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Trip Planning
Ruby Falls is in the Eastern Time zone.
Most guests spend 2-3 hours at Ruby Falls. Be sure to allow plenty of time to take in the view from historic Lookout Mountain Tower and Blue Heron Overlook, grab a bite to eat, and browse the Village Gift Shop. By purchasing your ticket in advance online, it is easy to plan your day and avoid disappointment if tours are already sold out when you hoped to visit.
*Please note, when the elevator is out of service for an extended period, Ruby Falls may choose to transport guests approximately one mile to an alternate cave entrance/exit via bus or passenger van. The alternate entry/exit is accessed by several steps leading to the special event portion of the cave. The paved path through this portion of the cave is approximately 700-feet long. Please allow an extra 60-90 minutes for your visit when guests are accessing the cave through the alternate entrance/exit due to elevator maintenance.
*Please note, when the elevator is out of service for an extended period, Ruby Falls may choose to transport guests approximately one mile to an alternate cave entrance/exit via bus or passenger van. The alternate entry/exit is accessed by several steps leading to the special event portion of the cave. The paved path through this portion of the cave is approximately 700-feet long. Please allow an extra 60-90 minutes for your visit when guests are accessing the cave through the alternate entrance/exit due to elevator maintenance.
The waterfall is beautiful year-round. The waterfall's flow changes constantly depending on how much water is moving through our area's watershed. If you are looking for a less-busy time to visit, we recommend reservations before 9 AM and after 6:00 PM. Like National Parks and other tourist attractions, attendance tends to be higher on weekends, during school breaks, and holidays. Weekdays are an especially great time to visit. Rainy days are a great time to visit because the waterfall's flow is heaviest during and after periods of heavy rain; it is incredible! Heavier than average rain fall over the last several years in Chattanooga makes our area especially lush and the watershed very active. We have the ability to recycle the naturally occurring water flowing through the cave, allowing us to preserve the waterfall during dry spells if the watershed is not as active. Recycling water from one area of the cave to another allows us to reduce flooding, preserve the waterfall, responsibly protect precious natural groundwater resources and the cave ecosystem. During very heavy rain, we watch the water flow in the cave carefully for potential minor flooding. Flooding occurs when the water flow entering the cave exceeds the capacity of the streams flowing through the cave, eventually emptying into the Tennessee River. Often this is accompanied by rising levels in the water table.
Due to its cavern location, Ruby Falls is a great place to escape to on rainy days. In fact, rainy days are a terrific time to visit because rainfall increases the flow of the waterfall, making it especially beautiful. Heavy rainfall over an extended period can cause minor flooding along the cavern trail resulting in temporary suspension of tours. If you have questions, please contact us prior to your visit or check for updates on our social media channels.
We have limited parking available for large vehicles. Because these spaces are limited, we recommend purchasing timed-entry tickets online in advance for cave adventures before 10am or after 4pm. Upon arrival, a parking lot attendant will direct you to the appropriate place to park.
Helpful Guide for Buses, Campers and Trailers Visiting Ruby Falls
Helpful Guide for Buses, Campers and Trailers Visiting Ruby Falls
- When traveling north on HWY 148/Scenic Hwy, bus parking is located immediately on the left once you arrive at Ruby Falls campus.
- When traveling south on HWY 148/Scenic Hwy, look for a Ruby Falls roadside attendant. They will give you instructions on where to park. If a roadside attendant is not present, drive past the Lookout Mountain/Ruby Falls water fountain and flags. Bus/RV/Camper parking is located on the right next to the highway.
- When leaving Ruby Falls campus, please ask an outside team member for assistance. They will give you the best advice on how to exit and will aid if needed.
- When parked, we ask that you please do not let your engine idle, per city ordinance.
Due to health and safety guidelines, pets are not permitted on Ruby Falls cave adventures. Special considerations are taken for service animals. Four shaded, fenced outdoor kennels are available seasonally at no charge on a first-come, first-serve basis. Please visit the hospitality desk for a kennel lock, or you may provide your own. For smaller pets and animals prone to escape, we recommend bringing a pet crate or carrier for use in our kennels.
