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FAQ

General Ruby Falls Questions

How much are tickets to Ruby Falls?

Can I purchase tickets at the ticket desk when I arrive?

What happens if I arrive late and miss the time slot for the timed-entry ticket I purchased online?

What does parking cost at Ruby Falls?

How much time should I plan to spend at Ruby Falls?

Where is Ruby Falls located?

What is Ruby Falls?

Do you allow pets?

Is parking available for my RV, Trailer, Motorcoach, Semi, or similar vehicle?

What happens if it rains the day I plan to visit Ruby Falls?

When is the best time to visit Ruby Falls?

Ruby Falls Tour Questions

Is Ruby Falls a guided experience, or can I go at my own pace?

Do you offer different types of tours? 

What is the schedule for cave adventures?

How long does the Cave Walk to Ruby Falls last?

How much walking and standing are involved on the Cave Walk to Ruby Falls?

Are there stairs, major hills, or slopes?

What should I wear on a cave adventure?

Is the cave wheelchair accessible?

How does Ruby Falls accommodate guests with other disabilities?

Is the cave stroller accessible?

Can I take photos in the cave? 

How many people will be on my tour group?

General Ruby Falls Questions

How much are tickets to Ruby Falls? 

Ruby Falls Cave Walk tickets cost $26.95 for adults and $16.95 for ages 3 - 12. Children ages two and under are free. Tickets are sold online only, and all tickets are timed entry.

Can I purchase tickets at the ticket desk when I arrive?

Currently, all tickets are sold online only. Visit RubyFalls.com to purchase tickets. Walk up tickets are not available? 

What happens if I arrive late and miss the time slot for the timed-entry ticket I purchased online?

All tickets give admission on a specific date and time with cave adventures beginning as scheduled. Keep in mind late arrivals are not guaranteed admission, however we will do our best to work guests arriving late into the next cave tour with availability.  We recommend guests plan to arrive a minimum of 15 minutes before their admission time. Please call guest services for more information. 423-821-2544

What does it cost to park at Ruby Falls?

As always, parking at Ruby Falls is FREE.

How much time should I plan to spend at Ruby Falls?

Most guests spend 2-3 hours at Ruby Falls.  Be sure to allow plenty of time to take in the view from the historic Lookout Mountain Tower and Blue Heron Overlook, grab a bite to eat, and browse around the Village Gift Shop.

*Please note, when the elevator is out of service for an extended period of time, Ruby Falls may choose to transport guests approximately 1 mile to an alternate cave entrance/exit via bus or passenger van . The alternate entry/exit is accessed by three 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.

Where is Ruby Falls located?

Ruby Falls is located on Lookout Mountain in Chattanooga, TN. We are conveniently located near Interstates 24. 75, and 59 and only minutes from downtown Chattanooga. For detailed directions, click here

What is Ruby Falls?

A favorite destination for over 90 years, Ruby Falls is home to the tallest and deepest underground waterfall open to the public in the United States. Descend 260 feet by glass-front elevator to explore the scenic path to the breathtaking waterfall deep within Lookout Mountain led by a Ruby Falls guide. See stalagmites, stalactites, drapery formations and flowstone plus learn about the cave's storied history. Take in sweeping views of the Tennessee Valley and Tennessee River from historic Lookout Mountain Tower, Blue Heron Overlook, and the Ruby Falls Village Plaza. Extend the visit to include High Point ZIP Adventure at Ruby Falls, featuring zip lines and climbing tower surrounded by spectacular vistas. 

Do you allow pets?

Due to health guidelines, pets are not permitted on Ruby Falls cave adventures.

Four shaded, fenced kennel areas are available seasonally at no charge on a first-come, first-serve basis. Please stop at the Hospitality Center in the Welcome Atrium for a kennel lock, or you may provide your own. Special considerations are taken for service animals. In addition, for small animals and escape-prone pets, we recommend bringing a pet crate or carrier for use in our kennels.  A complimentary dog treat is available seasonally at the Hospitality Center for pets using the kennel, while supplies last. 

