: The Story of Ruby Falls

About two hours southwest of Gatlinburg on Lookout Mountain above Chattanooga, Ruby Falls is the tallest and deepest underground waterfall open to the public in the United States — a 145-foot underground cascade discovered by accident in 1928 that has drawn visitors ever since. It's far enough from the Smokies to require a full day, but close enough to make a worthwhile excursion.

The story of Ruby Falls

In 1928, Leo Lambert and his crew were drilling into Lookout Mountain near Chattanooga, attempting to open a new tourist entrance to Lookout Mountain Cave — the original cave entrance had been sealed years earlier by railroad construction. During the drilling, the crew broke through into a small opening, just 18 inches high, that led into a cave system that had never been explored. With lanterns, Lambert and his team pushed through and discovered an enormous cave with soaring chambers, dramatic limestone formations, and a series of waterfalls culminating in a 145-foot cascade roaring in the darkness.

Lambert promised to name the discovery after his wife Ruby, and Ruby Falls opened to the public in 1930. More than 90 years later it remains one of the most visited natural attractions in Tennessee.

The visit

The experience begins with a glass-fronted elevator that descends 260 feet into Lookout Mountain — roughly the height of a 26-story building — before opening into the cave. Guided tours then follow a paved, well-lit path through the cave system, through chambers with stalactites, stalagmites, and flowstone formations, to the waterfall itself. The 145-foot cascade fills a chamber at the cave's deepest accessible point; the sound and scale of it, after the confined cave passage leading up to it, is the climax the tour is built around. Tours run approximately 55 minutes.

Beyond the standard guided tour, Ruby Falls offers specialty experiences: the Lantern Tour is an after-hours walk illuminated only by hand-held lanterns rather than the cave's permanent lighting system, which changes the atmosphere significantly. The Lantern Tour: Ghost Walk edition adds local folklore and spooky storytelling near Halloween. The Gentle Tour caters to visitors who prefer a slower pace and more historical emphasis. Seasonal events include Bootleg Bash (bands and whiskey tastings), Romance at Ruby around Valentine's Day, and the Battle Below the Clouds BBQ competition.

What else is on Lookout Mountain

Ruby Falls sits on Lookout Mountain alongside several other Chattanooga-area attractions worth pairing into a full day. Rock City, a natural rock garden and overlook at the summit of Lookout Mountain with panoramic views into multiple states, is the most famous. Point Park at the Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park covers the Civil War history of the mountain. The Lookout Mountain Incline Railway — one of the world's steepest passenger railways — runs from the base of the mountain to the summit. The UltraStar Multi-tainment Center at the Ruby Falls complex handles the activity component for families with younger children who want arcade games, bowling, and eSports alongside the cave visit.

Getting there and planning your visit

From Gatlinburg, take US-441 South through Great Smoky Mountains National Park to Cherokee, North Carolina, then follow I-40 West to Chattanooga — approximately 2 hours without traffic. The drive through Newfound Gap adds scenic value on both ends. Ruby Falls is located at 1720 Lookout Mountain Scenic Highway, Chattanooga, TN. The attraction is open daily except Christmas; ticket sales are online at rubyfalls.com, where current pricing and tour times are listed. Book in advance on peak summer and fall weekends — the cave's controlled capacity means timed entries sell out.

Frequently asked questions

How far is Ruby Falls from Gatlinburg?

Approximately 2 hours from Gatlinburg via US-441 South through the national park and then I-40 West to Chattanooga. The drive passes through the national park via Newfound Gap, which adds scenic value in both directions. Plan a full day — between the drive, the cave tour, and any additional Lookout Mountain attractions, a Ruby Falls day from a Gatlinburg cabin runs 6 to 8 hours minimum.

Do children enjoy Ruby Falls?

Generally yes — the elevator descent, the cave formations, and the waterfall all hold children's attention in a way that a surface museum doesn't. The tour is paved and lit throughout, so it's accessible for young children without significant physical challenge. Children who are sensitive to confined spaces or darkness may find sections of the cave passage uncomfortable; the cave is well-lit but narrow in places. The UltraStar entertainment center at the complex provides an activity alternative for children who need a break from the cave portion.