A historic landmark, Ruby Falls is home to the tallest underground waterfall open to the public in the United States. Descend 260 feet by glass-front elevator into the cavern hidden deep within Lookout Mountain, then explore on foot with a guided walk along the scenic path to the breathtaking waterfall. Discover the cave’s storied history, see ancient geological formations, and experience the waterfall light show. Enjoy award-winning special events and see spectacular views of the Tennessee River, Cumberland Plateau and rolling valleys from historic Lookout Mountain Tower. Zip line through the woods and conquer the climbing tower at Ruby Falls High Point ZIP Adventure. Stay for a casual meal at Castle Café and unwind at boutique lodging where artfully crafted treehouses are an impeccable blend of playfulness, bespoke amenities, and refined luxury with Treetop Hideaways at Ruby Falls.
Ruby Falls is located on Lookout Mountain in Chattanooga Tennessee, and only minutes from downtown Chattanooga. We are conveniently located near Interstates 24, 75, and 59. For GPS directions, use this address: 1720 S. Scenic Highway Chattanooga TN.
We offer two charging stations for electric vehicles. The stations are available on a first-come, first-served basis in the Bobwhite car park. Please ask a parking attendant for directions upon your arrival at the park.
Tickets are sold online. Tickets provide entry on a specific date and time. For best availability, purchase tickets online in advance of your visit as a limited number of tickets are available and time slots frequently sell out. Walk up tickets are not available onsite at Ruby Falls.
Ruby Falls offers three types of cave adventures. Cave Walk tickets are $26.95 for adults, $16.95 for ages 3- 12, and age two and under are free. Tickets for specialty cave adventures including Lantern Tours and Gentle Walking Tours are $39.95.
Social distancing is not possible during cave tours or in the elevator. Please keep in mind an inherent risk of Covid-19 exposure exists in any public place where people are present.
Cave Adventures
The number of participants in each group varies depending on the type of cave adventure and when you visit. Guest capacity for the Cave Walk to the waterfall is up to 50 guests per guide, and multiple tour groups will be in the cave during your adventure. Tour groups walking in opposite directions will frequently pass each other in close proximity along the narrow cavern trail. Specialty tours such as the after-hours Lantern Tour and Gentle Walking Tour feature a smaller number of participants allowing for one-on-one interaction with your guide and a relaxed pace. Premium private tours are available on a limited basis only by special reservation and by contacting us at info1@rubyfalls.com at least 3 weeks before your requested visit.
Photography is permitted in the cave if it does not interfere with your ability keep pace with your tour group. For your safety, guests must stay with their tour group during cave adventures. Keep in mind, opportunities to stop for photos are limited during the Cave Walk to Ruby Falls. The Gentle Walking Tour is a great cave adventure for guests who want extra time on the cavern trail and at the waterfall for photographs. Drones are not permitted in the cave.
Strollers are not permitted in the cave due to narrow passages and steps. For infants and toddlers, we recommend either front or back carriers; however, we do not rent these onsite. Please keep in mind there are areas with low ceilings in the cave. A stroller parking area is available in the elevator boarding area.
If you have special needs, please email info1@rubyfalls.com or call us 423-821-2544 to discuss potential accommodations and allow time for arrangements to be made prior to your visit. For example, guests with hearing disabilities may request a printed copy of the tour. As you might imagine, our park offers sensory stimulation including crowds, darkness. varied levels of lighting in the cave, noises, colored and changing lighting, narrow cavern passages, music with volume changes, group tours, enclosed areas, and close proximity with other guests in confined areas. Ruby Falls offers a Low Sensory Cave Walk for guests requiring a low-sensory experience. This tour features a smaller group size, reduced audio presentations, and time at the waterfall without the lights and sound show. To book a Low Sensory Cave Walk, please contact us at least two weeks in advance of when you'd like to visit. info1@rubyfalls.comPlease keep in mind the cave is not wheelchair accessible due to the cave’s natural formations, narrow passages, and small groupings of steps.
