Ruby Falls Cave Walk: The Most Unique Family Experience in Chattanooga, TN

If you’re planning a family road trip between Nashville and Atlanta or find yourself near Chattanooga, there’s one activity that should absolutely make your list: Ruby Falls. It’s not just another tourist attraction, but rather a breathtaking underground waterfall housed in a cave system that’s only been known to people for less than 100 years. A fun outing for the whole family and great stop to break up time in the car or other activities, Ruby Falls is kid-friendly and weather-proof. Let’s dig in.

Who Discovered Ruby Falls?

Ruby Falls, located deep inside Lookout Mountain in Chattanooga, Tennessee, is one of the most breathtaking underground waterfalls in the U.S. Discovered by accident in 1928 by Leo Lambert, Ruby Falls was named after his wife named (you guessed it!) Ruby.

While excavating to reopen the nearby Lookout Mountain Cave, Leo’s team found a hidden cavern that led to the 145-foot underground waterfall now known as Ruby Falls. This discovery turned the cave system into a place where travelers and locals can visit all year round.

Today, Ruby Falls offers more than just the cave walk to the waterfall. The site includes adventure activities like zip lining, rock climbing, and scenic views atop Lookout Mountain, in addition to an opportunity to learn a whole lot about rock science.

Our Experience

We took the Ruby Falls cave walk on the drive back from Nashville to Atlanta on a road trip for my birthday. We saw a sign for it on the drive out to Nashville and made a mental note to stop on teh way home, but we had a bit of a hiccup in our plans… there were no entry tickets available for the next two hours. Oops! Lesson learned: make reservations ahead of time. We didn’t and had to wait, so learn from our mistake.

By the time we arrived, all available tickets were sold out for the next two hours. That meant we had to do some waiting around, which led to a quick visit to Chick-fil-A (a lifesaver with kids!). Waiting for two hours wasn’t ideal, but it gave us some time to refuel, stretch out, and get the kids ready for the adventure.

Once our tour time finally rolled around, we were ready to see what the cave walk had to offer. Kid-friendly? Yes! But there are some things to note. First off, remember: this is a cave, so leave your white clothes and shoes at home. The cave itself is dusty.

Our kids, who were 4 and 2 years old at the time, handled the whole experience like little adventurers. I was nervous at first about how well they’d do, but they both walked the entire way in and out of the cave. My husband did carry our youngest (who had just turned 2) for a short stretch on the way back, but overall, they managed quite well. That being said, by the end of the tour, they were pretty wiped out. It’s a long walk for little legs.

One thing that stood out to me during the tour was the group dynamic. Our tour group had a mix of couples, families, and individuals, but we were the only ones with young kids. This wasn’t necessarily a bad thing, but I could tell that not all of the tour guides were as tolerant of the “kid factor” as others. It wasn’t a huge deal, but if Ruby Falls wants to consistently attract families, it’s something they might want to address. Kids are kids, and they’re going to talk, explore, and move at their own pace. Thankfully, my kids didn’t notice the occasional side glances from the guide, and they had a great time regardless.

So what makes the Ruby Falls cave walk special? It’s not just about the underground waterfall. The cave itself is full of natural beauty, and the tour provides details about the history and discovery of the Falls. There’s also a love story, which was a nice touch for us adults, even though it definitely went right over the kids’ heads. If you’re interested in learning more about the creation of Ruby Falls and the love story behind it, they have a full write-up on their site. Read about it here.

By the end of the tour, we were tired but happy with what we had just seen. Ruby Falls is one of those places where you can really appreciate nature. It’s also a reminder of the incredible things that can be found just beneath the surface.

The Tour Experience – Ruby Falls Cave Walk

Once our tour time rolled around, we headed into Lookout Mountain for the cave walk. Before heading down into the cave that houses Ruby Falls, make sure everyone uses the restroom. Once you descend, there are no facilities available during the walk. The staff advises all visitors to take a bathroom break beforehand, and it’s worth the quick stop before starting the adventure.

The whole experience starts with an elevator ride down 26 stories into the mountain, which was already exciting for the kids. The elevator has a glass front so you see the rock from the mountain as you go down. The elevator itself only takes about 30 seconds.

Once we reached the bottom, the tour guide gathered everyone and gave a brief introduction about what we were about to see.

The entire Ruby Falls cave walk is about a mile round trip, and while that doesn’t sound too bad, it’s important to note that you’re walking on uneven ground, and the path is often narrow with a low ceiling. My husband and I had to keep a close eye on our kids because there were a few spots where it would be easy to trip or stumble. And at nearly 6-feet tall, my husband had to watch his head at times. That said, the kids and adults loved playing cave explorer.

The walk through the cave is fascinating, as you pass by incredible formations like stalagmites and stalactites. You might even get a lucky “cave kiss” – a drop of water landing on you from the ceiling. Along the way, the guide makes brief stops to point out unique formations before you finally reach the stunning waterfall.

