Explore Chattanooga Fall 2022

F all is an amazing time of year in Chattanooga when the Scenic City is ablaze in its autumn splendor, sweater weather is just around the corner and fall-inspired treats are on everyone’s mind. While the thermometer may linger on summer temperatures longer than we would like, there’s a place in Chattanooga where sweaters are always appropriate. With a year-round forecast of 60 degrees, Ruby Falls is a perfect destination for a fall outing. The journey begins as you descend 260 feet by elevator deep inside Lookout Mountain to explore the cavern trail on a guided walk to see the tallest and deepest underground waterfall open to the public in the United States. Ruby Falls offers multiple cave adventures. For those looking for a faster-paced option, the Cave Walk features a guided express walk to the waterfall in a large group format with a general over view of the cave’s history, a breathtaking lightshow at the thun dering, underground waterfall and ancient geological formations along the narrow cavern trail. The Gentle Walking Tour is a smaller group cave tour with a relaxed pace designed for history-loving explorers. Senior-level guides lead this early-access tour that includes extra time at the waterfall after the lightshow, historical and geological content and plenty of time for guides to answer questions along the way. If your thirst for adventure runs deep, the Lantern Tour will hit

the spot. Rock formations and shadows take on intriguing dimen sions as you explore the cavern and waterfall lit only by hand-held lanterns. The tour features a smaller group size and laid-back pace. Lantern Tours are very popular and often sell out weeks in advance. Keep in mind, if you want to take your kids on a Lantern Tour, they must be at least 5 years old. Breathtaking views at Ruby Falls are not only found under ground but also high atop Lookout Mountain Tower, where panoramic scenes of the Tennessee River and Cumberland Plateau are on display. The birds-eye view provides a perfect spot to take in the changing colors of the season. With the region’s only color blind correcting viewfinder, Blue Heron Overlook is another great place to see the sights. Both the tower and overlook are included with Ruby Falls tickets. To fuel your fall adventure, dine at the Castle Café located in historic Ruby Falls Castle, offering breakfast, lunch and dinner and local beer on tap. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the castle was built in 1929 as a grand entrance for cave explorers and venue for social gatherings. The iconic landmark was constructed from limestone unearthed during excavation of the elevator shaft. Visit RubyFalls.com to plan your trip and purchase tickets for your Lookout Mountain autumn excursion!

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