Ruby Falls (Images of Modern America)

With its storied history and inspiring geology, Ruby Falls is a chosen destination for half a million adventure seekers from around the world each year. Found in Chattanooga, Tennessee, the iconic towering waterfall, irreplaceable cave formations, and sweeping views instill wonder as much today as when the cave opened to the public in 1930. The attraction's endearing longevity began in 1928 with its accidental discovery by cave enthusiast Leo Lambert.

While excavating an elevator shaft to reach another Lookout Mountain cave, his work crew felt a gust of air when the shaft intersected an opening concealed by limestone, 260 feet belowground. Curious where the opening would lead, Lambert scrambled through the void and began what would become a 17-hour journey, 1,120 feet underground, through an undiscovered cave with a magnificent waterfall. Soon after, Lambert decided to name the waterfall in honor of his wife, Ruby. Ruby Falls has long been considered the tallest underground waterfall open to the public in the United States.