News Summary
Ruby Falls in Chattanooga, Tennessee, marks its 95th anniversary with an array of community events, including a Hidden Passages Scavenger Hunt running until October 31. The celebration also features the 10th Annual Battle Below the Clouds BBQ Festival on May 3, where attendees can enjoy BBQ competitions, food vendors, and live music. The iconic attraction, known for having the tallest underground waterfall in the U.S., welcomes visitors to explore its historical significance and natural beauty.
Chattanooga, Tennessee – Ruby Falls, renowned for being home to the tallest underground waterfall in the United States, is celebrating its 95th anniversary with a series of exciting community events and a new scavenger hunt. The “Hidden Passages Scavenger Hunt” invites guests to explore whimsical hidden areas on the property until October 31. Additionally, the 10th Annual Battle Below the Clouds BBQ Festival is set for May 3, featuring amateur BBQ competitions, food vendors, live bluegrass music, and children’s activities, with proceeds benefiting the local nonprofit, Lana’s Love Foundation.
Located in Lookout Mountain, Chattanooga, Ruby Falls has a rich history dating back to its discovery by chemist and cave enthusiast Leo Lambert in 1928. Lambert found the waterfall and the cave after the natural entrance to Lookout Mountain Cave closed due to railway construction in 1905, inspiring him to pursue a commercial cave venture. He successfully raised over $250,000 from investors to fund the excavation project that culminated in the creation of Ruby Falls.
In December 1929, Lambert introduced the attraction to the public, naming the waterfall after his wife, Ruby. The Ruby Falls Castle, constructed using the limestone excavated during the project, opened alongside the majestic waterfall. The Ruby Falls Cave officially welcomed visitors in June 1930, coinciding with the challenging times of the Great Depression. Despite the economic setbacks, Ruby Falls Castle served as a venue for social events and a restaurant, which helped sustain the attraction during this financially difficult era.
As the economy recovered, Ruby Falls gained further popularity, particularly through the effective “See Rock City & Ruby Falls” advertising campaign that featured barn paintings across the Southern United States. In the 1960s, the site was designated as a Civil Defense Fallout Shelter, stocked with supplies for 720 people in case of an emergency.
Ruby Falls is uniquely located within an 85-foot recessional gorge, created through extensive tunneling work by Lambert’s team. The breathtaking waterfall, which is fed by rainwater, reaches a depth of 260 feet, posing flooding risks that lead to potential closures during heavy rainfall. Since its establishment, Ruby Falls has been recognized for its historical significance and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1985.
Visitors can access the waterfall via an elevator that travels through a shaft carved during the construction phase, followed by a mile-long trail that includes about 30-35 stairs, meaning it is not accessible for wheelchairs or strollers. Various tour options are available, enabling guests to choose between learning in-depth historical information or simply enjoying the waterfall’s beauty. In addition to the cave tours, Ruby Falls offers several attractions, including a castle café, ziplining, a climbing tower adventure, and luxury treehouses for those wishing to stay overnight.
As Ruby Falls commemorates nearly a century of enchanting visitors, the community events and new scavenger hunt reflect its commitment to engaging guests of all ages while celebrating its historical and natural significance. The dual anniversary festivities promise to create lasting memories for participants, continuing the legacy of adventure that has characterized Ruby Falls since its inception.
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Additional Resources
- WBKR: Explore Ruby Falls, TN
- Nooga Today: Scavenger Hunt at Ruby Falls
- Chattanooga Pulse: 10th Annual Battle Below the Clouds BBQ Festival
- Local 3 News: Chattanooga’s Largest Vow Renewal Ceremony at Ruby Falls
- Times Free Press: Chattanooga – A Family Destination for Everyone
- Wikipedia: Ruby Falls
- Google Search: Ruby Falls
- Google Scholar: Ruby Falls
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Ruby Falls
- Google News: Ruby Falls
