Ruby Falls
Chattanooga, TN, 60°F inside, from $29.95
A Tennessee state park cave with summer tours by handheld flashlight past historic cave art; tours often sell out.
The story
Finds near the entrance include a projectile point estimated at up to 10,000 years old, and the cave preserves evidence of Native American cultural activity. In the 20th century it was a popular gathering and entertainment spot, especially while country music star Roy Acuff owned it and concerts were held near the entrance. Tennessee made it a state natural area in 1973.
History source: tn.gov (Dunbar Cave State Natural Area).
What you'll see
- Peterson's Leap
- Lover's Leap
- Rocky Mountain Route
- Bell witch Chamber
- River Styx
- Domes Passage
- Spray Hall
Tickets and timing
- Hours
- Enter the Underworld tour on May weekends, Fri–Tue June 9–August 31 and September weekends. Other tours on summer weekends.
- Booking
- Reservations strongly recommended; call (931) 648-5526.
Getting around underground
- The walk
- Walkways are muddy and slippery; crouching and climbing of steps may be necessary and tight squeezes may be encountered.
- Wheelchairs
- Cave tours, except for the virtual reality tour, are not suitable for those with mobility challenges.
- Strollers
- Strollers are not allowed on tours.
Dogs, weather and what to wear
- Temperature
- 56°F
Good to know
- Minimum age
- Children age 4 and under are not allowed in the cave. Minimum age for the Spray Hall tour is 8 years old.
- Best time to go
- Reservations are strongly recommended as tours frequently sell out.
- Photos
- Photography is not allowed inside the cave.
- Wildlife
- Clean caving measures are in effect to prevent the spread of White Nose Syndrome.
- On site
- gift shop
Getting there
Dunbar Cave is in Tennessee.
Parking: Designated parking spots for cave tour patrons.
- Nashvilleabout 39 miles
- Bowling Greenabout 53 miles
- Huntsvilleabout 132 miles
Distances are straight-line from each city center.
Before you go
- Bring a handheld flashlight (sold in the gift shop); no lanterns, phones or headlamps.
- No photos, to protect the cave art.
- Children 4 and under aren't allowed.
Questions people ask
How cold is it inside Dunbar Cave?
56°F.
Can you visit Dunbar Cave in a wheelchair?
Cave tours, except for the virtual reality tour, are not suitable for those with mobility challenges.
Do you need to book Dunbar Cave in advance?
Reservations strongly recommended; call (931) 648-5526.
Is there a minimum age for Dunbar Cave?
Children age 4 and under are not allowed in the cave. Minimum age for the Spray Hall tour is 8 years old.
Listed in: lantern and flashlight tours
Checked on 2026-10-22 against Tennessee State Parks (Dunbar Cave tours page). Prices and hours change, so confirm on the official site before you drive out.