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Ruby Falls Battle Below Clouds Icon

Battle Below the Clouds

The friendliest BBQ competition in the South!

April 20, 2024

 

Team spots for the 2024 Ruby Falls Battle Below the Clouds BBQ competition are full. If you would like to be added to the waitlist, please click the link below.

Waitlist Sign Up

 

Amateur grillers and smokers compete for bragging rights at the 9th annual Ruby Falls Battle Below the Clouds.

Enjoy live bluegrass music, BBQ and beer, kid's activities and giveaways.

 

2O24 Competition Rules and Info

Want the scoop on next year's Battle Below the Clouds team registration? Please email info1@rubyfalls.com and include your contact email and phone number.

 

Dates & Hours

April 20, 2024


10:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Pricing & Booking

Free for Spectators!


100% of competition entry fees are donated to Lana's Love Foundation.  Lana's Love provides year-round FUN activities for kids with cancer and their families.

Battle Below the Clouds Event Highlights Include:


Amateur BBQ Contest Live Bluegrass Bands Activities for Children BBQ for Purchase Best BBQ Awards Prize Drawings Benefiting Lana's Love Foundation Beer for Purchase

Battle Below the Clouds Event Sponsors Include:


Game Nights

February Game Nights at Ruby Falls Castle Cafe!

Monday - Thursdays
5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Feb. 5 - 29, 2024


Escape cold winter nights and cozy up by the fireplace with games and dinner at the Castle Cafe.
 
Beer + Pie Dinner Deal on Game Nights

$2 off any flatbread pizza when you order a local craft beer.

Games for All Ages

Tickets to Ruby Falls are never required to eat in the historic Castle.

Dates & Hours

Mondays - Thursdays, February 5 - 29


5:00 - 8:00 PM

Pricing & Booking


Beer + Pie Dinner Deal on Game Nights with $2 off any flatbread pizza when you order a local craft beer.

Tickets to Ruby Falls are never required to eat in the historic Castle.

Game Nights Event Highlights Include:


95th Anniversary Celebration

Celebrating 95 Years of Wonder!

Join us during the year-long 95th anniversary celebration featuring special events, activities, giveaways, venue launch and more! Enjoy a living art installation, limited-edition 95th Anniversary Tour, Hidden Passages Scavenger Hunt, Castle Cafe Game Nights, 95 Years of Wonder Exhibit, vintage inspired merch, special ticket prices for local residents and more.

Special experiences announced throughout the year!  

Dates & Hours

December 30, 2023 - December 29, 2024



Refer to specific schedule for activities and events.

Pricing & Booking

95th Anniversary Celebration Event Highlights Include:


95th Anniversary Tour, April - Dec 2024 95 Years of Wonder Exhibit, June - Oct 2024 Hidden Passages Scavenger Hunt, Sept - Oct 2024 Living Art Sculpture on the Village Plaza Special Events Local Community Giveaways Vintage Inspired Merch in the Village Gift Shop - Coming Soon! Commemorative Button for Annual Passholders - February 2024 Specially Priced Local Resident Tickets, January 2024

Discover Holiday Wonder

Discover the Wonder of the Holidays at Ruby Falls!

 

Return to a simpler time on Lookout Mountain with a classic Christmas at Ruby Falls

Discover magical views, twinkling holiday lights on the Village Plaza, and festive cheer in historic Ruby Falls Castle with special activities. Add your holiday wish to the Forest of Wishes, stop by to visit Santa for a keepsake professional photo, and stay for a casual meal, local craft beer, tasty treats and hot chocolate by the fireplace in the Castle Cafe.  

Ruby Falls is especially wonderful during the holidays! 

Professional photos with Santa are available for purchase.

Cave adventures to see the thundering underground waterfall are available by advance reservation.
 

Cave adventure tickets not required for visits with Santa.

Dates & Hours

Select dates Nov. 24 - Dec. 23, 2023


See Schedule Above

Pricing & Booking

Professional Santa Photos Available to Purchase


Cave adventure tickets not required to visit Santa.

Cave adventures to see the thundering underground waterfall

are available by advance reservation.

Discover Holiday Wonder Event Highlights Include:


Discovery Day

*$2 Discovery Day Tickets are Sold Out*

 

Celebrate the 95th anniversary of the discovery of Ruby Falls and the kick-off of a year-long celebration!

