Ruby Falls is a 145-foot subterranean waterfall located 1,120 feet below the surface of Lookout Mountain in Chattanooga, Tennessee. This guide covers opening hours, ticket prices, transport or parking, accessibility, and practical visitor tips.
Updated in April 2026, this guide reflects the current mandatory timed-entry reservation system and the completion of the latest cavern lighting system upgrades.
Quick facts
| Fact | Details |
| Opening hours | 8:00 am – 8:00 pm daily |
| Ticket prices | Adult: $29.95, Child (3-12): $19.95 |
| Address | 1720 South Scenic Highway, Chattanooga, TN 37419 |
| Nearest public transport or parking | Free on-site parking lot |
| Typical time needed | 1.5 – 2 hours |
Ruby Falls opening hours
Ruby Falls is open daily from 8:00 am until 8:00 pm Eastern Time. Tours operate year-round, with the exception of Christmas Day.
Opening hours are consistent across all seasons, though the final tour of the day typically departs approximately one hour before the official closing time. During peak summer months and the October autumn leaf season, the attraction may offer extended evening hours for specialised lantern tours.
5 great Chattanooga experiences to book
- 🦇 Pay a visit to the Nickajack bat cave on a guided kayaking adventure.
- 🍴 Take a Southside food tour – and get a history lesson while feasting at multiple stops.
- 🚁 See the city, river and mountains on a sights-packed helicopter ride.
- 👻 On an after-dark ghost tour, uncover murders and mysteries.
- 🌊 Tackle the whitewater on an Ocoee River rafting trip.
Ruby Falls ticket prices
General admission for adults cost $29.95, while tickets for children aged three to 12 cost $19.95.
Opening hours and ticket prices were checked on the official website and last updated in April 2026.
How to get to Ruby Falls
The attraction is located on Scenic Highway on the side of Lookout Mountain, approximately 10 minutes from downtown Chattanooga. Visitors travelling from the city centre should follow Broad Street south and take the turn for US-41/Cummings Highway before following the signs for Scenic Highway.
There is no direct public transport route that stops at the Ruby Falls entrance. Visitors must use a private vehicle, taxi, or rideshare service to reach the site.
Why book the Derailed Trolley Tour and Train Ride?
- 🚋 Guided City Trolley Tour: Board a vintage-style trolley for a narrated journey through downtown and the Southside, uncovering the fascinating history of Chattanooga’s transformation from a rail hub to a vibrant modern city.
- 🚂 Missionary Ridge Local Train: Experience a nostalgic ride on a historic locomotive operated by the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum, traveling along authentic tracks that have served the region for generations.
- 🧱 Pre-Civil War Tunnel Passage: Feel the history as your train passes through the Missionary Ridge Tunnel, a remarkable piece of engineering completed in 1858 that remains a centerpiece of the local rail line.
- 🔄 Historic Turntable Demonstration: Watch a live demonstration of the massive mechanical turntable used to rotate locomotives, and enjoy a guided peek into the active restoration shops where vintage railcars are brought back to life.
- 📜 The Chattanooga Choo Choo Legacy: Begin your adventure at the iconic 1909 terminal station and learn the stories behind the world-famous song and the legends of the “Scenic City” transport era.
Parking at Ruby Falls
Free on-site parking is available for all visitors in the large lot surrounding the Cavern Castle. The parking area includes dedicated spaces for oversized vehicles, such as motorhomes and tour buses.
During busy periods, staff members direct traffic to overflow areas. Visitors should arrive at least 15 minutes before their scheduled tour time to ensure they have sufficient time to park and check in at the Guest Services desk.
How long to spend at Ruby Falls
A standard visit to Ruby Falls requires approximately 1.5 to 2 hours. This duration includes the elevator descent, the guided walk through the cavern to the waterfall, and the return journey to the surface.
Visitors who wish to visit the Blue Heron Overlook, browse the gift shop, or use the High Point Zip Adventure should allocate an additional hour to their itinerary.
Accessibility at Ruby Falls
The cavern tour is not accessible for wheelchairs or strollers due to the natural limestone terrain. The path includes narrow passages, damp surfaces, and several sets of stairs that must be navigated on foot.
However, the visitor centre, the Village Plaza, and the Blue Heron Overlook are fully ADA-compliant and wheelchair accessible. These areas provide panoramic views of the Tennessee River Valley and the Cumberland Plateau.
Inside / what to see at Ruby Falls
The primary feature is the 145-foot waterfall, which is the tallest and deepest underground waterfall open to the public in the United States. A synchronised music and LED light show illuminates the falls at the end of the cavern trail.
Visitors descend 260 feet into the mountain via a glass-fronted elevator. The walk to the waterfall takes place within a limestone cave where the temperature remains a constant 60 degrees Fahrenheit (15.5 Celsius) regardless of the weather outside.
The cavern path features various geological formations, including stalactites, stalagmites, and drapery formations. Notable named features along the trail include “The Cactus,” “Dragon’s Foot,” and “Crystal Chandelier.”
Outside the cave, the Lookout Mountain Tower offers views of the surrounding valley. The Blue Heron Overlook provides a dedicated space for photography of the Tennessee River and downtown Chattanooga.
Practical visitor tips
| Tip Category | Advice |
| Timing | Select a morning tour time before 10:00 am to experience the cave before the highest daily humidity levels occur. |
| Crowds | Expect significant visitor volumes on Saturdays and during local school holiday periods. |
| Layout | The cave trail is a 0.8-mile round trip on a single path; be prepared to walk in a single file when passing other groups. |
| Entry process | All tickets must be purchased online in advance, as no walk-up tickets are sold at the gate. |
| On-site logistics | Wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes with good grip, as the cave floor is naturally wet and can be slippery. |
Frequently asked questions about Ruby Falls
| Question | Answer |
| Is Ruby Falls suitable for children? | Yes, the tour is family-friendly, though infants must be carried in a front-facing carrier rather than a stroller. |
| Do you need to book tickets in advance for Ruby Falls? | Yes, timed-entry tickets must be purchased on the official website prior to arrival at the mountain. |
| Is Ruby Falls open on Sundays? | Yes, the attraction is open every Sunday from 8:00 am until 8:00 pm. |
| Are bags allowed at Ruby Falls? | Small bags are permitted, but large rucksacks are discouraged due to the narrow nature of the cave passages. |
Things to do near Ruby Falls
- Rock City Gardens: A walking trail through massive ancient rock formations featuring a panoramic view of seven US states.
- Lookout Mountain Incline Railway: A historic funicular railway that travels up a 72.7% grade to the top of the mountain.
- Point Park: A National Military Park site that preserves the location of the Civil War “Battle Above the Clouds.”
- Tennessee Aquarium: A large-scale aquarium located on the riverfront featuring both freshwater and saltwater exhibits.
- Creative Discovery Museum: An interactive children’s museum featuring hands-on educational exhibits in science, art, and music.
More Chattanooga travel
Other Chattanooga travel guides on Planet Whitley include:
- Practical guides to visiting Chatanooga Zoo and the Creative Discovery Museum in Chattanooga.
- Plan your visit to the Hunter Museum of American Art and Sculpture Fields at Montague Park in Chattanooga.
- What to expect at Moccasin Bend National Archaeological District in Chattanooga.
- Getting to Chattanooga: The best stops on the Nashville to Chattanooga drive.
- Road trips from Chattanooga: What to see on the Chattanooga to Sevierville drive.
