My family and I had an adventurous time when we visited the best cave in Tennessee. One of our stops was at the renowned Ruby Falls in Chattanooga, TN. I had visited this cave when I was a child, but my memory of it is very vague. My only recollection is a photo that my parents had taken outside of the cave. That is one of the reasons why I wanted to visit again someday. I just never knew when until I recently suggested to my husband about visiting there at the spur of the moment. Those spur of the moment adventures can be the best!
The Best Cave in Tennesee
Ruby Falls is the deepest and tallest waterfall in the United States and measures 1,120 feet below ground. It is nestled in the heart of Lookout Mountain near Chattanooga, Tennessee. The story begins with the “older sister” cave of Ruby Falls: Lookout Mountain Caverns, whose natural entrance is located at the foot of Lookout Mountain on the banks of the Tennessee River. The Southern Railroad Company sealed off its natural entrance in 1905 because of geographical limitations. Leo Lambert, a spelunker, had explored the cave before it was closed off. It wasn’t until 1923 that he concocted a plan of reopening it to the public. His plan didn’t come to fruition until he hired a crew in the late fall of 1928 to drill an elevator shaft. One of the workers discovered a void in the rock and felt a sudden whoosh of air. This void was located at the 260-foot level, still 160 feet above the Lookout Mountain Cave. Upon further inspection, an opening, 18 inches high and five feet wide, was discovered.
Leo Lambert and the crew explored the new found cave, discovering a myriad of beautifully unique rock formations, stream beds, and flowing passages. They explored further and further into the cave until they reach its final destination that it would be known for, a magnificent waterfall! Leo was in such of its pure beauty that he couldn’t help but bring his wife Ruby along the next time he explored the cave. He named it in her honor, thus that is how Ruby Falls was born! It has been opened to the public since 1930.
As a self-proclaimed spelunker (without the credentials), I was in awe of all of the geological wonders that Ruby Falls had to offer. Some of the rock formations had playfully creative names like Steak and Potatoes, Tobacco Leaves, Elephant’s Foot, Onyx Column, Ruby’s Drapery, and Angel Wings, to name a few.
Ruby Falls is known all over the world for its majestic waterfall, but its deeply rich history spans from today all the way to 30 million years ago. Some of the inhabitants and passers-by of this cave include Native Americans, cave enthusiasts, notorious outlaws, and soldiers who served in the Civil War. Hundreds of Civil War soldiers scrawled their names in the soot on the walls, yet one name stands out the most amongst the names: Andrew Jackson. It remains a mystery if it was the signature of the controversial president of the United States or not, but the signature has been analyzed. It is believed that it dates back to 1833 when Andrew Jackson was touring the Northeast.
It is recommended to visit Ruby Falls during the cooler months to get the utmost experience since it draws a herd during spring and summer. It opens at 8 AM EST daily year-round (closed on Christmas). Also, there isn’t any need to worry about temperature, because it is always a comfortable 60°! You can post your adventures as they happen since wifi hotspots are now available in select locations in the cave.
Connect with Ruby Falls
Oh that sounds like so much fun! I love how it’s all lit up! I totally want to go there someday!
Ruby Falls is so beautiful. Our family has been there a few times, and it’s always a good time.
Stacie @ Divine Lifestyle recently posted..Dickies® Catch with the Kids + Performance Cooling Tees
That is so gorgeous! I never knew that waterfall was in the US! It’s amazing all of the hidden gems you can find if you just look. The history behind it is really interesting.
Christy Maurer recently posted..SinfulColors Street Fusion Summer 2015 Collection
Holy smokes, that place is incredible! Being from Canada, I had never heard of it before – but now that we live in the USA maybe we can hop on a (cheaper than Canadian prices) flight. Hooboy.
Nancy (@spiffykerms) recently posted..June Glossybox & Hanging out with Olympic Swimmers
This is amazing! The colors are fantastic. I would love to be able to visit this one day.
Ourfamilyworld recently posted..Give Your Table a Patriotic Makeover for the 4th of July!