December 30, 2023

On December 30th, 95 guests will experience breathtaking Ruby Falls for the original admission price of $2 with specially priced Cave Walk tickets on select morning tours. Take home a complimentary keepsake postcard while supplies last and discover lesser-known facts and legends about the cavern as we commemorate the incredible journey of Leo Lambert leading to the discovery of Ruby Falls. 

Tickets for the $2 Discovery Day tours begin December 21st! *2023 $2 tickets are now sold out*

Dates & Hours

December 30th



Pricing & Booking

Experience breathtaking Ruby Falls for the original admission price of $2 with specially-priced tickets on select tours on December 30, 2023. Limited Availability. Tickets go on sale at rubyfalls.com on Dec. 21.


Discovery Day Special Discount Tour times will be announced in December 2023.

Discovery Day $2 tickets are nonrefundable and cannot be rescheduled for another tour time or date. 

Special $2 Discovery Day Cave Walk tickets go on sale Dec 21, 2023 at rubyfalls.com.  Tickets will go fast! *2023 $2 tickets are now sold out.*

Discovery Day Event Highlights Include:


Keepsake Postcard Discovery Day Flyer Original $2 Admission for First 95 Reservations on Select Tours on December 30 (Advance Online Ticket Purchase Required). LImited Availability.
Ruby Falls Caves and Karst Day Icon

National Day of Caves and Karst

Come celebrate National Day of Caves & Karst at Ruby Falls with special activities for kids!

10:00 AM - 2:00 PM

  • Scavenger Hunt Worksheet
  • Take Home Your Own Geode
  • Maze & Coloring Page
  • Caves & Karst Pamphlet

Activities & Pamphlet Free to Ruby Falls Guests

In honor of the matchless educational and recreational opportunities found in irreplaceable caves and karst, Ruby Falls is celebrating the National Day of Caves and Karst on June 6. This special day raises awareness of the crucial roles both caves and karsts play in our lives and environment. Tennessee has over 10,000 known caves - more than any other state. Caves and karst are rich in natural resources, including the most productive groundwater on earth with 175 different minerals; some of which are found only in caves.

 

Interesting Cave Facts

Caves often provide homes and shelter for a variety of animals. In fact, cave dwelling animals are divided into 3 categories: troglobites (cave fish or crawfish), troglogenes (bears and bats), and troglophiles (salamanders and cave crickets). Since Ruby Falls is a cavern with no natural entrance, it's unlikely you'll see any critters on your tour.


After the formation of Ruby Falls cave, a surface stream entered the cavern and left deposits of sand & gravel along the walls. It was during this time that a sinkhole developed near the head of the stream and allowed great amounts of water to enter the cave. The action of the water carved out the dome area where the waterfall is now located. The progress of the creation of the falls room can be observed by studying the smooth sides of the limestone walls. This area sometimes referred to as “Solomon’s Temple”.


Researchers learn a lot from caves in many ways you may not realize. By studying broken formations, historical weather trends dating back hundreds of thousands of years are discovered. Universities have partnered with privately-owned caves to learn how bacteria can play a role in the development of new antibiotics and cancer treatments.


We’ve only discovered approximately 1% of all the caves on Earth. Caves are found throughout the world, but only a small portion of them have been explored and documented by cavers. 


The rate at which formations grow varies from cave to cave and can vary from place to place in the same cave. The rate is affected by the amount of ground water and minerals moving through the rocks, air circulation in the cave, temperature of the cave, and relative humidity. The average growth rate is one cubic inch every one hundred to one hundred fifty years. 

Dates & Hours

June 6


10:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Pricing & Booking

Free for all Ruby Falls guests.


National Day of Caves and Karst Event Highlights Include:


Caves & Karst Pamphlet Ruby the Dragon Meet & Greets (select times throughout day) Coloring Sheet & Maze Scavenger Hunt Worksheet Take Home Your Own Geode

Gentle Walking Tour

Early-access tour featuring a slower-paced journey along the cavern trail with extra time at the waterfall. Senior-level guides share in-depth historical and geological content highlighting the unique history of Ruby Falls and the science behind the creation of the cavern's ancient geological formations.  

