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New York: Adirondacks – Ausable Chasm
🏞️ Ausable Chasm — The Grand Canyon of the Adirondacks
We were on our way to see some friends up in Lake Placid and, as is often the way on these trips, we found ourselves with a bit of time on our hands. So, rather than sit in a lay-by eating terrible sandwiches, we decided to make ourselves useful and visit Ausable Chasm — a rather impressive slash in the landscape that sits on the Ausable River as it makes its way through the Adirondack Mountains toward Lake Champlain.
About three or four miles before the river reaches Lake Champlain, it carved its way through ancient red Devonian-age sandstone — rock that’s been sitting there for roughly 500 million years — creating a deep, dramatic ravine. The chasm itself is only two miles long (around 3.2km), but it packs a considerable amount of spectacular scenery into that modest distance. It’s been grandly referred to as “The Grand Canyon of the Adirondacks,” which, it has to be said, is pushing it a bit — but it is genuinely impressive, and the Adirondacks do love a good nickname.
🎟️ Starting at the Visitor Centre
The first stop was the visitor centre, which is also where you pick up your tickets — there’s no winging it past the gate, I’m afraid. The facilities were excellent; there was a decent gift shop (yes, I bought something, don’t judge me), and there were good displays covering both the geological history of the chasm and its surprisingly long career as a tourist attraction. Ausable Chasm has been welcoming visitors since 1870, making it one of the oldest tourist attractions in the United States, which rather puts it in perspective.
🌈 1. Rainbow Falls
Rainbow Falls turned out to be the undoubted highlight of the whole visit. Sitting right at the head of Ausable Chasm, the falls drop a rather dramatic 91 feet — that’s about 28 metres for those of us who grew up trying to convert everything and still can’t quite manage it — straight down into the ravine below. It’s the kind of thing that makes you stop, stare, and temporarily forget you’re a middle-aged Englishman who’s supposed to be unimpressed by things.
There are actually two ways to see them. The first is from the Route 9 bridge, which gives you a perfectly decent view without any effort whatsoever — ideal if, like me, you’ve already done quite enough walking for one day. The second option, for those feeling more adventurous, is the path leading from the Ausable Chasm visitor centre, which takes you considerably closer and lets you peer right over the brink. It’s genuinely spectacular, though perhaps not recommended immediately after lunch. The falls get their name, apparently, from the rainbows that form in the mist on sunny days — and for once, the name actually delivers on its promise.
🐘 2. Elephant Head Vista
Before heading down to the river walk trail, we took a short detour that turned out to be well worth the modest effort. Just a quarter of a mile from the main path, there’s a viewpoint called Elephant Head Vista — and if you’re anything like us, you’ll spend the first thirty seconds squinting at it, head tilted, wondering what on earth everyone is going on about, and then suddenly it clicks. There, jutting out from the chasm wall, is a rock formation that looks remarkably — almost unnervingly — like an elephant’s head in profile. Trunk, brow, the lot.
The formation gets its name, unsurprisingly, from this geological happy accident, and it’s one of those things that, once you’ve seen it, you genuinely can’t unsee. Rock formations with animal names are ten a penny in America, but this one actually earns it. You won’t spot it from the main rim trail, which is precisely why so many visitors walk straight past without a second thought — a shame, really, because it takes all of ten minutes and rewards you with one of the more memorable views along the whole chasm.
🚶 3. The Riverwalk Trail
After we’d had our fill of the Elephant’s Head, we set off along the Riverwalk Trail, which hugs the edge of the chasm just a matter of feet above the Ausable River. On a clear day — and it was a gloriously clear day — the sun bouncing off the churning white water below made the whole thing look rather cinematic. Almost worth the walk itself, which, for a man of my vintage, is saying something.
The chasm runs at around 30 feet wide for most of its length, with the sandstone walls climbing a fairly vertiginous 70 feet straight up from the water. Apparently, during particularly dramatic floods, water levels have surged to within 20 feet of the top, sweeping away bridges and metal structures as though they were made of tissue paper. I’d have loved to have seen that — from a very safe distance, obviously.
The trail itself is a mix of solid ground and timber boardwalks, weaving its way along the chasm edge. It narrows in places, climbs and drops regularly, and there are plenty of steps involved. All perfectly manageable if you’re reasonably mobile, but wheelchair users should be warned — this one really isn’t for you.
🚣 Rafting the Chasm — Wetter Than Expected
About two-thirds of the way along the riverwalk, you’re presented with a choice — climb back up to the rim trail like a sensible person, or carry on downstream on an inflatable tube or raft. We, naturally, opted for the water.
Timing, however, was not entirely on our side. A day or two before we arrived, some fairly ferocious storms had rolled through upstate New York, dumping a considerable amount of rain across the region. The result was that water levels in the chasm had risen noticeably, which meant tubing was off the cards — apparently fast-moving water and rubber rings don’t mix well, which seems reasonable enough. We’d also forgotten our swimsuits, which probably settled the argument anyway.
