Ruby Falls image

Ruby Falls

Tourist attraction Historical landmark Nature preserve Scenic spot

One of the Most Revieweds in Chattanooga


Address

1720 Scenic Hwy, Chattanooga, TN 37409

Website

www.rubyfalls.com

Contact

(423) 821-2544

Rating on Google Maps

4.60 (17.9K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Thursday: 8 AM to 8 PM
  • Friday: (Good Friday), 8 AM to 8 PM, Hours might differ
  • Saturday: 8 AM to 8 PM
  • Sunday: (Easter), 8 AM to 8 PM, Hours might differ
  • Monday: 8 AM to 8 PM
  • Tuesday: 8 AM to 8 PM
  • Wednesday: 8 AM to 8 PM

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: tour (70) cave (52) waterfall (31) guide (31) time (29) experience (23) Ruby (22) people (20) Falls (19) beautiful (19)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 4/5 lisa m. 2 years ago on Google
    This was a very impressive cave system & even more impressive waterfall underground. The light show highlights the water falling down & the surrounding cave. Special formations are marked with signs. The elevator ride down is interesting. The whole process for buying tickets, getting to the tour spot & going through the cave is very efficient & easy. I'd prefer less theatrics from the guide even though he was very friendly, personable, knowledgeable & they give them a script to follow I'm sure. I wish we had more time to stay in one spot & take it all in instead of being led through quickly but I know they have this every 30 minutes coming through so it's not possible. We were lucky to have a small group at our time slot. Bathrooms were clean & there's a gift shop to look around. Parking is convenient & free.
    12 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Javier R. 2 years ago on Google
    Ruby falls was amazing! Definitely purchase your ticket before you go. There are tour times, we went 30 minutes earlier as we wanted to experience the overlook of the Tennessee river. Beautiful view! The tour was amazing and the Waterfalls breath taking. Def recommend people to visit this place. It's def worth the money.
    9 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Kelli K. 2 years ago on Google
    My cave walk to Ruby Falls. As soon as I stepped into the elevator and was told that we were going 260 feet underground I felt like I was voluntarily being buried alive. I started my relaxation breathing! 😬 While walking through low, narrow pathways of rocks, the guide casually mentioned that the amount of cave above us was equivalent to the height of the Empire State building. That triggered even more anxiety and claustrophobia. But I was all in at that point and I had to breath through it. The beautiful rock formations of the cave gave me the distraction I needed. When I passed by little pockets of open spaces I thought of how nice it would be to set up candle/lantern lit dinners for 2 in those spots. The waterfall was amazing. And its unknown water souce made it as mysterious as it was beautiful. ❤ 💧 Add to your "To Do List" if you're ever in the Chattanooga area.
    7 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 David B. 2 years ago on Google
    Awesome spot, nice tour, and it was great learning about how long people crawled to get to their destination. Gets a little tight inside of course, kept seeing people hit their heads on rocks too. Overall it's nice and only 1 mile total. Definitely check it out.
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jabarrus J. 2 years ago on Google
    Amazing! The highlight of our Chattanooga, TN trip. I highly recommend the Ruby Falls Cave Walk tour. An unforgettable experience. The views are breath-taking so don't forget to bring your camera. We had a great time exploring the cave, seeing the waterfall, and learning how Ruby Falls came to be. Our tour guide Gwen, was delightful and entertaining. As we passed other tour groups along the cave, I knew we had the best tour guide Ruby Falls had to offer. They also have a lantern tour where you are guided through the cave at night with only lanterns to light the pathway.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Maks V. 10 months ago on Google
    Such an amazing place! In one day day you can visit a cave with a fall and a mountain with a spectacular view. Definetely worth to visit. First, a group of 10-15 people gathers before descending into the cave. Then you take the elevator down to a depth of about 300 feet and then the route goes inside the mountain. There are many different rock formations in the cave itself. The most unusual ones are highlighted and even have their own names. At the very end of the path, a beautiful panorama of an underground waterfall awaits you - the water falls from a height of 150 feet and is also highlighted in different colors. The temperature in the cave is constant and quite comfortable for a walk. You can take flashlights with you, although it is not necessary - it seems that on Fridays they arrange excursions only with flashlights, without spotlights. It’s a pity that you are only allowed to stay in the mustache waterfall for no more than 10 minutes - then the next group of tourists goes. It is also better to book tickets in advance and it is better to come in the morning when there are still few people.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Lorantz R. 9 months ago on Google