Is parking available for my RV, Trailer, Motorcoach, Semi, or similar vehicle?

We have limited parking available for large vehicles. Upon arrival, a parking lot attendant will direct you to the appropriate place to park. Because these spaces are limited, we recommend arriving before 10am or after 4pm. 

What happens if it rains the day I plan to visit Ruby Falls?

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 see the waterfall because rainfall increases the flow of the waterfall. However, significant rainfall can cause minor flooding along the cavern trail resulting in temporary suspension of tours. If Ruby Falls is experiencing significant rain, please contact us prior to your visit for updates on cave tours or check for updates on our social media channels.

When is the best time to visit Ruby Falls?

The waterfall is beautiful year-round. The waterfall's flow changes constantly depending on how much water is moving through our area's watershed.  

The waterfall's flow is heaviest during and after periods of heavy rain, and it is absolutely incredible! Heavier than average rain fall over the last 5 years in Chattanooga makes our area especially lush and the watershed very active. During dry spells if the watershed is not as active, we have the ability to recycle the naturally occurring water flowing through the cave, allowing us to preserve the waterfall. 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 potentially 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 watertable.  

If you are looking for a less-busy time to visit, we recommend reservations before 9 AM. Weekdays are an especially great time to visit as attendance tends to be higher on weekends, and during school breaks, holidays and summer. 

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Ruby Falls Tour Questions

Is access to Ruby Falls Cavern by guide only, or can I go at my own pace?

All access to the cavern and waterfall is guided for the safety of our guests and the preservation of the cave. Pick your cave adventure based on your interests, preferred pace, and time schedule!

Do you offer different types of cave adventures? 

Ruby Falls offers several types of cave adventures. The Cave Walk is a faster-paced, express tour through the cave to the waterfall, featuring a general overview with recorded audio. Specialty tours such as the after-hours Lantern Tour and early-access 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. 

What is the schedule for Cave Adventures?

The Cave Walk to Ruby Falls runs daily, throughout the day.  Lantern Tours and Gentle Walking Tours are available select dates and times. For more information about Cave Adventure options and schedules, click here.   Purchase tickets in advance online as walkup tickets are not sold onsite at Ruby Falls and a limited number of tickets are available for each tour.

How long does the Cave Walk to Ruby Falls last?

The Cave Walk to Ruby Falls lasts on average 1 hour - 1 hour 20 minutes, depending on date and time of visit.

How much walking and standing is involved on the Cave Walk to Ruby Falls?

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. 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. 

Are there stairs, major hills, or slopes in the cave?

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 and guests need to watch their step and use the handrails where provided.

What should I wear on a cave adventure?

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. 

Is the cave wheelchair accessible?

Due to natural formations, narrow passages and small groupings of steps, the cavern is not wheelchair accessible. Wheelchair accessible venues at Ruby Falls include Blue Heron Overlook, Village Plaza, Ticket Atrium, 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.

How does Ruby Falls accommodate guests with other disabilities?

If you have special needs, please email info1@rubyfalls.com or call us at 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 cavern, 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.

Is the cave stroller accessible?

Due to narrow passages and steps, strollers are not permitted in the cave. For infants and toddlers, we recommend either front or back carriers; however, we do not rent these onsite. Please keep in mind there are places with low ceilings in the cave. A stroller parking area is available in the elevator waiting area.

Can I take photos in the cave?

Photography is welcome on any Ruby Falls cave adventure as long as you keep pace with your tour group.  For your safety, guests must stay with their tour group during cave adventures and opportunities to stop for photos are limited during the Cave Walk to Ruby Falls.  The Gentle Walking Tour is a great tour option for guests who want extra time on the cavern trail and at the waterfall for photographs.

Drones are not permitted in the cave and are not permit in the park.

How many people will be in my tour group? Is this a private tour?

The number of participants on each tour varies depending on tour type 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. 

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