There's a waterfall hiding inside Lookout Mountain. Not near it. Inside it. Chattanooga is my home base, so I finally went to see Ruby Falls for myself, with my friend Chris along for the ride.

What is Ruby Falls?

Ruby Falls is a 145-foot waterfall deep inside Lookout Mountain, about 1,120 feet below the surface. A man named Leo Lambert found it in 1928 while exploring the cave, and he named it after his wife, Ruby. Today you reach it on a guided walk through the cave.

What the cave tour is like

If you're nervous about caves, this is a great one to start with. The paths are safe and easy, and the cave stays a steady 60°F all year. The regular Cave Walk is about a mile round trip and takes around an hour and 20 minutes.

Our guide cracked jokes the whole way, which only encouraged Chris and me. You'll hear plenty of our bad jokes in the video. Having a good friend with you makes it so much more fun.

Ruby Falls is commercialized, and that's OK

I'll be honest: this is a highly commercialized cave. That has its pros and cons. You get lighting, paved paths and an easy, family-friendly visit. You don't get a wild, off-the-beaten-path caving adventure.

My tip: book a specialty tour

Ruby Falls runs specialty tours on select days, like the History Tour and the Geology Tour. They get you into the cave early, with extra time at the waterfall and fewer people. If you can make one, I'd go that route. Tickets are timed, so book online ahead of time and check the Ruby Falls website for which days they run.

Quick tips before you go

  • Book ahead: all tickets are for a set date and time.
  • Dress for 60°F: it's the same temperature underground in summer and winter.
  • Expect some steps: the walk has some uneven spots and a few dozen stairs.
  • Make a day of it on Lookout Mountain: pair it with a hike to Sunset Rock for the view.

Is Ruby Falls worth it?

Yes, if you want an easy, accessible, family-friendly cave tour. If you're looking for a more adventurous, less touristy cave, Ruby Falls probably isn't the right fit.

Watch the video above to see the whole walk (and our jokes), and subscribe to my YouTube channel for more adventures from Chattanooga and around the world.

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