    The view of the falls was great but the groups were way too large and it felt like they were trying to send as many people through the cavern at the same time as possible and were rushing us through. It was extremely crammed trying to pass other groups. The tour guide barely told us anything about the caverns he was only concerned about safety. The view was amazing but the experience would have been so much better if there weren't so many people in each group and if there weren't so many groups at one time. We spent more time waiting for other groups to pass by than we did in the cave.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Tim S. 9 months ago on Google
    Ruby Falls is a truly amazing place in Lookout Mountain near Chattanooga Tennessee! The waterfall is a majestic 145 feet tall and definitely worth visiting. You descend 260 feet by glass-front elevator to explore the scenic path to the breathtaking waterfall deep within Lookout Mountain led by a Ruby Falls guide in groups of 10 to 15 people. There are many different rock formations in the cave itself. The most unusual ones are highlighted and even have their own names. At the very end of the path a large cave room opens up to reveal the underground waterfall. The falls is highlighted in different colored lights and music. Truly magnificent! The temperature in the cave is constant and quite comfortable for a walk, which isn't hard but it is pretty nonstop. The majority of the path is level however there are a few steps located throughout the tour. There are few places to stop and rest on the guided tour because they have a schedule of getting people in and out and because there is almost no physical place for you to sit. The tour takes about 1 hour - 1 hour 20 minutes. Worth every second!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Siraj A. 6 months ago on Google
    Ruby falls is an underground cave & waterfall. This place is beautiful! It was a nice one mile guided tour walk (hour & 20 minutes). Our group was small ( around 10 people), but other groups passing by were much more. It was around 60 F down there, so maybe you need a sweater & wear good shoes! Buy tickets in advance, and be there 10-15 minutes before the scheduled time.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Julianne S. 5 months ago on Google
    The highlight of the trip was the awe-inspiring sight of a majestic waterfall hidden deep underground. It's not every day that you get to witness such a natural wonder in the heart of a mountain. The journey to Ruby Falls was an adventure in itself, as we ventured through intriguing underground passages. As we got closer to the falls, the anticipation and excitement grew. And when we finally arrived at the waterfall, it was a breathtaking moment. The sheer beauty and power of the underground cascade left us in complete amazement. The guided tour at Ruby Falls was informative and engaging, providing fascinating insights into the geological and historical aspects of this unique attraction. The guide was friendly and knowledgeable, enhancing the overall experience. If you're looking for a cool and unique adventure, Ruby Falls is a must-visit destination. It's not every day that you can say you've seen a waterfall underground, and the memory of this natural wonder will stay with you for a long time. This is a place where nature's magic meets human exploration, making it a truly memorable journey.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 2/5 Mantissia R. 8 months ago on Google
    Beautiful place but the tour sucked couldn't hear anything the your guide was saying way to many people per group. Might as well let us walk through on our own since we can't learn anything about the cave. Was really looking forward to a guided tour to learn about the cave but that didn't happen, very disappointed but the cave is beautiful. To much of man work had been done took away from the natural environment of the cave.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Chibuike U. 2 years ago on Google
    Beautiful place to visit with family. Learned a lot if the history of Ruby Falls. Enjoyed the tour of the cave. We got the see the falls. It was an amazing Experience. Will do it again. The tour guide was so good and entertaining.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 chu 6 months ago on Google
    The cave was incredible. The waterfall was even better. It was so beautiful especially when they had the lights on. The only downside is they were rushing. Didn't really get the time to grasp the amazement of the cave. Go at night and make sure to go to the top of the tower to see the beautiful view of the city.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Conner G. 10 months ago on Google
    Mind blowing to think about the location of this attraction. Once you visit their gift shop and go down the elevator to the beginning of the walk you meet your tour guide and get your picture taken. The walk was pretty long and sometimes you have to squeeze by people in pretty tight spaces but very worth it to be able to experience such an amazing place!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Noel 6 months ago on Google
    Haleigh was our guide, she said she’s new but man, she seemed like a pro! Absolutely hilarious, seemed to care for us as a group and make sure we all made it through okay. Checked on us a bunch. Just asking if everyone is doing okay. Personally, he’d personality made the tour much better! She took pictures of us as a family! It was my husband, myself and our three year old. The tour was really pretty and all the facts made it so much cooler. Thank you for making our tour awesome! Keep cash to tip your guide. We didn’t have cash and didn’t know we could do tips and felt awful. Not once did she ask or bring it up. It’s just on the wall as you leave.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 DEE DEE R. 7 months ago on Google
