Let Nature Surprise You: Summertime at Ruby Falls

Nestled within the heart of Lookout Mountain in Chattanooga, Tennessee, Ruby Falls is a refreshing retreat when the Southern summer heat rolls in thick and heavy, offering unforgettable sights that surprise even the most seasoned traveler.​

The beauty of this mountain park lies in its ability to surprise. A summer visit to Ruby Falls to see the tallest underground waterfall open to the public in the United States is a literal cool-down and a rejuvenating invitation to let nature wow you in unexpected ways.

A Cool Underground Escape

Descend 260 feet inside Lookout Mountain via a glass-front elevator to reach Ruby Falls Cave, where it remains a constant 60° degrees year-round.  This natural air conditioning is a welcome relief. It makes the scenic guided walk to the thundering waterfall especially delicious!

In an age of GPS-guided travel and curated social media itineraries, there’s something wonderfully unique about descending into the mountain and emerging into a scene so striking it silences a crowd. It’s a reminder that nature doesn’t just surround us—it astonishes us, if we let it.

Adventures for Every Explorer

Ruby Falls cave adventures cater to a variety of interests and schedules. Choose an express Cave Walk to the waterfall with a basic overview of the cave or a specialty tour.  During after-hours Lantern Tours on Friday evenings, the cave is illuminated solely by hand-held lanterns, revealing the intricate details of ancient rock formations. Early morning Gentle Walking Tours offer a very leisurely pace led by senior-level guides, allowing ample time for in-depth learning and photography. History enthusiasts delve into the rich lore from Ruby Falls’  96-year legacy on the History Tour.

Beyond the Cavern

See spectacular views of the Cumberland Plateau, Tennessee River, rolling valleys, and distant mountain ranges from the park’s historic Lookout Mountain Tower and Blue Heron Overlook. The tower is part of Ruby Falls Castle, built in 1929 from limestone excavated during the elevator shaft construction. It features upper and lower scenic overlook decks. Wheelchair accessible Blue Heron Overlook is equipped with a red-green true-color colorblind viewfinder, one of only 13 in Tennessee! This peaceful vantage point connects to the base of historic Lookout Mountain Tower by elevated walkway.

Zipline through the woods, and conquer the 40-foot climbing tower with auto belays at Ruby Falls’ High Point ZIP Adventure.

Eat and Relax

Enjoy local craft beer with a flatbread pizza and salad in the historic castle’s café, or tuck into the castle’s front porch with a cool lemonade and dessert. Ruby Falls Castle has been the backdrop of living history since 1929. If only the walls could talk! Breathe in the beauty of Lookout Mountain. Savor the new perspective nature brings. The park is the kind of place that reminds you to believe in possibilities.

Spend the Night in a Luxury Treehouse

Imagine spending a summer night tucked away in the treetops, surrounded by the sounds of nature and the glow of outdoor string lights—this is what awaits at the park’s luxury treehouses. Three bespoke treehouses at Ruby Falls offer the perfect blend of rustic charm, elevated amenities, and modern comfort with plush bedding, private decks, smokeless fire pits, and breathtaking views. It’s an unforgettable way to wind down after a day of exploring. Whether you’re sipping complimentary wine under the stars or waking up to birdsong and breezy mountain air, it’s a summer night you won’t forget.

Planning Your Visit

Let the mountain draw you in, the cool air revive you, and the waterfall remind you that some of the most spectacular things in life are hidden just beneath the surface—waiting to surprise you.

Purchase tickets online in advance at RubyFalls.com. Summertime cave adventures are popular and often sell out quickly. Walk-up tickets are not sold at the park. Tickets $18.95 – $41.95