Hidden worlds lie within the mountains around Chattanooga—geological wonders on an unfathomable scale. Underground streams, waterfalls, cliffs, and even an entire fairytale village can be found within the subterranean realm.
Perhaps it is curiosity, or the thrill of exploration, that draws visitors to Chattanooga’s caves. In Rock City’s Fairyland Caverns, suspension of disbelief makes the experience even more magical. Here, the Enchanted Trail descends into a glowing world of storybook wonder, where dioramas of beloved fairy tales are illuminated in vibrant hues with UV glowing light.
Opened in 1947, Fairyland Caverns was one of the first to use then-revolutionary immersive blacklight technology in an amusement setting. Each scene was sculpted and painted by husband-and-wife artists Charles and Jessie Sanders, who spent many years perfecting the caverns. In 1964, Jesse’s masterpiece scene opened, Mother Goose Village, adding a final spectacle to the Enchanted Trail.
The caves around Chattanooga, however, are anything but fantasy—carved not by imagination, but by time itself. Get to know the caves that put the Scenic City on the (subterranean) map. They range from family-friendly, quirky and highly accessible caves to some of the most technical around.
Accessible wonders (tourist-friendly caves)
Ruby Falls
Ruby Falls is the tallest underground waterfall open to the public in the United States.
It was discovered by accident in 1928 by Leo Lambert, who was looking for the long-lost Lookout Mountain Cave—a cave used throughout history by Native Americans, Civil War soldiers, and even moonshine bootleggers. Years earlier, when construction of a railroad tunnel sealed the cave, Lambert devised a plan to open it as a tourist attraction.
However, after drilling an elevator shaft into the mountain, the excavation team discovered something else: a separate chasm, with streams and a towering 63-foot waterfall. Lambert named this waterfall “Ruby” after his wife.
Since 1930, visitors have taken a 260-foot elevator ride into the depth of Lookout Mountain to explore the caverns and, of course, the colorfully lit Ruby Falls.
Fun fact: The attraction’s old “See Ruby Falls” advertising sparked the name of the song ‘See Ruby Fall’ by Johnny Cash and Roy Orbison. The 1969 song, though, isn’t about the cave, but about a man’s sorrow over his partner, Ruby, who leaves their mundane relationship for an exciting city nightlife.
Raccoon Mountain Caverns (Ages 12 & up)
Just west of Chattanooga, Raccoon Mountain Caverns offers a caving experience for adventurers and sightseers alike. This 5.5-mile cave system was discovered by none other than Leo Lambert, who opened it to the public in 1931.
The Crystal Palace Walking Tour takes less than an hour as you explore the first quarter mile of the cave, illuminated by colorful lights. Tour guides explain the history of the caverns, how they were formed, and point out interesting geological features like stalactites and stalagmites. Bats, salamanders, and other wildlife may also be spotted.
Racoon Mountain’s Wild Cave Expeditions ventures through the undeveloped parts of the cave system. This is a great way to safely immerse yourself into the world of caving, as you’re led by expert guides who provide all the equipment you need.
The wild underground (for adventurers)
Some of the area’s most impressive cave systems are found just south of Rock City at the Crockford-Pigeon Mountain Wildlife Management Area. Inside Pigeon Mountain are free-to-visit cave systems of enormous proportions.
Pettyjohn’s Cave
If you don’t mind getting muddy and squeezing through tight chasms, then Pettyjohn’s Cave is for you. Spelunkers—those who enjoy wild caving—frequent Pettyjohn’s Cave due to its easy-to-explore horizontal geography. However, it’s not for the faint of heart, as it contains 6.5 miles of underground trails that reach a maximum depth of 235 feet—so come prepared and consider expert guidance.
Some of its notable features include the Worm Tube, a 150-foot narrow passage that forces you to crawl on your hands and knees. The Bridge Room is also popular. Here, you can hang your feet off an overhang and hear a stream 80 feet below you.
Experts only: Ellison’s Cave
Pigeon Mountain is also home to Ellison’s Cave, known for its series of deep pits that sink to a total depth of 1,063 feet. Ellison’s requires technical rappelling and ropes knowledge, so it’s definitely not for beginners. And without proper gear, you wouldn’t want to venture near the edge of Fantastic Pit—the deepest unobstructed underground pit in the United States, at 586 feet.
Fun fact: Fantastic Pit graced the cover of National Geographic Magazine in July 2023.
A nocturnal spectacle
Nickajack Cave
Nickajack Cave is situated on Nickajack Lake, just west of Chattanooga. Although entry is prohibited, visitors gather to witness tens of thousands of bats emerge from the cave at sunset during the summer months to feed. The best way to view the cave entrance is by boat or kayak, but there are also platforms near the water edge that are a short walk from the parking lot.
Nickajack Cave’s recorded history spans to Tennessee’s early frontier days, when the cave was a refuge for Native Americans. In 1800, the cave became a saltpeter mining site for gunpowder and was resourceful in the War of 1812 and the Civil War. In the late 1800s, Nickajack became a popular recreational spot and was even owned by Leo Lambert, discoverer of Ruby Falls, for some time.
In late 1967, the cave was partially flooded when the newly constructed Nickajack Dam became operational, effectively restricting its accessibility to water only. The Tennessee Valley Authority soon after fenced the entrance permanently to protect the cave’s gray bat population.
Nickajack Cave played a pivotal role in Johnny Cash’s life, too. Before ‘See Ruby Fall’, this other Chattanooga area cave began a fateful chapter in his legendary career. Cash claimed that in 1967, after a long struggle with drug addiction, he entered the cave intending to take his own life. Instead, he emerged transformed, having rededicated his life to God.
Go deep this summer!
If you’re looking to beat the heat, then look no further than the iconic caves around Chattanooga’s backyard. Entire worlds lie beneath our feet, with caves serving as passages between realms. Whether it’s the whimsical world of Fairyland Caverns, the colorful beauty of Ruby Falls, the wild caving in Raccoon or Pigeon Mountain, or the nocturnal bat spectacle at Nickajack, our local caves offer experiences unlike anywhere else. There’s something for the experienced spelunker and the novice adventurer alike!