    Great tour and the waterfall was amazing. God is such an awesome Creator!!! Definitely worth the spontaneous trip to Ruby Falls today. Making memories is a great joy. We only live once. Might as well enjoy this beautiful creation called EARTH...
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 David L. 1 year ago on Google
    Ruby Falls! What a fun, interesting and unique place to visit. It is well worth the admission price. We booked our cave tour ahead of time and we were glad we did, as it was very busy in March 2022 when we visited. This wet cave has some beautiful formations and the water fall at the far end of the tour was stunning. It is pretty commercialized, with music playing in the cave, but we actually feel it added to the ambiance of the experience. Highly recommended!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 GG 1 year ago on Google
    I have visited similar caves in Colorado or Europe but have never seen a waterfall this breathtaking. Absolutely worth the visit. The tour takes about 1 and a quarter hours. It is best to come in the evenings due to being in smaller groups. We were only 7 people at 6:30pm, the tours before were 15-20 people. Unfortunately, the tour guides are not overly informed and can not answer all questions about the caves background. Lighting and handrails are good. I gave only 4 stars because the pictures they offer at the end are absolutely overpriced. But otherwise: great!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 David 2 years ago on Google
    Went here on an impulse, and was very glad I did! The walk to the falls is very easy with only a few steps and some low hanging rocks to look out for. We took our two year old granddaughter and she had no problem walking the distance. The guide was helpful and really added to the overall experience. Only complaint is that the time at the falls feels rushed as you can tell they work hard to push as many people through the tour as possible. You have a set amount of time there and have to head back when time is up. Also, would not recommend to those that have a fear of tight spaces, but compared to other cave tours this felt pretty spacious throughout.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Giovanni S. 2 years ago on Google
    It was a nice experience. Some areas are nicely lit (color lights). The water fall is a sight to see. Our tour guide did have a thick accent so some words here and there weren't understood but the general idea was understood. You can be in a group of about 40 or so people so sometimes it can be hard to take photos. You walk in a single file line threw the cave. The walkway has been leveled for the most part, some areas are uneven or have slants but nothing major. Free parking on site. Gift shop on site. Toilets on site. None underground.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Laura K. 1 year ago on Google
    Very cool experience. I love caves as I'm from Missouri and we have one of the biggest in the United States not far from my hometown, The only thing that wasn't pleasurable was having a group of immature teenagers with us. Made the tour pretty unpleasant. But I would definitely say it's a must see when coming to the area. Our guide was awesome her name was May.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Will S. 2 years ago on Google
    I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this tour. The cave itself is very interesting with a variety of rock formations. The highpoint is the waterfall, of course, but the rest is also very interesting. The walking is pretty much level and easy except for a few narrow or low places. Some great high caverns also. This is suitable for all age groups. Round trip is about 8/10 of a mile. Can be a bit crowded and virtually no one wears a mask...except my wife and I! We did have a great time.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jorge G. 2 years ago on Google
    Wasn't expecting the grand finale----and it didn't disappoint. Have your cameras ready when you reach Ruby falls....you're in for a show! From the very beginning you're treated to light enhancements throughout the cave system...everything is clearly marked. The tour guide is funny and very informative. The elevator ride is an added bonus. Have to get your tickets on line but its super easy to do. Highly recommend.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 James 1 year ago on Google
    Very special place to visit, would of been better if not hurriedly toured. If you’re in the area it’s got to be on your list to do. Pictures are great but to see in person is definitely worthwhile. I would have paid more for an extended tour but not a readily available option. Even though you’ll feel somewhat rushed through the guided tour it’s still well worth it.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Hope W. 2 years ago on Google
    My daughter and I went on Saturday and it was definitely worth it! This is one of the places my husband and I went on our honeymoon. The falls are so beautiful and the tour guides have a wonderful sense of humor! She loved all the formations and asked to go back next weekend. Highly recommend for anybody looking for something fun to do with or without the kids.