Wow the story of these caves is so interesting. I never even knew they existed! It’s crazy how even underground in a more than 1,000 foot below ground cave you can STILL get wifi lol! No matter how far you go you just can’t get away from technology 🙂
Oh, this place looks amazing! I would love to travel there someday with my son. What an adventure it would be for the both of us!
Wow, Ruby falls looks amazing!!! It looks like you all had a blast!! I enjoy reading about other people’s adventures.
Sandy KS recently posted..Ten Things In My Yard
That’s just a gorgeous place. What a way to spend time with family! I have never been to any place in Tennessee, glad to see a glimpse of it.
Chubskulit Rose recently posted..Children are Precious Gift!
That looks gorgeous! I would probably be scared to death to walk to it, but I thank you for the pictures so that I don’t have to!
Dawn McAlexander recently posted..Summer Essentials To Compliment Your Healthy Summer Routine #cbias #ad #RewardHealthyChoices
Wow, I love the colors a lot! It must be so beautiful to be standing inside of there, I would love to visit a place like this one day; it is amazing.
Wow this sounds like a must-see when it comes to Tennessee. Leo must have been in awe when he explored this for the first time.
Liz Mays recently posted..Crunchy Sweet Potato Fries with Harissa Aioli
Y’all look like you had a blast! Totally in love with your custom t-shirts!
desirae young recently posted..You Will Be Missed Princess // Saying Our Last Goodbyes
This looks like a wonderful place to go visit. I like your custom t-shirts. Considering I was born in July, I am certainly interested in visiting this place.
Crystal Green recently posted..LEGO: Jurassic World Video Game Review
This looks like a beautiful place to visit. You captured some amazing photos. The colors are so pretty too. I like the idea of custom t-shirts for family trips. I wouldn’t put names in it simply because it’s a safety issue. But matching shirts would make it easier to spot if one of the kids walked off or got lost.
I visited Ruby Falls many years ago when I was a child. I’ll have to make it a point to get back there some day and revisit now that I have a different appreciation for natural beauty.
April @ Everyday Fitness and Nutrition recently posted..What’s for Dinner?
This looks like a beautiful place to explore. I will have to go there when i am in the area next time. I love your t shirts.
This place looks so beautiful and amazing! Hope to be able to visit it soon!
Lisa recently posted..6 Ways To Prevent UTIs
You captured the beauty of it perfectly in your pictures. I want to go now!
OMG what a cool place to visit!!! I just love waterfalls! Totally adding this to my travel bucket list!
The purple tinted walls are a fascinating view. I like the idea of having family t-shirts. I’d make it easier to spot one of my kiddos running off.
Tami recently posted..Literacy Musing Mondays Linkup {no. 21}
Wow amazing place. The colorful pics are so beautiful. I love visiting natural places like caves where beauty is breathtaking and not man made. Lighting effect is great makes it even more so to move this to my places to visit this year!
This place looks like a place I visited. I am not too certain, as it was more than 10 years ago, but it looks so familiar! I am glad you guys got to see the caves!
Elizaveta Hesketh recently posted..Do Good Be Good Arvo Watch Giveaway
I have been there too and absolutely loved it. It was def. a once in a lifetime experience.
This looks like an absolutely gorgeous place to visit for a family vacation! You took some great photos that really capture the beauty of the place. Thanks for sharing!
Michelle @ Dishes and Dust Bunnies recently posted..4th of July Free Printable Cupcake Wrappers
I’ve never heard of Ruby Falls. If I’m ever in TN, I’ll have to check it out because it’s absolutely gorgeous. I will have to do some more research on it.
April G recently posted..The Day Most Women Dream Of… but Should They?
These pictures are so pretty. I have never been there and I don’t live that far. I am going to have to check it out!
becka recently posted..Ripley’s Aquarium Of The Smokies Gatlinburg, TN
I’ve never even heard of this place! It looks like a great way to spend a day with the family
Krystal recently posted..Summer Skincare Tips
Ruby Falls is a great place for a family get-a-way. My family has been several times and the kids always love it. We will keep going back!