Ausable Chasm Rafting: A Thrilling Adventure Near Lake Placid, New York

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Ausable Chasm Rafting: A Thrilling Adventure Near Lake Placid

Known as the “Grand Canyon of the Adirondacks,” Ausable Chasm is a natural wonder that promises adventure and beauty at every turn. Just a short drive from Lake Placid, the chasm offers an unforgettable rafting experience through its dramatic sandstone cliffs, roaring rapids, and serene pools. Whether you’re seeking thrills or a scenic escape, rafting at Ausable Chasm delivers a perfect balance of excitement and tranquility.

The Experience

Rafting at Ausable Chasm takes you on a journey through one of the oldest natural attractions in the United States. The adventure begins with a safety briefing and a short hike into the heart of the chasm, where you’ll board your raft. From there, you’ll paddle through a mix of calm waters and exhilarating rapids, surrounded by towering cliffs that rise over 150 feet above the river.

The rapids are classified as Class I-II, making this adventure accessible to families, beginners, and seasoned paddlers alike. The calmer stretches allow you to soak in the breathtaking scenery, with moss-covered cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and the occasional glimpse of wildlife. More exciting sections, like the "Devil's Oven," add a splash of adrenaline to the journey. Throughout the trip, guides share fascinating insights about the geology, history, and ecology of the chasm, enriching the experience.

Why Raft Here?

Ausable Chasm combines natural beauty with adventure, making it one of the most unique destinations in the Adirondacks. The dynamic mix of rapids and serene paddling provides an unforgettable experience for all ages, while the chasm’s stunning sandstone formations create a visual spectacle unlike any other.

What to Know

  • Location: Ausable Chasm is located about 30 minutes from Lake Placid, just off Route 9.
  • Season: Rafting is typically available from late spring through early fall, with summer offering the warmest water temperatures.
  • Duration: The rafting trip lasts about 1-1.5 hours, depending on water levels.

Insider Tips

  • Dress Smart: Wear quick-drying clothes and water shoes, as you’re likely to get wet.
  • Bring the Family: The gentle rapids make this adventure suitable for kids and first-timers.
  • Explore More: Pair your rafting trip with a walk along the chasm’s scenic trails or try rock climbing and rappelling for a full day of adventure.

Ticket Information

  • Packages: Many visitors opt for a combination ticket that includes rafting and access to the chasm’s walking trails. Reservations are recommended during peak summer months.
  • Guided Tours: Knowledgeable guides ensure safety while sharing fascinating stories about the chasm’s history and geology.

Rafting at Ausable Chasm is more than a ride down a river—it’s an immersion into the timeless beauty of the Adirondacks. Whether you’re paddling through calm waters or navigating playful rapids, this experience will leave you with memories of awe, wonder, and adventure.

Reviews

Karina S.2 weeks ago
Ausable Chasm is a breathtaking natural wonder and an absolute must-visit! Known as the “Grand Canyon of the Adirondacks,” it offers stunning views of towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and the powerful Ausable River cutting through the gorge. The hiking trails are well-maintained, with varying levels of difficulty, making it accessible for all. The scenic vistas from every angle are simply mesmerizing. For those seeking adventure, the guided rafting and tubing experiences through the chasm provide a thrilling perspective of the canyon’s beauty. It’s an unforgettable way to connect with nature! Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just looking for a picturesque escape, Ausable Chasm delivers an awe-inspiring experience. Highly recommended!
I Ra month ago
Amazing place to visit. This review is from August. The whole tour is well planned and all activities are amazing. Rafting and river walk are safe and real fun. Different types of tickets are available. On raft your shoes are definitely getting wet. But this is a very fun experience for kids and adults alike. And the hikes are not hard. The gorge is beautiful
Nathan Junea month ago
While I only did the traditional rim and inner sanctum walk, it was very beautiful & awe inspiring. There are other options to further your experience at the Chasm but it was later in the season (early November) and so the adventure course & the rafting parts were closed. Nice gift shop.
Chrisanna Beck3 months ago
We had a delightful time at the Chasm. We booked the mid tour which included the river walk and rafting . As it was mid week in September, we had very little wait time. I understand during the summer and on weekends it’s busier. Scenery was great. You need to be able to climb up and down stairs to do either the river walk or rafting. Footing can be tricky at times. We had no problem but others in our group found it more difficult. Guides were very informative and answered all of our questions. Highly recommend.
Neha Vl5 months ago
We had the absolute best time at Ausable Chasm! We took the premium package ($75) that included admission, float tour and the adventure trail. Adventure trail: This was intense yet so much fun. Be ready to climb rope nets, walk on several tricky bridges (one with just a single line on which you need to balance) and maneuver the rocky wet ledges along the gorge. The double security harness made us feel very safe but the highlight had to be the friendly staff who gave amazing tips on how to navigate a tough bridge or ledge. After the adventure trail, you get to experience the river walk for a while with the prettiest views. Float tour: You can pick between a tube (individual) or a raft (shared with 8 others and a guide). The people who picked the tube had to wait in shorter queues and got more drenched. This ride is short, maybe 15 minutes and with only one major rapid. Shuttles helped us get from the end of the float tour back to the visitor centre. Parking: Several parking lots are available but they get full pretty fast. Going early in the day helped us avoid queues and secure a good parking spot. There was an owl show going on which was so interesting and we got to touch the owls as well. They have a cafe and washrooms at the visitor centre.