  • 4/5 Rebecca “Becky” V. 8 months ago on Google
    It was a guided tour so you can’t go at your own pace. You can only stop when the guide stops. We thought it would be best to be at the front to hear the tour guide but we found it best to be at the back so we could look and take pictures. The actual tour is about an hour long. It’s an underground cave so it is chilly, I’d recommend to bring a sweater, and wear good shoes because the ground is dirt and gravel, and can be wet. The waterfall is absolutely beautiful

  • 5/5 Andreea Elena H. 9 months ago on Google
    This was a great experience! We really enjoyed the guided tour. The short film was a cool narrative to start the tour with and also our guide was funny and entertaining. The photographer at the beginning of the tour was also very nice. You can purchase the pictures after the tour which can be a cool souvenir. Everyone had a smile on their face and was able to assist you with any questions at any time. The gift shop was very nice as well, with plenty of options and friendly staff. Parking was challenging but overall a great experience!

  • 5/5 Katsy J. 8 months ago on Google
    Fully enjoyed our journey deep into the mountain! Russell was our guide and his love for the cave rally made the tour a step above for us! Thanks Russell! Tour takes a lil over an hr ! If tight spaces freak out - be aware one passage is very narrow!! Do use the facilities before ya go - no bathrooms down below! Little pricey at $25 a person- but certainly a unique adventure! We enjoyed a cold one and a sandwich after the cave experience! Would recommend and might just come again!!

  • 5/5 Khang N. 7 months ago on Google
    What can I say? If you are in town, you must come, and you must be early. I'll tell you why later. The place is all about love. The name itself is already filled with love. The history, nature, and love are mixed inside this adventure toward Ruby falls. It is a journey between millions of year of geological formation. Words themselves cannot describe. The temperature is around 60-65 down there, so wear appropriately. Shoes are recommended, so you walk better on slopes and wet, and your feet won't get wet. There is a tower in the building that you can look over on the city, ask the staff. You must come early, before everyone wakes up. 8:30AM is the latest, so that your group is small. You will get more quiet and quality time walking through the path. You will get more time taking pictures with the fall.

  • 5/5 Pat L. 5 months ago on Google
    What a beautiful tour. The tour guide was wonderful. I think his name was Kayen. We had like 15 people in our group. Only thing is that they try to keep everyone together and it's hard to stop to take pictures. But overall it was great. It was not chilly at all. I would get here an hour early to enjoy a few beers before you go in.

  • 5/5 Elizabeth G. 2 years ago on Google
    What an experience. This is not wheelchair accessible and the walkways can get very narrow and slipper. However, it’s totally worth going here. It’s a guided tour and the end waterfall is beautiful.

  • 5/5 Philip 2 years ago on Google
    We have been here at least 4 times over the years. It never disappoints. Awesome little journey deep inside a mountain to see the beautiful waterfall at the end. Do some reading up on the falls before you go just in case you can’t hear the guide of you are toward the back of the group and you will know many of the facts about the awe inspiring cave. It’s a must do if traveling through Chattanooga.