So we took the raft instead, and honestly, the higher water levels made it considerably more entertaining. The raft moved with some genuine purpose through the narrow gorge — not exactly the Colorado River, but a good deal livelier than a gentle paddle around a boating lake in Regent’s Park. The whole thing lasted only a few minutes, but it was a cracking way to finish the walk.
From the drop-off point, you could either walk back along the rim trail or catch a bus back to the visitor centre. We took the bus. Obviously.
🧗 The Adventure Trail — Not for the Faint-Hearted
For those who thought a gentle walk along a river gorge sounded a bit too much like a Sunday afternoon stroll, Ausable Chasm had another option — the Adventure Trail. And I’ll be honest, just reading the description made me want to sit down quietly with a cup of tea.
This is a via ferrata route — an Italian term meaning “iron road,” which is essentially rock climbing for people who haven’t actually learned to rock climb. A steel cable runs along the rock face giving you something to cling to while you convince yourself you’re absolutely fine. The trail explores the upper section of the chasm, which isn’t accessible any other way, and features cable bridges strung over the river, a cargo net climb, and edge walks that presumably do exactly what they say on the tin.
To take part, you needed a minimum reach of 63 inches (160cm), a weight between 50 and 250 pounds (23–114kg), and a waist no larger than 54 inches (137cm). So if, like me, you’ve been enjoying American portion sizes rather too enthusiastically, the decision may well have been made for you.
In Summary …
- Allow 2 to 3 hours for your visit.
- The weather in Upstate New York is hard to predict so come prepared for a bit of everything!
Planning your visit to Ausable Chasm
🏞️ Ausable Chasm
| 📍 Location | 2144 Route 9, Ausable Chasm, NY 12911 | 🌐 Website | ausablechasm.com |
| 📞 Phone | 518-834-7454 | info@ausablechasm.com |
🕖 Opening Times (Seasonal)
| Spring (Mar 27 – Jul 2) | Summer (Jul 3 – Sep 7) | Autumn (Sep 8 – Nov 15) |
|---|---|---|
| Daily, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM | Daily, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Daily, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
🎟️ Entry Fees — Trails Only (Basic Admission)
| Adult (13+) | Child (5–12) | Under 5 | Local Resident* |
|---|---|---|---|
| $19.95 | $11.95 | Free | $12.00 |
*Clinton, Essex & Franklin Counties, NY
🎟️ Activity Packages (include Basic Admission)
| Package | Adult (13+) | Child (5–12) | Includes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Classic Tour | $49.95 | $39.95 | Trails + Scenic Float |
| Explorer Package | $54.95 | $44.95 | Trails + Float + Riverwalk |
| Premium Package | $74.95 | $64.95 | Trails + Float + Adventure Trail |
| Adventure Trail only | $45.00 | — | Ages 8+, basic admission required |
| Raft / Tube Float only | $30.00 | $28.00 | Basic admission required |
🚗 How to Get There
| From | Route |
|---|---|
| North (Montreal / Plattsburgh) | Take I-87 South to Exit 35. Left on Route 442 East, then right on Route 9 South — follow approx. 3 miles to Ausable Chasm |
| South (Albany / NYC / Lake George) | Take I-87 North to Exit 34. Follow Route 9N North approx. 1 mile to Ausable Chasm |
| Nearest city | Plattsburgh, NY — 12 miles north on Route 9 |
| Nearest airport | Plattsburgh International Airport (PBG) — approx. 15 miles |
ℹ️ There is no public transport serving Ausable Chasm; a car is required. Parking is available on site. Last entry is typically 1–2 hours before closing depending on the season; check the website for current cut-off times.
Rates are for the 2026 season and subject to change. Check ausablechasm.com for the latest pricing and seasonal operating dates.
Best Time to Visit Upstate New York
❄️ Winter (December – February)
Winter in Upstate New York is cold, often deeply so. The Adirondacks regularly experience some of the coldest temperatures in the contiguous United States, and snowfall is heavy and reliable — particularly in the Tug Hill Plateau and around the Lake Ontario snow belt. This makes the region a genuine winter sports destination. Lake Placid, site of two Winter Olympics, offers skiing, ice skating, bobsled rides, and Nordic trails. Whiteface Mountain near Lake Placid is one of the finest ski resorts in the north-east, and the Catskills’ Belleayre, Hunter, and Windham mountains offer solid skiing within easy reach of the Hudson Valley.
Beyond skiing, winter brings a quieter, more introspective side to the region. The historic towns of Hudson, Rhinebeck, and Cooperstown are unhurried and atmospheric in the snow. Christmas markets and holiday events brighten December across the region, and the charming inns of the Hudson Valley and Finger Lakes are often cosily appealing.
