Lookout Mountain, Tennessee, is a southern icon that appears in wide view as you drive down the I-24 ridgecut coming into Chattanooga, Tennessee. It’s one of the key reasons Chattanooga got the nickname, the “Scenic City.” This majestic mountain’s base starts at the Tennessee River and runs into both Georgia and Alabama.
If you’ve ever traveled through Tennesse, you’ve surely seen “See Rock City” or “See Ruby Falls, Lookout Mtn” painted along barns and signs along the highways. I’ve seen these markers my entire life but had never visited these fun attractions until Angela & Matt Lanter came for a visit in 2013!
My dear friend (and PR goddess) Meagan called us this summer and asked if we’d like to take a visit up the mountain. We knew the kids were old enough to take it all in and would love seeing all the sights.
We started our journey at the base of Lookout Mountain at the iconic Incline Railway.
Ruby Falls is simply a wonder.
For over 89 years, Ruby Falls has been a main attraction in Chattanooga and it’s no wonder why. Home of the tallest and deepest underground waterfall open to the public in the United States, it’s surrounded my astounding cave formations and is a beautiful sight to behold.
After traveling down 26 stories in an elevator you reach a slim path that will take you deep into the mountain. You’ll follow the path that discoverer Leo Lambert took when he found the waterfall in 1928! Named after his wife Ruby, the 145 ft waterfall is simply magnificent when illuminated by the light show. To this day, they still aren’t sure where the water comes from!
It can be a tight squeeze and a little slippery at times so make sure to wear good shoes and a coat isn’t a bad idea either as it stays around 60 degrees down there all year long.
Ruby Falls recently went through a renovation with new amenities and beautiful new gift shop. A new feature is their timed-entry ticketing, which means you can purchase your tickets ahead of time and not wait in line with your little ones.
Make sure you climb up to the top of The Lookout Mountain Tower see see a spectacular view of the Tennessee River and the city of Chattanooga. So gorgeous!