  • 5/5 Roland P. 5 months ago on Google
    Great place to spend an hour doing a tour and seeing the beautiful cave waterfall. Amazing stalactites, stalagmites, and columns created from calcite. Make sure you prepare for an elevator ride about 260 feet into the ground.

  • 5/5 Liz C. 2 years ago on Google
    This was my favorite part of visiting Chattanooga during my birthday weekend. I've been in other cave tours before, but this one just had a spectacular Grand finale. Pictures do not do it justice this earthly marvel is something you have to experience in real life. It made me tear up it was so beautiful, and our tour guide was great.

  • 5/5 Andres M. 2 years ago on Google
    Simply Majestic. An amazing experience. Great for nature lovers/explorers. Great for families and for couples. A romantic place.

  • 4/5 Alexandra M. 6 months ago on Google
    Gorgeous, but super touristy. You will be forced through the gift shop twice, they will take a photo of you and edit poorly in front of the waterfall and try to charge you $30. But you can also take your own photo in front of the falls and the guides will hold a light for you! The guide we had, Taylor, was hilarious and gave great recommendations. The falls are gorgeous and the tour was fun. Just prepare for it to feel a little like a theme park.

  • 5/5 Kavita T. 9 months ago on Google
    This is the most beautiful falls and cave I have ever seen. Spectacular water fall inside the cave. You get just 2 min to see inside the water fall area , I wish they could extend the viewing time. The color lighting is very distracted view I wish they change with warm light only. That will not only help to see the clear water fall, the cave, also the photos we take will be good. You must visit this cave once. Worth the wait to see the falls.

  • 5/5 Mark P. 8 months ago on Google
    OMG, what a fantastic tour we had. Austin was our tour guide and she is a great asset to Ruby Falls. Very informative and funny. She was very aware of any potential obstacles so that no one hit their heads and advised us of up coming slippery areas. Once we reached the Falls it was totally amazing. If you are ever in the area this is a MUST SEE.

  • 5/5 Sierra 8 months ago on Google
    We stopped here on a whim, at 8:20 AM on a Sunday (8/6/23), whilst halfway through our road trip to Florida from Michigan. We walked right in, purchased tickets for the 8:30 AM tour on the kiosk located near the main entrance. Waited all of 2 minutes and headed down the elevator into the cave where 6 other guests joined us. Our tour guide was Carter. He was GREAT! He shared with us great humor and information about the cave/waterfall. The cave and waterfall themselves were amazing! I love all of the different colored lights that really make it unique. It really was an all-around great experience! I have been to Mammoth Cave & Diamond Caverns of KY and Ruby Falls didn’t ‘fall’ short of meeting my expectations. By the time we were leaving around 10:15-10:30 AM, the place was filling up with people. So my advice to anyone reading this, is to GO EARLY. If you would like a smaller group and a more personal/intimate tour, GO EARLY.

  • 5/5 Ian M. 9 months ago on Google
    Ruby Falls is an absolute marvel! Descending into the depths of Lookout Mountain, you'll witness a stunning underground waterfall that will leave you speechless. The guided tour takes you through fascinating limestone formations, enhancing the mystical atmosphere. The grandeur of the 145-foot waterfall is truly awe-inspiring. The guide shared captivating stories and facts, making the experience educational and engaging. Ruby Falls is a testament to the wonders of nature and a must-visit attraction in Tennessee. Don't miss this incredible underground adventure! My only recommendation is to take the earliest tour, since it does get very busy

  • 5/5 Sian T. 9 months ago on Google
    An amazing place to go see! This was by far one of my family's favorite places! Well worth the underground walk. Absolutely stunning. It's cool inside, so I suggest bringing a sweater along, as you're going to be walking about 300 ft underground. My family and I were very happy we made the stop here and were happily surprised and impressed by the stunning waterfall and natural rock formations.