Due to natural formations, narrow passages and small groupings of steps, the cave is not wheelchair accessible. Wheelchair accessible venues at Ruby Falls include Blue Heron Overlook, Village Plaza, Hospitality Center, Village Gift Shop, Back Porch, restrooms, Castle Cafe, and the Castle front porch. Historic Lookout Mountain Tower observation decks built prior to current accessibility standards are accessed by stairs. Additional accessibility information is available by contacting Ruby Falls at info1@rubyfalls.com.
The temperature in the cave is around 60 degrees year-round. Comfortable shoes with sturdy soles are suggested as the total walk is a little under a mile and the pathways, although paved, are uneven and wet in some places. Heels, sandals, or backless shoes are not recommended.
The cavern trail to the waterfall is a paved pathway with a small number of gradual slopes. There are approximately 35 stairs on the pathway, each paired in sets of 4-5 with handrails provided. The pathway may be wet in areas. Keep in mind the cavern trail features low lighting. Guests need to watch their step and use the handrails where provided. Several passages of the cavern trail have the width of a doorway and in some areas, guests returning from the waterfall pass guests walking to the waterfall on the same pathway.
The Cave Walk takes 60 – 80 minutes and the walk is a little less than one-mile round trip.
All access to the cave and waterfall is guided for the safety of our guests and the preservation of the cave. Private tours are available with at least three weeks advance notice by emailing info1@rubyfalls.com.
After descending 260-feet into the cave by glass-front elevator, guests walk just under one-mile, round trip on the paved cavern trail with their group. There are small groupings of steps and slight elevation changes totaling approximately 35 steps with handrails provided. Height clearance along the cavern trail varies between over 100-feet to just under 6 feet. The cavern trail is narrow, with very limited opportunities to sit during the tour. Cave Walk guests should have the ability to stand for up to 1.5 hours and move comfortably on their own along the trail, keeping pace with their tour group. For more information, please contact us at 423-821-2544. (The Gentle Walking Tour is a great option for guests who prefer a very relaxed pace with opportunities to sit at several points during the tour.)
Ruby Falls offers several types of cave adventures. The Cave Walk is a faster-paced cave adventure in a large group format featuring a basic cave overview with recorded audio. Specialty tours such as the after-hours Lantern Tour and before-hours Gentle Walking Tour feature more in-depth information, a smaller number of participants, and a relaxed pace. Premium private tours are available on a limited basis by special advance reservation. To reserve a premium private tour, contact us at info1@rubyfalls.com at least 3 weeks before your requested visit.
High Point ZIP
High Point ZIP Adventure remains open during rain. However, the course implements a 30-minute weather hold if thunder is within earshot and when inclement weather within 15 miles of Ruby Falls includes lightning, thunder, high winds, hail, or extreme rain likely to cause vision impairment. The 30 minute weather hold will restart if there is a new lightning strike, sound of thunder or other severe weather event until the inclement weather has moved 15 miles beyond Ruby Falls. Safety is our priority.
- Wear comfortable clothing allowing ease of movement while participating on the climbing tower and zip lines. A shirt and pants/shorts are required.
- Shoes must be secured to the foot. Closed-toe and closed-heel tennis shoes are ideal. Crocs with a heel strap over the heel, Chaco sandals with straps around the ankle, and over the foot and heel are acceptable. No flip flops or other backless shoes or slides are permitted.
- Long hair must be pulled back.
- Jewelry should be removed. All personal items (wallet, cell phone, keys, cameras, etc.) need to be placed in a basket prior to entering the ZIP Adventure experience and can be retrieved following completion of the climbing wall and zip lines.
High Point ZIP Adventure is designed to be accessible as possible. However, due to the inherent nature of the activities, certain safety restrictions apply:
- Weight Requirements - Zip Line: 60-275 lbs.; Climbing Wall: 35-275 lbs.
- The climbing wall and zip lines require participants to be mobile and have functional use of both hands and feet.
- Participants must be capable of understanding safety instructions, rules, and regulations associated with this activity.
- Parents/guardians must accompany children 10 years old or younger to the course; Parents are not required to participate in the course.
Most guests spend 45 minutes to one hour at High Point ZIP Adventure. This includes safety training, gearing up, zip lining and climbing.
All participants must sign a waiver prior to zip lining or climbing on the climbing wall. Waivers for participants age 18 & under must be signed by a parent or legal guardian. To expedite your check-in, please complete the ONLINE WAIVER prior to arrival.
