During your visit to Ruby Falls, take a guided tour of Ruby Falls Cave. After your tour, enjoy the surrounding views from Lookout Mountain Tower. Shopping and dining are available at Ruby Falls’ gift shops and eateries.
The Ruby Falls Tour
During your guided tour of Ruby Falls Cave, follow your tour guide into the heart of Lookout Mountain. As you make your way closer to the 145-foot underground waterfall, you will learn about Ruby Falls’ history including information on the formation of Lookout Mountain, Ruby Falls Cave and the waterfalls and falls room.
Lookout Mountain
Located 1120 feet beneath the surface, Ruby Falls Cave’s formation story can be told by the rocks that formed the natural wonder. Millions of years ago when the North American and African plates collided in a collision felt as far inland as Chattanooga, Tennessee, earthquakes were produced that pushed and bent the hardened rock to form mountains. Cracks and crevices formed at the bending and folding of brittle limestone and sandstone layers. Sliding past each other along what geologists call faults was the beginning of what is known today as the Ruby Falls Cave.
Ruby Falls Cave
Ruby Falls Cave is a limestone cave and its formation process can be explained in a number of steps. First carbon dioxide in the air is absorbed by rain water falling through it. This rain water also absorbs carbon dioxide found in soil when it reaches it. Coming in contact with one another, water and carbon dioxide create a weak acid called carbonic acid. This weak acid comes into contact with limestone rock when subterranean streams pass through the cracks and crevices of the rock formed by tectonic forces. Slowly eating away at the limestone, the cracks eventually became larger, sculpting the passages of such caves as Ruby Falls.
Ruby Falls Waterfall and Falls Room
Once the cave was formed a surface stream entered, leaving behind sand and gravel along the walls of the cave. A sinkhole was also developed at the time near the top of the stream allowing large amounts of water to enter. Eventually the water carved out the hollow area known today as Ruby Falls, often referred to as “Solomon’s Temple.”
Lookout Mountain Tower
After your tour of Ruby Falls Cave, head to the top of Lookout Mountain Tower, boasting panoramic views of Tennessee River Valley. Use the tower viewers to see distant sights, or simply take in the splendid scenery with your own eyes.
Shopping at Ruby Falls
Explore Ruby Falls’ 2 large gift shops. Regional gifts, unusual trinkets and specialty items at extraordinary values are available for purchase.
Dining at Ruby Falls
Snacks and drinks are available from Cavern Café and Fun Forest Grill. At Cavern Café grab a deli style sandwich, wrap, or hot dog. Fun Forest Grill serves hamburgers, grilled chicken, sandwiches and hot dogs that can be enjoyed on Fun Forest Grill’s covered deck that boasts views of Tennessee River Valley.
- The Ruby Falls tour is on a paved pathway with only a few gradual slopes. Approximately 35 stairs are along the pathway, each paired in sets of 4 to 5 with handrails.
- The length of the Ruby Falls tour is just under 1 mile, so ensure you wear comfortable walking shoes
- Don’t forget your camera. There will be plenty of opportunities for you to record the natural wonders in Ruby Falls Cave.