Discover the Enchantment of Ausable Chasm
Adventure Destination

Discover the Enchantment of Ausable Chasm

Explore the Ausable Chasm in New York, with its breathtaking sandstone gorge dubbed the 'Grand Canyon of the Adirondacks.' Enjoy hiking, rafting, and tubing in this adventure seeker's paradise. Open year-round, but best visited in spring and fall for pleasant weather.

Hiking8.5/10Moderate
Photo Gallery

Category

Hiking

Typical Duration

2-4 hours

Difficulty

Moderate

About This Adventure Destination

Ausable Chasm, often dubbed the "Grand Canyon of the Adirondacks," awaits in the town of Ausable Chasm, New York. Carved by the Ausable River over thousands of years, this impressive sandstone gorge offers breathtaking views and thrilling activities. With towering cliffs flanking the chasm, visitors admire its natural beauty and appreciate its geological significance.

This natural marvel features vivid rock formations, lush vegetation, and the rushing Ausable River beneath. Not only is it a spectacle of nature, but it's also a testament to the area's ancient geological history. Ausable Chasm, established as a tourist attraction in 1870, is one of America's oldest natural attractions, drawing visitors with its captivating landscapes and adventurous spirit.

Unforgettable experiences await as you navigate the chasm's scenic trails or brave the exhila river rapids. Known for its remarkable diversity, Ausable Chasm invites you to explore its wonders and create lasting memories.

"Embark on an adventure at Ausable Chasm and immerse yourself in nature's grandeur."

Editorial Assessment

Ausable Chasm offers a captivating natural spectacle with its dramatic scenery and diverse outdoor activities. While not as globally renowned as some landmarks, its unique geological formations and thrilling adventures make it a remarkable and worthwhile destination for nature lovers and thrill-seekers alike.

Discover the Enchantment of Ausable Chasm

Adventure Guide to Discover the Enchantment of Ausable Chasm

1

Rafting and Tubing

  • Overview:

    Location: Ausable River within the chasm

  • Special Highlights:

    Experience thrilling rapids while surrounded by breathtaking scenery.

  • Features:

    Guided tours, life jackets, and paddles provided.

  • Visitor Tips:
  • Best Time:

    Late spring through early fall.

  • What to Bring:

    Swimsuit, water shoes, and sunscreen.

2

Hiking Trails

  • Overview:

    Location: Along the rim and base of Ausable Chasm

  • Special Highlights:

    Scenic trails offering panoramic views of the chasm.

  • Features:

    Easy to moderate trails, interpretive signs.

  • Visitor Tips:
  • Best Time:

    Early morning or late afternoon for cooler temperatures.

  • What to Bring:

    Sturdy shoes, water, and a camera.

3

Adventure Trail

  • Overview:

    Location: Adventure Course within the chasm

  • Special Highlights:

    Engage with rope bridges, nets, and cable courses.

  • Features:

    Safety instructions and harnesses provided.

  • Visitor Tips:
  • Best Time:

    Midweek to avoid crowds.

  • What to Bring:

    Comfortable clothing and a sense of adventure.

Reviews

M
Marc-Andre Petita week ago

A fun way to spend the day in nature, and to finally know what the 80s and 90s ad was all about ! The 50$ USD is the best value, do not pay for any higher plan

R
Raya week ago

Amazing place!!!!!

S
Svetlana Henninga week ago

Closed on weekends? Seriously?

G
Guillaume Landry2 weeks ago

Beautiful tourist place to visit in New York state

E
Evann Cormier2 weeks ago

Wow a wonderful place to visit, I really sugest you go there ! One of the most wonderful place I visited. I highly suggest doing the adrenaline one. The raft is not that fun I recommend doing the tube insteed

Nearby Adventures

Bookable Experiences

Two Hours of Tactical, Bruise-Free Paintball on Morrisonville’s Movie-Like Fields12.7 mi
Morrisonville, New York

Two Hours of Tactical, Bruise-Free Paintball on Morrisonville’s Movie-Like Fields

A private, two-hour low-impact paintball session run by Legacy Paintball and Airsoft Park in Morrisonville — ideal for beginners, kids and groups who want the tactics without the pain.

12.7 miView Trips & Details →
Private Rental12.7 mi
Burlington, Vermont

Private Rental

Discover Burlington, Vermont like never before with a private rental trolley tour customized to your interests. Perfect for events or group outings, this 8-hour adventure offers history, culture, and local charm all in one tailored experience.

12.7 miView Trips & Details →
Vermont’s Kaleidoscope: A 3.5‑Hour Fall Foliage Window from Burlington12.7 mi
Burlington, Vermont

Vermont’s Kaleidoscope: A 3.5‑Hour Fall Foliage Window from Burlington

A concise guide to the 3.5-hour foliage tour that escorts travelers through Vermont’s celebrated autumn color, with practical notes for planning the outing.

12.7 miView Trips & Details →
Museum Trolley Tours12.7 mi
Burlington, Vermont

Museum Trolley Tours

Step aboard a vintage trolley with Burlington Trolley Tours and uncover Vermont’s rich history through the Heritage Winooski Mill Museum and Ethan Allen Homestead. This guided ride blends scenic views and storytelling for a unique cultural journey.

12.7 miView Trips & Details →
One hour on Burlington’s trolley: waterfront vistas, university gates and Church Street’s pulse12.7 mi
Burlington, Vermont

One hour on Burlington’s trolley: waterfront vistas, university gates and Church Street’s pulse

A concise, one-hour guided trolley circuit that orients first-time visitors to Burlington’s waterfront, campuses and marketplaces.

12.7 miView Trips & Details →
Private Airsoft Battles Amid Morrisonville’s Forests and Cliffside Movie Sets13.1 mi
Morrisonville, New York

Private Airsoft Battles Amid Morrisonville’s Forests and Cliffside Movie Sets

A two‑hour private airsoft session for groups of eight or more that includes park entry and 500 BBs per person — this guide explains what to expect from Legacy Paintball and Airsoft Park’s private-play option.

13.1 miView Trips & Details →