  • 5/5 Marie F. 10 months ago on Google
    We did the early walking tour and really enjoyed it. As someone that has severe claustrophobia and social anxiety it was a much better choice than a normal tour as it was not as crowded. Our tour guide Thomas was fantastic ! He was funny and very knowledgeable. The falls was so beautiful! Definitely a must see !!

  • 5/5 Johnny C. 10 months ago on Google
    I haven't been in a cool cave like this in a long time. It was very nice and all of the staff members were just as nice. Big thanks to our tour guide named Taylor, he was funny and gave us tons of interesting information about the cave and also made sure everyone was comfortable with their surroundings. The waterfall was beautiful with cool lights on it! The walk to the fall was even better thanks to all of the signs showing off cool formations that looked like different things. Greatly recommended!!

  • 5/5 Katie S. 10 months ago on Google
    Wonderful experience!!! Was worried I had been told that bigger people couldn't do it cause it was tight but it wasn't (Rock City had tighter squeeze). Only if you are taller than 5'7 you gotta duck in some places. My whole family loved the experience! We had a wonderful tour guide Gwen! We will be going each time we go!

  • 5/5 Tracy H. 10 months ago on Google
    Great place to visit if you love caves. We really enjoyed walking through the cave. The tour guide was great and we learned a lot of interesting facts. They take you down in an elevator and it lasts about 1 1/2 hours. You will walk up and down steps and it gets slippery in some areas so be very careful. It is also 60 degrees so if you get cold easily you might want a jacket. If you're tall you will want to watch your head too. Definitely worth the trip to see Ruby Falls.

  • 5/5 Erin B. 10 months ago on Google
    Ruby Falls was such a fun experience. Buying tickets in advance is recommended, as well as arriving 10-15minutes early. Individual ticket prices (plus tax): Adults $25.95 Kids (3-12) $15.95 We visited on a Wednesday morning in June at 11am and had a full tour for our time slot. Parking is free but seems to be slightly limited. There were only a handful of spots left by the time we arrived that morning. The elevator takes you down approximately 260 feet (26 stories) below the surface. The path in the cave takes you deeper into Lookout Mountain, the farther you walk. By the time you reach the waterfall, you'll be 1120ft below the mountain's surface. It is also the tallest and deepest underground cave waterfall that's in the US and open to the public. Leo Lambert discovered it in 1928, after crawling for 6 hours/650ft and then walking/climbing an for an additional 11 hours, knowing that there was something hidden away. He then named it after his wife. It was an incredible and fun experience. I'd highly recommend visiting. If I'm recalling correctly, it took somewhere between 60-90 minutes for the whole tour, light show at the waterfall, and elevator rides.

  • 5/5 Timothy H. 10 months ago on Google
    I have done work in here, and haven't actually taken a tour in quite some time. My wife and I have been wanting to go, so we went and had a good time. Only complaint, we felt rushed. Like we barely had time to actually see or snap a pic of stuff. I was the caboose, so I got some amazing shots! But that meant I had to run to catch up to the group, LOL. Overall, it was a great place to see. The tour is neat and informative.

  • 5/5 Zach S. 1 year ago on Google
    The tour was really cool, the guides are very knowledgeable and friendly, the cave itself was super cool and the waterfall was amazing along with the light show. Definitely a must see, the whole tour lasts roughly an hour, overall it was a pleasant experience that I definitely recommend and wouldn't mind going for a second or even a third time.

  • 5/5 dellaringa fam (. 1 year ago on Google
    Definitely would recommend going. you learn so much about the history and the experience was amazing!! One side note if you have little kids (and I mean like 6 and under) you have to know that there is around a half a hour walk one way and you can't touch the cave in certain spots. FYI you go in groups of about 15 people. The wait isn't long to get in, if you miss your tour time you can get into the next one.


Call (423) 821-2544 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible seating
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible entrance
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible restroom
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible parking lot

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