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Ausable Chasm wilderness guide
Natural Attraction · NY
Tubing Guide

Ausable Chasm

Imagine gliding through the sparkling waters of the Ausable River, the warm sun kissing your skin as the currents beckon you forth. Ausable Chasm, located in the heart of New York's Adirondack regi...

Natural Attraction8003+ Trails

Designation

Natural Attraction

Total Wilderness Area

800

Elevation / Terrain

Diverse Wilderness

Field Editorial Guide

About Ausable Chasm

Ausable Chasm is a stunning sandstone gorge in the Adirondacks, offering diverse outdoor activities and breathtaking views over its dramatic cliffs and water features.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Ausable Chasm, located in the Adirondack Mountains of northeastern New York, is a natural wonder known as the 'Grand Canyon of the East.' This striking geological formation stretches approximately two miles and showcases 500-million-year-old sandstone walls towering up to 150 feet high. The chasm, carved by the Ausable River, features a variety of waterfalls, whirlpools, and rapids that highlight its dynamic geology. Since becoming a tourist attraction in the late 19th century, Ausable Chasm has drawn visitors with its mix of adventure and beauty. Rich in biodiversity, the area is home to lush forests and a variety of wildlife, making it an ideal spot for bird-watching and exploring nature. Key recreation opportunities include hiking, rafting, tubing, rock climbing, and cross-country skiing in winter. Ausable Chasm's appeal lies not only in its breathtaking landscapes but also in the unique outdoor adventures it offers, attracting nature enthusiasts and thrill-seekers from around the region.

Field Guide · Natural Attraction
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Ausable Chasm

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 30 miles.

Discover the Enchantment of Ausable Chasm★ 8.5⌖ 1 miHiking
Ausable Chasm

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.

Discover the Magic of Rainbow Falls in Au Sable★ 8.5⌖ 1 miHiking
Rainbow Falls

Discover the Magic of Rainbow Falls in Au Sable

Explore Rainbow Falls in Au Sable, New York. This moderate waterfall hike offers breathtaking views and features activities such as rafting and rock climbing. Ideal for family-friendly adventures, the site is busiest in summer.

The Cascading Beauty of Rainbow Falls★ 8.2⌖ 1 miHiking
Rainbow Falls

The Cascading Beauty of Rainbow Falls

Explore Rainbow Falls in Chesterfield, NY, featuring breathtaking cascades within the Ausable Chasm. Perfect for hiking and photography, this destination offers challenging trails with stunning views and rainbow-filled mist from spring to fall.

Scenic Trails of Causeway Park, Colchester, Vermont★ 8.2⌖ 9 miBiking
Causeway Park

Scenic Trails of Causeway Park, Colchester, Vermont

Explore Causeway Park in Colchester, Vermont, offering an easy trail over a historic causeway with beautiful lake views. Ideal for biking and walking, this popular spot provides bird-watching opportunities and kayaking adventures during the warmer months. Best visited in spring and fall for a serene experience.

Nature's Retreat: Derway Island Nature Trail★ 3.8⌖ 10 miHiking
Derway Island Nature Trail

Nature's Retreat: Derway Island Nature Trail

Explore the serene Derway Island Nature Trail in Burlington, VT. This easy route is perfect for bird watching and photography, offering scenic views and a peaceful atmosphere. A great choice for families and nature lovers seeking solitude and wildlife encounters.

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ Rainbow Falls – A picturesque waterfall located within Ausable Chasm that captivates visitors with its beauty.✦ Adventure Trail – A trail featuring trailside rope challenges providing a thrilling exploration experience.✦ Unique Flora – Provides a habitat for diverse plant species due to its microclimates.✦ Tubing and Rafting – Offers an exciting way to navigate the river and view the chasm from the water.
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Ausable Chasm

Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.

Activity Field GuideAusable Chasm

Tubing in Ausable Chasm

Discover the Thrills of Tubing at Ausable Chasm, NY

Imagine gliding through the sparkling waters of the Ausable River, the warm sun kissing your skin as the currents beckon you forth. Ausable Chasm, located in the heart of New York's Adirondack region, offers an unforgettable tubing adventure that combines natural beauty with exhilarating fun.

