Sometimes the most memorable getaways don’t require a plane ticket—just a full tank of gas and the right destination. From Lebanon, Ruby Falls in Chattanooga makes for an easy and enchanting romantic road trip, located just under 2.5 hours away. The drive itself winds through scenic Middle Tennessee and into the foothills of the Smoky Mountains, setting the tone for a getaway built on connection, conversation, and discovery.
Tucked deep inside Lookout Mountain, Ruby Falls is home to the tallest underground waterfall open to the public in the United States, cascading dramatically more than 1,100 feet below the surface. For couples, it’s a shared sense of wonder that makes the experience unforgettable—hand in hand, descending into a glowing cavern where time slows and the outside world fades away.
Winter is an especially romantic time to visit, with February being one of Ruby Falls’ quietest months, meaning fewer crowds, a gentler pace, and more intimate moments to savor together. While temperatures drop outside, the caverns remain a cozy 60 degrees year-round, making it an ideal adventure on chilly days. Winter rains even enhance the waterfall’s power—no umbrellas required.
Couples can elevate their visit with specialty tours focused on geology and history, perfect for curious minds who love learning together. After exploring the caverns, enjoy a casual meal beside the limestone fireplace at the Castle Café, or linger over views atop Lookout Mountain.
Close enough for a spontaneous weekend yet extraordinary enough to feel like an escape, Ruby Falls is a reminder that some of the most beautiful love stories unfold just beneath the surface.
Day 1: The Scenic Arrival
Leave Lebanon in the afternoon for the scenic two-and-a-half-hour drive to Chattanooga. Let the road set the pace—music playing, coffee in hand, and mountain views ahead. Check into your cozy airbnb cabin or downtown hotel, enjoy dinner in, or downtown and take an evening stroll along the riverwalk before turning in early, ready for a weekend of discovery.
Day 2: The Ruby Falls Experience
Begin the day with breakfast and head to Lookout Mountain for a morning tour of Ruby Falls. Winter’s quiet season means fewer crowds and a relaxed pace through glowing caverns leading to the thundering underground waterfall. Afterward, warm up with lunch by the limestone fireplace at the Castle Café, then spend the afternoon exploring Lookout Mountain together.
Day 3: Slow Moments & The Drive Home
Sleep in and savor a leisurely brunch before beginning the drive back to Lebanon. Take your time, stopping at the historic Smithville Square on the way home for some antiquing and food – Ace's Steakhouse, Magnolia Roots, Legacy Haus, Farmhouse Finds, and Button Willow General Store just to name a few. With memories made beneath the mountain and miles of conversation, the journey home can become part of the romance.
Just under two and a half hours from Lebanon, Ruby Falls proves that unforgettable romance doesn’t require a plane ticket—only a scenic drive, a shared sense of wonder, and a glowing cavern where time slows and love deepens beneath the mountain.