Photo: Google
Photo: Google
Photo: Google
Ruby Falls
★4.6(20,817 reviews)$$Adventure
🕑 2 to 3 hours including check-in, the hour-long cave tour, and time to explore the tower and gift shop👶 Best for ages 5 and up. The tour involves walking about a mile round trip through uneven cave terrain with stairs, which can be challenging for very young children. Older elementary and middle school kids especially love the adventure aspect and learning about cave formations, while teens appreciate the dramatic Instagram-worthy waterfall and tower views.🧡 Saved by 100+ families
About
Ruby Falls offers families an unforgettable underground adventure to America's deepest cave waterfall, featuring a thrilling 260-foot elevator descent, a guided tour through stunning rock formations, and a dramatic 145-foot underground waterfall finale. The combination of educational geology, exciting exploration, and natural beauty keeps kids engaged throughout the entire journey, while the recently added outdoor tower provides breathtaking views of the Chattanooga valley.
Highlights
- ✓The stunning 145-foot underground waterfall with colorful light show presentation
- ✓Unique rock formations with fun names like Dragon's Foot and Elephant's Ear that spark kids' imaginations
- ✓Thrilling elevator ride descending 26 stories into the mountain
- ✓Lookout Mountain Tower offering panoramic views across three states
- ✓Interactive cave exploration with knowledgeable guides sharing fascinating geology and history
Pro Tips
- 1.Book tickets online in advance, especially during peak season and weekends, as tours often sell out and you'll save time at check-in.
- 2.Bring a light jacket regardless of outside temperature. The cave stays a constant 60 degrees year-round, which feels quite cool after the walk.
- 3.Arrive 20-30 minutes before your scheduled tour time for parking and check-in. The tour starts promptly and latecomers cannot join once it departs.
- 4.Wear closed-toe shoes with good traction as the cave floor can be slippery and uneven. Strollers and baby carriers are not permitted on the tour.
- 5.Consider adding the Lookout Mountain Tower experience to your ticket for spectacular 360-degree views. Kids love spotting landmarks from up high.
Best Time to Visit
Weekday mornings (first tours of the day) offer smaller crowds and a more intimate experience. The cave's consistent 60-degree temperature makes it a perfect year-round attraction, especially wonderful during hot Tennessee summers as a cool escape or in winter when you want an indoor adventure.
What to Know
Tours last about one hour and cover a mile of walking with some stairs and uneven surfaces. No strollers or backpack carriers are allowed. There's a cafe on-site for snacks, and ample parking is available. Photography is encouraged during most of the tour.
Seasonal Notes
Open year-round with extended hours during summer months (May through August). The cave maintains a constant 60-degree temperature regardless of season, making it an ideal activity during hot summers or rainy days. Holiday light shows and special events are occasionally offered during winter months.
Nearby Eats
Rock City Cafe (at nearby Rock City attraction) offers kid-friendly burgers and sandwiches, or head to Crust Wood Fired Pizza about 10 minutes away on St. Elmo Avenue for excellent pizza in a casual family atmosphere.
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