The waterfall was discovered accidentally while the Ruby Falls Cave was being excavated for a new tourist entrance.
The cave temperature remains a constant 60 degrees Fahrenheit year-round regardless of surface weather.
The waterfall is technically a cascade, as it flows down the rock face rather than free-falling the entire distance.
Leo Lambert named the waterfall Ruby Falls after his wife, Ruby Lambert, who accompanied him on his first exploration.
The cave's rock formations include 'cave bacon,' a thin, wavy flowstone created by mineral deposits.
Ruby Falls is a 145-foot underground waterfall located 1,120 feet beneath the surface of Lookout Mountain. The attraction features a guided walking tour through a limestone cave system that includes natural rock formations like stalactites and stalagmites. The waterfall is fed by rainwater and underground streams, eventually flowing into the Tennessee River. Discovered in 1928 by Leo Lambert, the cave was named after his wife, Ruby. Access to the falls requires an elevator descent into the heart of the mountain. The cave path is illuminated with LED lighting to showcase the geological features. It remains the tallest and deepest underground waterfall open to the public in the United States.
The viewing platform directly in front of the illuminated Ruby Falls waterfall.
Book your tour tickets online in advance to secure a specific entry time, as tours often sell out.
Wear closed-toe shoes with good traction, as the cave floor can be damp and slippery.
Bring a light jacket, as the constant 60-degree temperature can feel chilly compared to the humid Tennessee summer.
Attempting to walk to the entrance from the base of Lookout Mountain; the site is situated at the top of the mountain and requires driving to the summit.
Open daily year-round, except for Christmas Day.
No food or drink allowed inside the cave. Touching the cave formations is strictly prohibited to prevent damage to the delicate ecosystem.