Ruby Falls’ height is 145 feet tall, and it’s one of the largest underground waterfalls in the United States that’s open to the public. The moment you first see it, illuminated by the tour’s special lighting effects, it’s breathtaking. The water cascades down from a narrow opening high above, and because of the lighting and the enclosed space, it feels almost surreal.

The guide allowed everyone some time to take pictures and just soak in the atmosphere. Due to the timed entry tickets, your time at the waterfall is limited. I think we had 10 minutes before the lights were turned off, so you have to snap your pictures and videos quickly! But be warned—they don’t give any extra time. As soon as the timer runs out, the lights go off, and the waterfall disappears into the darkness!

The walk back out of the cave was similar to the journey in, but the kids were definitely starting to feel tired by this point. My husband ended up carrying our youngest for a short while, which was fine, but it’s something to consider if you have younger kids. The entire walk, including the stops to see formations and the falls, took about an hour and a half.

Preparing for Your Visit

Where is Ruby Falls?

Ruby Falls is located in Chattanooga, Tennessee, inside Lookout Mountain. It’s a popular tourist attraction that features an underground waterfall, accessed through a cave system, just a short drive from downtown Chattanooga.

Address: 1720 S. Scenic Hwy. Chattanooga, TN 37409

How much are Ruby Falls cave walk tickets?

Ruby Falls prices for the Cave Walk to the Waterfall are: adults $26.95, children ages 3-12 $16.95, and seniors (65+) $25.95. Children aged two and younger can visit for free. Advance online ticket purchase is required, so be sure to book ahead. The tour is suitable for all ages, but keep in mind that it lasts around 90 minutes, so participants should be comfortable standing and walking for that length of time.

What are Ruby Falls’ opening hours?

Ruby Falls is open daily, 8:00 am – 8:00 pm Eastern Time. Time may vary on certain holidays or seasons. You can contact them to confirm: (423) 821-2544.

Is there parking?

Yes, and parking is free.

Practical Tips from a Parent

To make your Ruby Falls cave walk as family-friendly as possible, here are a few practical tips based on our experience:

• Make reservations ahead of time!
• Be prepared for tired kiddos by the end of the walk, and consider a carrier for the youngest ones. The carrier should sit on your back or chest, though, not above you, as the cave ceiling is low. We love this carrier for kids up to 45 pounds.
• The cave walk is well-paced, but keep an eye on kiddos in the narrow passages.
• Wear comfortable clothes and shoes but not to wear white or light-colored clothes.
• Inside the cave maintains a steady temperature of around 60°F year-round. If you tend to get cold easily, bring a light jacket or sweater to stay comfortable during the walk.
• Make sure everyone takes a bathroom break before the walk starts.
• Bring snacks and water: While you can’t eat inside the cave itself, having some snacks and water in the car or at the visitor’s center is a great way to recharge before or after the tour.
  • Our favorite water bottles for kids
  • Our favorite water bottles for adults

What to Do in Chattanooga

If you’re thinking about visiting Ruby Falls, why not make a whole weekend out of it and explore Chattanooga? We didn’t have the chance to, but the city itself is full of family-friendly activities that can easily fill an entire day—or even two! Here are some great things to do in Chattanooga that would complement a trip to Ruby Falls:

Tennessee Aquarium

This is one of the top-rated aquariums in the country, and for good reason. The Tennessee Aquarium features both freshwater and saltwater exhibits, and it’s packed with interactive experiences that will keep kids entertained.

Chattanooga Zoo

Located just minutes from downtown, the Chattanooga Zoo offers a fun and educational experience. It’s small enough to navigate easily with kids, but there’s plenty to see, including exotic animals like red pandas, jaguars, and chimpanzees.

Creative Discovery Museum

If your kids love hands-on activities, the Creative Discovery Museum is the perfect place for them. It’s designed specifically for children and encourages learning through interactive exhibits and play.

Lookout Mountain Incline Railway

For another dose of adventure, hop on the Lookout Mountain Incline Railway. This historic railway takes you to the top of Lookout Mountain, offering stunning views of the surrounding area. The kids will love the experience of riding a train that climbs the mountain at a steep incline.

Other things to do in Chattanooga

Here are plenty of other activities to do in the area:

Final Thoughts and Recommendations for Planning a Trip to Ruby Falls

Ruby Falls is a unique destination that offers something for everyone. Whether you’re stopping by as part of a road trip, or making Ruby Falls the centerpiece of a Chattanooga weekend getaway, there are plenty of reasons to add this attraction to your bucket-list trips.

Remember to take plenty of pictures! The lighting at the falls is perfect for capturing family moments, so make sure you snap a few photos of your kids at the underground waterfall.

If you have any questions or need further advice feel free to email me or send me a message on Instagram. I’m always happy to share more tips and insights to help make your family’s adventures unforgettable!

If you like chasing waterfalls, don’t forget to ready about our Waimea Falls Hike experience in Oahu.