Ruby Falls in Chattanooga: The Underground Waterfall Inside Lookout Mountain

Hidden deep inside Lookout Mountain in Chattanooga, Tennessee, Ruby Falls is one of the most unusual natural attractions in the United States and the most famous underground waterfall in Tennessee.

More than 1,100 feet beneath the surface of the mountain, visitors travel through winding cave passages before reaching a dramatic underground waterfall cascading through a cavern chamber.

Discovered nearly a century ago, Ruby Falls has become one of the most popular destinations in eastern Tennessee.

Travelers exploring Chattanooga or driving along Interstate 75 through Tennessee often stop here to experience one of the region’s most unusual geological wonders.

The Discovery of Ruby Falls

Ruby Falls was discovered in 1928 by cave explorer Leo Lambert.

Lambert was searching for a new entrance to Lookout Mountain Cave, a system of caverns that had been partially sealed during railway construction decades earlier.

While digging through a narrow passage inside the mountain, Lambert uncovered a small opening that led into unexplored tunnels.

After crawling through tight cave corridors for hours, he and his team reached a large underground chamber where a powerful waterfall was dropping from the ceiling of the cave.

Lambert later named the waterfall Ruby Falls in honor of his wife, Ruby.

News of the discovery spread quickly, and the cave was eventually developed into a guided attraction that continues to welcome visitors today.

What Visitors Experience at Ruby Falls

Today, visiting Ruby Falls begins with an elevator ride descending deep into Lookout Mountain.

From there, guided tours lead visitors through a network of underground cave passages filled with unusual rock formations such as stalactites and stalagmites.

Along the route, guides explain the geology of the cave and share stories about the early exploration of the cavern.

The highlight of the tour comes when visitors enter the main cavern and see the 145-foot Ruby Falls waterfall plunging from the rock ceiling into the cave below.

Colored lighting illuminates the waterfall and surrounding rock walls, creating one of the most memorable underground sights in Tennessee.

Fun Facts About Ruby Falls

Ruby Falls has several fascinating details that surprise many visitors.

• The waterfall drops about 145 feet, making it the tallest underground waterfall open to the public in the United States.

• The cave remains around 60°F year-round, providing a comfortable environment in both summer and winter.

• The underground pathway leading to the waterfall stretches roughly half a mile through Lookout Mountain.

Because the waterfall is located deep inside the mountain, it flows year-round regardless of the weather above ground.

Things to Do Near Ruby Falls

Ruby Falls sits on Lookout Mountain, an area filled with scenic attractions and historic landmarks.

Many visitors combine a stop at Ruby Falls with several nearby destinations.

Lookout Mountain Scenic Overlooks

Lookout Mountain offers sweeping views across Tennessee, Georgia, and Alabama. The area is famous for its mountain scenery and Civil War history.

Chattanooga Attractions

Just a short drive away, downtown Chattanooga features several popular destinations including the Tennessee Aquarium, the Walnut Street Bridge, and the scenic Chattanooga Riverwalk and Market Square.

Rock City

Another well-known attraction on Lookout Mountain is Rock City, where visitors walk through unusual rock formations and gardens with panoramic views across the region.

If you're exploring the city, you can also discover more stops in our guide to Things to Do in Chattanooga.

Visiting Ruby Falls

Ruby Falls operates as a guided attraction, and most visitors experience the cave through organized tours.

Because tours can sell out during busy travel seasons, visitors often reserve tickets in advance when planning a trip to Chattanooga.

Visitor information:

Location: Lookout Mountain, Chattanooga, Tennessee

Tour type: Guided cave tours

Time needed: Approximately 1–2 hours

Because the cave contains narrow passageways and stairs, visitors should be comfortable walking through enclosed spaces.

Add Ruby Falls to Your Travel Bucket List

Ruby Falls is one of the most unique natural attractions in Tennessee.

Standing inside a cavern while a waterfall pours down from the ceiling is an experience many travelers never forget.

Popular bucket list experiences include:

• walking through the underground cave passages

• seeing the 145-foot waterfall inside the mountain

• exploring scenic overlooks on Lookout Mountain

• visiting nearby Chattanooga attractions

Travelers can save destinations like Ruby Falls using the Way Back Tours Bucket List Builder, helping organize places they want to visit across the United States.

Planning to Visit Ruby Falls?

For travelers exploring eastern Tennessee, Ruby Falls offers one of the most unusual experiences in the region.

Few places allow visitors to walk deep inside a mountain and stand beside a waterfall hidden beneath the earth’s surface.

Combined with the scenic views of Lookout Mountain and the nearby attractions of Chattanooga, Ruby Falls remains one of the most memorable stops for anyone discovering the landscapes and history of the Appalachian foothills.

👉 Browse Ruby Falls tours and nearby attractions

Disclosure: Some links on this page may be affiliate links. If you book a tour through these links, Way Back Tours may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ruby Falls

Is Ruby Falls worth visiting?

Yes. Ruby Falls is one of the most popular attractions in Chattanooga and offers visitors the chance to see a rare underground waterfall inside Lookout Mountain.

How tall is Ruby Falls?

Ruby Falls drops about 145 feet, making it the tallest underground waterfall open to the public in the United States?

Is Ruby Falls near Chattanooga?

Yes. Ruby Falls is located on Lookout Mountain just a few miles from downtown Chattanooga.

Do you have to take a tour to see Ruby Falls?

Yes. Visitors access the cave through guided tours that explain the history and geology of the underground cavern.

How long does a Ruby Falls tour take?

Most tours last about one hour, including the cave walk and time spent at the waterfall

Photo: Ronincmc, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons