Ausable Chasm | Adirondacks

Ausable Chasm is a dramatic sandstone gorge located in the northeastern Adirondacks of New York State, near the town of Keeseville and not far from Lake Champlain. Known for its striking geology and rich history, it is one of the oldest continuously operated natural tourist attractions in the United States, open to the public since 1870.

Geological Background

Ausable Chasm was carved over thousands of years by the Ausable River, which continues to flow through the gorge today. The chasm cuts through Potsdam sandstone, a reddish sedimentary rock that dates back roughly 500 million years, to the Cambrian Period. This ancient sandstone is rich in ripple marks and even some fossilized trails left by primitive life forms.

The gorge itself stretches over 2 miles in length and features towering cliffs—some over 150 feet high—as well as numerous waterfalls, deep pools, and natural rock formations shaped by millennia of erosion and water flow.

Main Attractions and Activities

1. Scenic Trails

Inner Sanctum Trail: A guided trail that takes visitors through the heart of the gorge, offering close-up views of the rock walls and formations. This trail includes bridges, walkways, and stairs.

Rim Walk: This unguided trail follows the edge of the chasm and offers panoramic views from above. Interpretive signs along the way explain the area's geology and history.

Dry Chasm Trail: A lesser-known route that winds through a separate, more secluded section of the gorge.

2. Rafting and Tubing

Available during the warmer months, rafting or tubing along the Ausable River is a popular way to explore the gorge. Guided raft trips take you through calmer waters of the lower chasm, surrounded by sheer cliffs and rock formations.

Tubing is usually offered for those seeking a more relaxed, self-paced float.

3. Rock Formations

Some of the most famous formations within Ausable Chasm include:

Elephant's Head: A rock structure that resembles the profile of an elephant.

Devil’s Oven: A small cave-like formation in the rock wall with local folklore surrounding it.

Jacob’s Ladder: A long wooden stairway that descends deep into the chasm.

The Sentinel Rock: A solitary pillar of rock standing prominently in the river.

4. Adventure Trails (Adventure Trail Course)

For thrill-seekers, Ausable Chasm offers a ropes and cable course along the cliff sides above the river, including via ferrata-style traverses, cable bridges, and tightrope walks. Safety gear is provided, and participants are clipped into harnesses for security.

5. Winter Tours

During winter, the chasm transforms into a frozen wonderland. Ice formations, frozen waterfalls, and frosted cliffs make for stunning scenery. Limited guided tours are available in the off-season depending on weather conditions.

Facilities and Visitor Experience

Visitor Center: Includes a gift shop, café, ticketing office, and informational displays.

Campground: Ausable Chasm Campground offers tent sites, cabins, and RV spots, making it easy for guests to stay overnight.

Interpretive Programs: Seasonal programs include geology talks, lantern tours, and historical presentations.

Photography: The site is extremely popular with photographers due to its dramatic lighting and textures.

History and Cultural Significance

Ausable Chasm was first documented in the early 1800s, and by the late 19th century it became a major attraction for American tourists traveling by rail.

In its early days, Victorian-era visitors explored the gorge with the help of wooden ladders and rowboats.

The name “Ausable” comes from the French "Au Sable," meaning “of sand,” named by Samuel de Champlain in 1609 due to the sandy river mouth he encountered nearby.

Location and Access

Address: 2144 Route 9, Ausable Chasm, NY 12911

Proximity: About 12 miles south of Plattsburgh, NY; about 90 miles from Albany; and roughly 30 minutes from the ferry to Burlington, Vermont.

Access: Easily reachable by car. Parking is available on-site.

Practical Information

Hours: Vary by season; summer months usually offer full-day access, while off-season hours are reduced.

Admission Fees: Rates vary depending on whether you choose a hiking pass, a combo with rafting, or the adventure course.

Best Time to Visit: Late spring through early fall offers the most options for activities and is when rafting and tubing are available.

Who Should Visit

Ausable Chasm is suitable for a wide range of visitors, including:

Families with children (some activities have height/age limits)

Hikers and nature lovers

Photographers and geology enthusiasts

Thrill-seekers interested in ropes courses or rafting

Tourists exploring the Adirondacks and Lake Champlain region

A visit to Ausable Chasm offers a blend of natural beauty, adventure, and history. It’s a uniquely accessible way to experience the raw geological power that shaped the northeastern U.S., all in a safe and well-managed environment.