Reservations required as the tour is limited to a small number of participants. 

Available Select Dates

Book Now

Dates & Hours

Thursdays & Select Sunday mornings


7:45 AM

Pricing & Booking

$39.95


Due to the pace and in-depth content, Ruby Falls Gentle Walking Tour is recommended for adults and ages 12 and up. Children under 5 are not permitted on the Gentle Walking Tour.

Gentle Walking Tour Event Highlights Include:


Extended Time at Waterfall Slower-Paced Journey Detailed Geology and Historical Information Early-Access Smaller Groups

100 Million Steps in March

We're supporting the mission of the American Heart Association Go Red for Women in a big way by accepting the challenge to walk 100 million steps at Ruby Falls in March! Come get active by walking the cavern trail to the thundering underground waterfall and taking the stairs to the top of historic Lookout Mountain Tower. Together, we can take steps to have longer, healthier lives and create amazing memories along the way!

Sign the 100 Steps in March banner to show your participation and pick up a commemorative button at the Hospitality Center, while supplies last.

Learn how to check your blood pressure on March 22, 11:OO AM- 3:OO PM.

Dates & Hours

March 1 - 31



Pricing & Booking

Included with Ruby Falls admission


100 Million Steps in March Event Highlights Include:


Supporting AHA Go Red for Women Sign the 100 Million Steps in March banner to show your steps are helping us reach our goal Learn how to check your blood pressure on March 22, 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM Pick up a commemorative button from the Hospitality Center (while supplies last) Every step counts toward living a longer, healthier life!

High Point ZIP Adventure

Dates & Hours

Pricing & Booking

High Point ZIP Adventure Event Highlights Include:


Cave Walk


Descend 260 feet by elevator into Lookout Mountain and explore the cavern trail to the tallest and deepest cave waterfall open to the public in the United States.

Learn the story behind the accidental discovery of the cavern, see stunning rock formations, and experience the thundering waterfall!

8 am - 8 pm Eastern Time

Timed Entry Admission

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

BUY TICKETS

Dates & Hours


8:00 AM - 8:00 PM Eastern Time

Pricing & Booking

$26.95 Adult $16.95 Child


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

Cave Walk Event Highlights Include:


Lantern Tours

For ages 5 and up.

Experience Ruby Falls in a new light! Discover the wonder of the cavern like Leo Lambert in 1928. During this after-hours specialty tour, the cavern and falls are illuminated only with hand-held lanterns. Rock formations and shadows take on intriguing dimensions as elite guides share stories exclusive to this tour. You'll hear the sound of the thundering falls before you see it as a system of pulleys and lanterns light the waterfall to create a moment you'll always remember.

Lantern Tours are a unique way to explore the falls and cavern after hours with a fun, extended tour featuring a laid-back pace and limited-sized group. 

Reservation Required - Tickets Sold Online Only.

Social distancing is not possible in the elevator to the cave or during Lantern Tours due to the narrow cavern trail. 

Buy Tickets

Dates & Hours

Friday Nights & Select Saturday Nights


After-Hours Tour
Additional dates available for groups of 8 or more if requested at least 2 weeks in advance.

Pricing & Booking

$39.95 per person*


*Children under 5 years of age are not permitted on the Lantern Tour. 

Admission includes yellow miner's helmet for children ages 5-12

To make Tour Reservations, please book online.

Lantern Tours Event Highlights Include:


After Hours Tour Cavern Lit Only By Hand-Held Lanterns Guides share lore and tales about the cave and its storied history
Romance at Ruby icon

Romance at Ruby

Celebrate Valentine's Day with a romantic evening at Ruby Falls. This date night includes a special Lantern Tour, professional keepsake photo and gift. Hear tales of local legendary romances including the love story of Leo Lambert and his wife, Ruby, that led to the discovery of the magnificent Ruby Falls. 

Buy Tickets

Dates & Hours

February 3, 8, 9, 10, 11, 14, 15


After-hours reservations vary by date
Please arrive 20 minutes early to enjoy the moonlit view from historic Lookout Mountain Tower.

Pricing & Booking

$94.95 per couple


Romance at Ruby tours by advance reservation only.  Tickets sell quickly!

Ticket includes special Valentine's-themed Lantern Tour, keepsake photo (one per couple), and themed gift (one per couple).

