Romance at Ruby Falls
- Cheré Dastugue Coen
- 18 minutes ago
- 2 min read
The iconic underground waterfall outside Chattanooga offers date night adventures on select nights in February.
It’s magical any time of the year, a walk deep below Lookout Mountain passing stalactites and stalagmites before reaching a dramatic 63-foot-tall waterfall, the nation’s tallest underground waterfall open to the public. And then the lights go out and the falling waters turn the colors of the rainbow.
In February, Ruby Falls gets even better.
On select nights this month (February 2026), Ruby Falls offers a special after-hours guided tour of the Ruby Falls caverns, lit only by hand-held lanterns. It's an ideal experience for visitors and their significant others during this month of love. During the scenic stroll to the waterfall, a Ruby Falls guide shares the legendary love story of Leo Lambert and his wife, Ruby, that led to the accidental discovery of Ruby Falls. With a limit of 10 couples per group, the Romance at Ruby experience includes more time to marvel at the breathtaking waterfall and ancient rock formations by the soft glow of the handheld lanterns.
“Romance at Ruby is inspired by the enchanting love story at the heart of Ruby Falls,” said Hollie Baranick, tours and special projects manager. “Leo’s love for Ruby led him to find what is considered by many to be one of the world’s most beautiful waterfalls. These after-hours tours provide an adventurous and memorable way for couples to celebrate the Valentine’s season.”
Before the tour, visit the Lookout Mountain Tower to take in the stunning views of the Tennessee River, twinkling city lights of Chattanooga below and the star-filled winter sky. Relax by the cozy fire in the historic Ruby Falls castle’s limestone fireplace until the lantern tour begins.
Reservations are required and can be made online at www.rubyfalls.com. Tickets to Romance at Ruby are $95.95 per couple and include the special Valentine’s-themed after-hours Lantern Tour, keepsake photo, and gift. For reservations and information, visit www.rubyfalls.com/things-to-do/romance-at-ruby/.
About Ruby Falls
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the park attracts more than half a million visitors annually. Guests enjoy guided tours of the cave discovered 97 years ago, sweeping views of the Cumberland Plateau, soaring ziplines, luxury treehouse lodging, special events and the park’s historic castle built in 1929 featuring a casual café and private event venue. Committed to cave conservation and recognized as a tourism leader in environmental sustainability, Ruby Falls is the first attraction in the United States to earn certification from Green Globe, the internationally respected standard for environmental sustainability, and is a recipient of the Governor’s Environmental Stewardship Award for Excellence.
Weird, Wacky & Wild South is written by food and travel writer Cheré Coen who first visited Ruby Falls as a toddler and has the grainy family video to prove it. She's visited many times since then, including enjoying their ghost tour in the fall. Lookout Mountain and its attractions remain one of her favorite places to visit in the South.
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