Ruby Falls Inside Lookout Mountain Gets Mixed Reviews

Ruby Falls is a famous Chattanooga attraction located inside Lookout Mountain.

Yes, I said inside the mountain!

The famous falls are probably as well known as Rock City Gardens in the Scenic City, but it is still being discovered by many outside the Tennessee valley.

History of the Falls

Ruby Falls at Lookout Mountain Cave grand opening - photo courtesy of Hu Longmire of RubyFalls.com

In the 1920's, a local cave enthusiast named Leo Lambert formed a company in order purchase the land above Lookout Mountain cave so that he could open the cave to the public.

Lookout Mountain Cave was a famous cave back then that bore Andrew Jackson's signature on one of it's walls. In times past, the cave had been used for a refuge to Native Americans, outlaws from time to time, as well as a Civil War hospital.

Lambert's corporation began drilling an elevator shaft in 1928. A small opening caught Lambert's attention at one point during the drilling. He decided to explore the opening.

Mr. Lambert came out of the opening seventeen hours later, telling about beautiful rock formations and a gorgeous waterfall that he later named after his wife, Ruby.

Leo decided to develop both caves to expand the opportunities for folks to explore inside Lookout Mountain.

Both caves were open to the public for the first five years, but Lookout Mountain Cave was closed to the public in 1935.

Ruby Falls, though, continues to be explored by tons of visitors every year nowadays. As you will see below, some people love it, some people hate it, and some people are have a mediocre opinion of the now famous attraction.

Mixed Reviews of the Falls

A beautiful photo of Ruby Falls inside Lookout Mountain, Chattanooga, Tennessee - photo courtesy of Hu Longmire of RubyFalls.com

I remember going to Ruby Falls as a child and personally, I loved it at that time.

For one reason or another, I haven't been back since, so I do not know what may or may not have changed about the way the attraction is managed.

Therefore, you may wish to get some more recent opinions on this attraction before you plan your trip.

Find the best deal, compare prices and read what other travelers have to say about Ruby Falls at Trip Advisor.

Ticket Information

This unique Chattanooga attraction offers both individual and combination attraction tickets for you to choose from.

As of January 17, 2005 their prices are as follows:

Ruby Falls Only Tickets:
Adult = $13.95
Child = $6.95

Ruby Falls & Rock City Tickets:
Adult = $26.00
Child = $14.00

Ruby Falls, Rock City, & Incline Railway:
Adult = $35.00
Child = $18.50

You can find out more information and current pricing at RubyFalls.com.