Book Now

Romance at Ruby Event Highlights Include:


Specialty Lantern Tour Keepsake Photo Special Gift Storytelling of local legendary romances

Lantern Tour: Ghost Walk Edition

Lantern Tour: Ghost Walk Edition

Get in the Halloween spirit with a special edition Lantern Tour featuring ghost stories from the 94-year history of Ruby Falls and eerie Chattanooga legends. On your way to the waterfall, hear the tales and visit the sites of peculiar encounters, mischievous mayhem, and tragedy while exploring the cavern by the light of handheld lanterns.

This tour is not appropriate for children under the age of 12.

The Lantern Tour: Ghost Walk Edition is expected to sell-out quickly. Tickets are limited. Advance reservation is required. 

BOOK NOW

Dates & Hours

Select Sunday and Thursday Nights, September - October


9:00 PM
Sept 10, 17, 21, 24, 28 and Oct. 5, 15, 19, 22, 26, 31

Pricing & Booking

$39.95


Not appropriate for children under the age of 12.

Lantern Tour: Ghost Walk Edition Event Highlights Include:


Dread Hollow

Dread Hollow is Located Off-Site at 321 Browns Ferry Road, Chattanooga, Tennessee

A legendary, fright-filled evening at Dread Hollow is a Chattanooga tradition! Visit the haunted town of Dread Hollow and Deliverance Escape Rooms for a night of terrifying fun.

Tickets Sold Online Only

*WARNING: This is an event with blood, violence, and gore. Parental Discretion Advised. Viewer discretion advised when viewing DreadHollow.com

Visit DreadHollow Website

Dates & Hours

Sept. 30 - Oct. 30, 2023 & Halloween


Thursday - Sunday Nights
Hours Vary by Night

Pricing & Booking

$22 Presale Discount for Advance Purchase through September 20 $25 Beginning September 21


Tickets Sold Online Only

All tickets are nonrefundable.

*WARNING: This event features blood, violence and gore. Parental Discretion Advised.

Viewer discretion advised when viewing DreadHollow.com.

For Tickets: Visit DreadHollow.com

Dread Hollow Event Highlights Include:


25,000 Square Feet of Terror! New Themes Every Year Deliverance Escape Rooms (separately ticketed) 3 Tales of Terror in 1 Haunt All tickets are for a specific date and time.

Horace Brazelton Exhibit

 

As the first African American to open a professional photography studio in Chattanooga, Brazelton’s prolific career photographing middle-class Black communities across the region spanned the first half of the 20th century, 1904 to 1956. His work embodied the humanity of the people he depicted, with his camera lens documenting Black families and individuals, as well as Black church, professional and civic groups, at a time when access to photography was limited, and mass media frequently portrayed African Americans unfavorably and inaccurately.

Along with building a successful business, the nationally recognized, award-winning portrait photographer was active with considerable endeavors as a community leader. By championing home and property ownership, voter participation, economic and small business development, and recognition of Black history,  Brazelton actively encouraged and invested in Black Chattanoogans during the era of Jim Crow laws in the South. His efforts supported the growth of commerce in the Black business district of East 9th Street (currently known as MLK Blvd) and Black Chattanoogans’ economic mobility.

Please be advised, the presentation contains historical accounts and media from the Jim Crow period of American history to the modern civil rights movement depicting racism towards the Black community.

 

 

 

Learn how you can support Black history

 

 

Dates & Hours

June 7 - September 17, 2023


8 AM - 8 PM

Pricing & Booking

Exhibit admission is free and a ticket is not required for exhibit entry.


Horace Brazelton Exhibit Event Highlights Include:


Make your own portrait in a re-creation of Brazelton's professional photography studio Explore the gallery of Brazelton Studio Portraits Early 20th century photo enlarging equipment on display The exhibit includes photography throughout Mr. Brazelton's career and historical context which powerfully connect the viewer to this pivotal era. Listen to a reading of the 1917 speech Horace Brazelton gave at the annual conference of the 18th Annual Session of the National Negro Business League held in Chattanooga The exhibition addresses Jim Crow era laws and the how the humanity of the people depicted in Horace Brazelton's Black portraiture differed from mass media's frequent portrayal of African Americans.