Group Visits
Download our Educational Resource Guide to help prepare students for your visit
Ruby Falls does not have facilities for group meals or brown bag lunches.
The roundtrip underground guided walk is just under one mile and lasts 70 - 80 minutes. The majority of the path is level, however the pathway includes a few small groupings of steps and narrow passageways. Plan additional time to visit the scenic overlooks and the Village Gift Shop. Most guests spend 2-3 hours at Ruby Falls.
Comfortable shoes are suggested. The pathways, although paved, are uneven in some places. Heels, sandals, or backless shoes are not recommended.
Free bus/motorcoach parking is available. A parking attendant will assist and direct you upon your group’s arrival.
The group leader must prepay for the entire group at least 5 days in advance. If paying by check, it must be received at least 5 days in advance. Additional guests may not be added on the day of visit.
Allow at least one-week advance notice when planning your visit to Ruby Falls.
You must have 15 people or more to qualify for a group rate.
If you have special needs, please email info1@rubyfalls.com or call us 423-821-2544 to discuss potential accommodations and allow time for arrangements to be made prior to your visit. For example, guests with hearing disabilities may request a printed copy of the tour. As you might imagine, our park offers sensory stimulation including crowds, darkness. varied levels of lighting in the cave, noises, colored and changing lighting, narrow cavern passages, music with volume changes, group tours, enclosed areas, and close proximity with other guests in confined areas. Ruby Falls offers a Low Sensory Cave Walk for guests requiring a low-sensory experience. This tour features a smaller group size, reduced audio presentations, and time at the waterfall without the lights and sound show. To book a Low Sensory Cave Walk, please contact us at least two weeks in advance of when you'd like to visit. info1@rubyfalls.comPlease keep in mind the cave is not wheelchair accessible due to the cave’s natural formations, narrow passages, and small groupings of steps.
Due to natural formations, narrow passages and small groupings of steps, the cave is not wheelchair accessible. Wheelchair accessible venues at Ruby Falls include Blue Heron Overlook, Village Plaza, Hospitality Center, Village Gift Shop, Back Porch, restrooms, Castle Cafe, and the Castle front porch. Historic Lookout Mountain Tower observation decks built prior to current accessibility standards are accessed by stairs. Additional accessibility information is available by contacting Ruby Falls at info1@rubyfalls.com.
All access to the cave and waterfall is guided for the safety of our guests and the preservation of the cave. Private tours are available with at least three weeks advance notice by emailing info1@rubyfalls.com.
Ruby Falls is in the Eastern Time zone.
Most guests spend 2-3 hours at Ruby Falls. Be sure to allow plenty of time to take in the view from historic Lookout Mountain Tower and Blue Heron Overlook, grab a bite to eat, and browse the Village Gift Shop. By purchasing your ticket in advance online, it is easy to plan your day and avoid disappointment if tours are already sold out when you hoped to visit.
*Please note, when the elevator is out of service for an extended period, Ruby Falls may choose to transport guests approximately one mile to an alternate cave entrance/exit via bus or passenger van. The alternate entry/exit is accessed by several steps leading to the special event portion of the cave. The paved path through this portion of the cave is approximately 700-feet long. Please allow an extra 60-90 minutes for your visit when guests are accessing the cave through the alternate entrance/exit due to elevator maintenance.
*Please note, when the elevator is out of service for an extended period, Ruby Falls may choose to transport guests approximately one mile to an alternate cave entrance/exit via bus or passenger van. The alternate entry/exit is accessed by several steps leading to the special event portion of the cave. The paved path through this portion of the cave is approximately 700-feet long. Please allow an extra 60-90 minutes for your visit when guests are accessing the cave through the alternate entrance/exit due to elevator maintenance.
Due to its cavern location, Ruby Falls is a great place to escape to on rainy days. In fact, rainy days are a terrific time to visit because rainfall increases the flow of the waterfall, making it especially beautiful. Heavy rainfall over an extended period can cause minor flooding along the cavern trail resulting in temporary suspension of tours. If you have questions, please contact us prior to your visit or check for updates on our social media channels.