Tennessee, One Thousand Feet Underground
 

After driving about three hours north of Atlanta, Georgia, it has been at least ten years that I am heading in the direction that I am. I am going to visit a destination that has intrigued me for over thirty years.

Having attended college in western Kentucky, I have previously driven along I-24 many times headed south to Florida. Along the interstate no matter which way you are going, miles from Chattanooga, Tennessee, there is a roadside sign that is bound to catch your eye.

“SEE RUBY FALLS”

On a nice Saturday afternoon I am standing on Lookout Mountain taking in beautiful views of the home of “The Chattanooga Choo Choo”. In a few minutes after paying $17 admission, I am 260 feet below the surface. This is the approximate spot where Leo Lambert began an adventurous journey to make a remarkable discovery.

This afternoon we are fortunate that although our passage is still restrictive in some areas at least we can stand unlike Mr Lambert who along with a few friends crawled about 650 feet into the unknown before he could first stand up.

Pass interesting cave formations that over time have taken on some imaginative shapes from steak and potatoes to a donkey, we arrive at Ruby Falls. At about 1000 feet below the surface of Lookout Mountain, I watch in awe and feel the cool refreshing mist of a 145 foot tall waterfall as it thunders down into a welcoming pool below.

This is spectacular Ruby Falls still as fascinating and awesome as the day it was first discovered in the late 1920's.

Thanks Mr Lambert for sharing your discovery with the rest of the world. I am glad that this time I followed your sign instead of keeping the pedal to the medal.


Video:http://youtu.be/gfKukFFmUxo


Ruby Falls Link: http://www.rubyfalls.com/pages/Plan-Your-Visit-FAQs/

I've driven past the signs too many times to count! I've never taken the time to stop and have a look; so thanks for the video! Now I know what I've not taken the time to see for myself.

I was amazed too! Drove by it for over 30 years before stopping.

Interesting that we have all had similar experiences about seeing "Ruby Falls".

Maybe it's a sign :(

We always take our students here. I think it is an amazing experience.

willowjane,

I agree. However, it seems like so many others like myself just drive by or take 20-30 years to experience another one of America's hidden treasures.

Very cool!

((H))

I agree - I would never have gone to several places like this that are so close to where I live except for the fact that I helped to take the students on the "end of the year" trip - Chattanooga aquarium, Riverboat tour in Chattanooga, World of Coke in Atlanta, CNN tour, Oak Ridge, Museum of Applachia - I could go on and on. They were all amazing places.

I really like caves and I really like waterfalls. I just remembered my parents taking my to Ruby Falls when I was about 10, but I barely remember it. I will have to return.

spirobulldog,

Has it been about 20-30 years since? Seems to be the norm for Ruby Falls visits...