For those not drawn to winter sports, however, this is the least rewarding season. Many attractions close, driving can be hazardous, and temperatures of minus ten to minus fifteen Celsius are not unusual in the Adirondacks in January. The Finger Lakes wine region is particularly quiet, with several smaller wineries closed until spring.
What to pack: A heavyweight insulated coat, thermal base layers (top and bottom), wool or synthetic-blend mid-layers, waterproof insulated boots with good grip, warm hat, scarf and gloves, wool or thermal socks, and hand/foot warmers if you plan to spend extended time outdoors. Ski gear if applicable.
🗓️ Overall Best Time to Visit
If there is a single best time to visit Upstate New York, it is the period spanning late September to mid-October. The autumn foliage transforms the landscape into something genuinely extraordinary, temperatures are brisk but very comfortable for outdoor activity, the summer crowds have thinned, and the full range of the region’s attractions — hiking, cycling, wine-tasting, farm visits, and historic sightseeing — remains fully open and accessible. A close second is May, when the landscape is lush and green, the weather is fresh, accommodation is affordable, and the Finger Lakes wine region is quietly at its most welcoming. For those who relish winter sports, January offers reliable snow and exceptional skiing, particularly around Lake Placid. Whatever the season, Upstate New York rewards the visitor who arrives with good layers, a sense of adventure, and a willingness to be surprised by just how much variety is packed into this remarkable corner of the north-east.
Other places to visit around Ticonderoga
1. Fort Ticonderoga
Fort Ticonderoga is a large stone fort in upstate New York, USA, sitting at a strategically important point where Lake Champlain meets Lake George. The French built it in the 1750s during a period of intense rivalry with Britain over control of North America, originally calling it Fort Carillon. Its position made it a key route between Canada and the British colonies to the south, so it changed hands several times over the following decades. The British captured it from the French in 1759, and American colonial forces under Ethan Allen and his Green Mountain Boys took it from the British in 1775, at the start of the Revolutionary War, seizing a large store of cannon in the process. The British retook it in 1777, though they abandoned it shortly afterwards as the war moved on. The fort fell into ruin over the following century before being restored in the early 1900s. Today it operates as a museum, drawing visitors interested in the colonial and revolutionary periods of American history.
2. Star Trek Original Series Set Tour
Located in the small town of Ticonderoga in upstate New York, the Star Trek Original Series Set Tour is a permanent attraction that lets visitors walk through highly detailed recreations of the sets from the television series that aired between 1966 and 1969. The whole thing was the work of James Cawley, a lifelong Star Trek enthusiast and professional Elvis impersonator, who spent 14 years rebuilding the sets from the original blueprints, backed up by thousands of photographs and careful study of the episodes themselves. When the show was cancelled in 1969, the original sets were taken apart and mostly destroyed, so what exists here is very much a labour of love rather than a preservation of anything that survived. Visitors are guided through rooms including the transporter room, the bridge — complete with Captain Kirk’s chair — and the ship’s corridors, all built to match what appeared on screen as closely as possible. The tour is fully licensed and is based permanently at 112 Montcalm Street; it was never intended to travel. It tends to appeal most to dedicated fans of the original series, though a number of visitors have noted that it can be enjoyable even without much prior knowledge of Star Trek.
Where to stay near Ticonderoga
1. Ausable Chasm Campground
If you’re looking for a charming, no-fuss base camp in the heart of the Adirondacks, the Circle Court Motel in Ticonderoga, New York is hard to beat. A true family affair, the motel has been in the same family for four generations and in business for over 50 years — and that heritage shows in the warmth of its hospitality. The 16-unit property is AAA-rated and equipped with all the essentials, including WiFi, HD TV, air conditioning, individual heat, refrigerator, microwave, coffee maker, and even ample boat and trailer parking. The location is a genuine draw: nearby attractions include Fort Ticonderoga, Lake George, and Lake Champlain, putting some of upstate New York’s finest history and scenery right on your doorstep. Guests consistently praise the cleanliness and the friendly staff, with many calling it a hidden gem that offers great lodging value. For a relaxed, unpretentious stay with genuine character, Circle Court delivers.
2. La Quinta – Plattsburg
3. Best Western Plus the Inn at Smithfield
Nestled in the heart of Plattsburgh, New York, the Best Western Plus The Inn at Smithfield is a go-to destination for both leisure and business travelers exploring the North Country. Just a ten-minute drive from Plattsburgh International Airport, the hotel offers a free shuttle service to the airport and rail or bus station, making arrivals and departures a breeze. Guests can unwind in the indoor heated pool, stay active in the around-the-clock fitness center, and start each morning with a complimentary full breakfast. The hotel’s 126 well-appointed rooms come with flat-screen TVs, complimentary Wi-Fi, microwaves, and fridges, while the on-site 99 Pub & Restaurant serves up satisfying American fare. Nearby attractions include Cumberland Bay State Park and Lake Champlain, rounding out a stay that blends comfort, convenience, and classic upstate New York charm.
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