Hike Through A Cave, Then Eat At The Cave Cafe At Lookout Mountain In Tennessee
By Chris Dodge|Published October 27, 2022
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Chris Dodge
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My name is Chris Dodge and I live right here in the great state of Tennessee. My family and I are full adventurers filled with passion to see the amazing things our state has to offer. We are avid hikers and have explored many different places in Tennessee and beyond but we are always thankful to be living in such a glorious state.
We all love the giant mountain overlooks where we can see for miles and enjoy the scenery of a mountaintop experience. If you are anything like us, then you undoubtedly see the beauty all around our wonderful state. Sometimes, though, the best views are actually under our feet. Beauty is created in the darkness deep in underground caverns just waiting to be explored. Ruby Falls is the most popular cave in Tennessee, and we think it’s worthy of a cave-themed day trip.
In Chattanooga, Tennessee, Lookout Mountain towers over the city peaking at just under 2,400 feet.
The mountain itself is stunning and makes for a fun drive up the windy and thin mountain roads. But the true beauty lies underneath in a famous place called Ruby Falls.
Make sure to purchase tickets for the cave tour in advance because this is a very popular cave tour.
With your ticket in hand, you will be granted access to an elevator ride that takes guests down 260 feet underground. Once in the cave, you will be walking a one-mile, round-trip path passing interesting rock formations. Many of the formations have clever names equating them to tobacco leaves or a western sunset. The tour is a slow-paced walk that averages around an hour to an hour and twenty minutes.
This stunning waterfall is the tallest underground waterfall in the United States. Ruby Falls is 145 feet tall and fills a majestic pool below from its impressive water flow. With dynamic lighting, the waterfall will shimmer and shine making it not only one of the most impressive waterfalls but also one of the prettiest in Tennessee.
After all that excitement and underground adventuring, you can really work up an appetite. Fortunately, the Cave Cafe is located right in the historic Ruby Falls Castle. This medieval-style structure is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and was built using the limestone that was excavated to make the elevator leading down to the cave.
There are plenty of places for guests to relax and enjoy a coffee from the cafe while reminiscing over their underground adventures.
Their decadent dessert menu includes brownies and big chocolate chip cookies. Order your food and then sit on the back porch with incredible views from high up on the mountain. Exploring the beauty of Ruby Falls and then having a relaxing meal with a view, is the perfect day trip for anyone looking to enjoy Tennessee’s finest.
Ruby Falls is the most popular cave in Tennessee, and for good reason. Marvel at the wonderful waterfall underground, then enjoy a meal with incredible views of Chattanooga at the conveniently located Cave Cafe. If you want to take on this cave-themed day trip then we recommend heading over to the Ruby Falls website to buy your tickets. You can also peruse the menu of the Cave Cafe and even order ahead if you want to.
If you want to explore the city of Chattanooga then check out these fun recommendations.
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