If You Are Anywhere Near Chattanooga Be Sure To Visit Ruby Falls
Written: Mar 24 '01
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Some great family spots to visit and explore; On/near I-75, I-59, I-24
Cons: Geologic formations and cave trails not wheelchair accessible
The Bottom Line: Ruby Falls is only one of the attractions that are a must-see in Chattanooga ~ Spend the day, weekend or week there and have plenty to do and see.
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| JDinPA's Full Review: Chattanooga |
Ruby Falls is just one of the "must see" attractions in Chattanooga. If you are just traveling through make the time to spend the day at Ruby Falls inside the Lookout Mountain Caves in Chattanooga, Tennessee! Yes, make the time, because this is something the whole family can enjoy, and there is only one Ruby Falls in all the world!
Ruby Falls is the climax at the end of the cave tour and a wonder to see. At 145 feet high and 1120 feet underground, Ruby Falls is the largest public underground waterfall in the world. You can stand at the base of the falls, feel the cool mist, and watch the sheer drop from 145 feet above your head. The underground mountain stream making it's way through the mountain turns into a wonderous waterfall before continuing it's journey as an underground stream.
You will be following the stream bed all along the cave trail until it leads you to Ruby Falls. The Falls and surrounding sheer cave cliffs and walls are subtly lighted in shades of yellow, orange, and pale blue-green to highlight this fantastic geological formation ~ a formation that is millions of years in the making (yes, you read that right - millions of years old).
Want a little background history on Ruby Falls? It is pretty interesting stuff, and I'll keep it short! lol (If you are interested you can read more about the history and geological formations at the Ruby Falls website at: www.rubyfalls.com - I gathered my information from brochures, visiting Ruby Falls, and in using their website)
Originally the cave was used as a campsite by American Indians, a hideout for outlaws, and a Civil War Hospital, so it has been part of a lot of American history too. You can even find Andrew Jackson's signature there in the cave. The last battle of the American Revolution, in 1782, was fought a short distance from Ruby Falls, on the side of Lookout Mountain. The cave's original opening was changed forever in 1905, when the Southern Railway built a railroad tunnel right through the edge of Lookout Mountain. With the railway in place the original, natural entrance to the cave was forever sealed off.
In 1923, a Mr. Leo Lambert, who was a local cave enthusiast, formed a corporation for the purpose of opening the historic Lookout Mountain Cave to the public. Mr. Lambert and the group he formed purchased land on the side of Lookout Mountain up above the cave. It took about five years before a new entrance site was found and drilling began. An elevator shaft was being constructed in order to get down into the cave. Mr. Lambert explored the cave and found the falls ~ He took his wife Ruby down in the cave with him and named the waterfall after her.
There were two actual caves and tours were offered to both from 1930 to 1935. The smaller cave was finally closed to the public since the Ruby Falls cave tour was the most popular and most spectacular. For over 70 years now Ruby Falls has been an attraction well worth the trip.
The entrance to the elevator, cave and falls below are through the Cavern Castle, which was built on the site to resemble a 15th Irish Castle. The limestone from the digging of the elevator shaft was used to build the castle. Atop the Cavern Castle is the Lookout Mountain Tower when you can go for a 360 degree view of the countryside below.
When you enter the cave, after your descent down in the elevator, you will enter the Map Room. Here you will hear about the history of the falls. It is good to listen as you will be hearing about the different formations before you begin to walk the cave trail.
The first cave formation you come to is called the Cactus and Candle. These are 2 large stalagmite formations (growing up from the floor of the cave). You are permitted to touch these, although it would be hard not too, as the walkway by them is quite narrow.
The Onyx Column is up ahead. You will see where a stalagtite (from the ceiling) and a stalagmite (from the floor) actually met and grew together. Pretty impressive looking with the reddish orange lighting that makes the ridges seem to stand out and the recesses disappear into the blackness.
Next you will come to the Mirror Pool. This is were water seeping through from the Tennessee River far above has collected into a cave pond. The water seepage over time has made for some wonderful formations, not to mention color variations from all the minerals carried along by the water.
Down the cave trail a bit you will come to the Leaning Tower. This is a huge fantastic formation from floor to ceiling that is believed to be the oldest formation in the entire cave. In fact scientists have determined that it is several million years old!!! We're talking millions here!!!! Nothing could faithfully describe this formation, not even pictures ~ you have got to go and see this for yourself to really feel the size and age right before your eyes.
The next large formation you come to is the Frozen Niagara, which is a flowstone formation. Here it actually does look like water rushing over the top of a cliff, except it is all frozen in time, the hundreds of stalagtite's formed in a free fall form.
And finally, the end of the trail is here, giving you the spectacular sight of Ruby Falls, which starts 145 feet over your head and drops straight down in the water pool at your feet. You can hear it and feel the cool mist before you ever see it. It is an absolute glorious thing to see - all way down below, deep in the mountain, where it might have forever gone unseen except for the efforts and exploration of Mr. Lambert.
I have listed the major formations in the cave, but there are numerous other types of formations all along the trail. Your tour guide will point them all out to you as you walk along.
What other caves are yet to be discovered and explored? What sights and sounds are known only to the blackness of a cave? Explore this one. Don't miss this experience!
Entrance fees are $11.50 for adults and $5.50 for children. The cave is open all year except for Christmas day. Times of operation are 8 am until 8 pm all year. The cave is a constant 60 degrees no matter what time of year you go, so do dress appropriately for the cooler, damper climate you will find in the cave.
If you want to see some photo's and actually get to take a "virtual tour" of the cave you can go to Ruby Falls' website at http://www.rubyfalls.com ~ here you can see for yourself the different formations and read about the history of the place. There are several other links on the site that you may wish to check out as well ~ one is a kid's link with fun things to do, other links include direct links to other nearby attractions, geologic links, teacher links, etc. There is quite a bit to see and do on their website.
If you want more information on caves you can go to:
www.cavern.com/caves.htm ~ here you will find National Caves Assoc. Directory
www.goodearth.com/showcave.htm ~ here you can find the U.S. Show Caves Directory, along with admission fees, hours and the like.
There several other caving links on the website to choose from.
I hope next time you are anywhere near Chattanooga, Tennessee, you do plan to take the time to visit Ruby Falls ~ the memories will stay with you forever!
Recommended:
Yes
Best Suited For: Families
Best Time to Travel Here: Anytime
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JDinPA
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