As you approach the chasm, take a moment to appreciate the towering cliffs that rise around you, their rugged exteriors telling tales of time and water. The sheer strength of nature is palpable; it's like standing before a wise old giant, its carved edges softened by centuries of erosive artistry. The waters are rippling with excitement, inviting you to embark on a journey like no other.

The tubing experience here is designed for both thrill-seekers and families looking for a delightful day on the water. Once you’re outfitted with a tube—smooth and buoyant—you’ll launch from the riverbank and let the current whisk you away on a gentle yet playful ride through stunning landscapes. Expect a float that lasts around two hours, during which the world will transform around you. Lush greenery flanks the banks, the occasional splash of vibrant wildflowers providing a feast for your eyes.

Ensure your adventure starts on the right foot: wear secure, water-friendly footwear and bring sunscreen to protect against the sun's rays during your journey. Hydration is key; pack a refillable water bottle to keep energized as you navigate through the chasm's curves and gentle rapids. It’s best to plan your outing on a bright summer day when the river flows steadily, offering the ideal balance of adventure and comfort.

As you drift along, let your senses awaken. Listen to the soft cacophony of water bubbling over smooth stones and the distant calls of birds flitting between trees. The coolness of the water contrasts with the heat of the day, invigorating your spirit with each stroke of the paddle. Each twist and turn reveals new vistas: towering rock faces adorned with emerald moss, reflections dancing on the surface, and the sky opening wide above you.

For the more adventurous spirits, consider tackling a section of the river known for its playful rapids. While the tubing here is generally gentle, certain stretches can kick up just enough excitement to summon yelps of joy. Challenge yourself to navigate these playful sections, smiling all the while.

Safety should always be a priority. Be aware of the weather conditions before you head out; avoid tubing during periods of heavy rain as the currents can swell unexpectedly. The chasm can be well-trafficked, so keep an eye on fellow tubers while also respecting the natural environment by leaving no trace.

After your tubing adventure, the area around Ausable Chasm is ripe for exploration. Local eateries offer mouthwatering cuisine, perfect for refueling after a day of adventure. Consider visiting nearby hiking trails that will let you stretch your legs and appreciate more of the stunning landscapes the Adirondacks have to offer.

As the sun begins to set, and the sky transforms into a canvas of oranges and purples, take a moment to reflect on your day. Tubing down the Ausable River isn’t just an outing; it’s an experience that leaves an imprint—a sense of connection to nature and camaraderie with fellow adventurers.

Prepare yourself for an adventure at Ausable Chasm that not only challenges the spirit but also calms the mind as it reconnects you with the rhythm of nature. Grab your tube, gather your friends and family, and embrace the thrill of the river. Your next great adventure awaits!

Other Available Activity Guides in Ausable Chasm:
The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in Ausable Chasm.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

Entrance fees are required; special passes available for guided tours.

Wilderness Checklist

Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.
Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.
Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.
Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).
Wilderness Stays

Camping & Overnight Stays in Ausable Chasm

Frontcountry developed campgrounds, backcountry wilderness permit guidelines, and starry-night camping advice.

Ausable Chasm Campground

Located adjacent to the chasm, offering easy access and comfortable facilities for campers.

Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Ausable Chasm

Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic basecamps surrounding the park.

Ausable Chasm
⌖ 1.27 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Ausable Chasm, New York

A small, scenic spot brimming with natural beauty that invites adventurers to explore its rugged terrain, waterways, and thrilling experiences.

Keeseville
⌖ 2.52 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Keeseville, New York

A quiet haven for nature lovers, offering diverse outdoor adventures amidst the breathtaking Adirondack landscape.

Au Sable
⌖ 6.97 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Au Sable, New York

A tranquil town that offers access to varied outdoor adventures in the Adirondacks, perfect for exploring natural landscapes and engaging in year-round activities.

Summer and FallExplore Town
Plattsburgh
⌖ 10.98 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Plattsburgh, New York

A vibrant hub by Lake Champlain offering year-round adventure with opportunities for boating, biking, and winter sports.

Summer and FallExplore Town
South Hero
⌖ 11.16 miles
Gateway Basecamp

South Hero, Vermont

A peaceful lakeside community offering diverse water and land activities with beautiful island scenery and seasonal outdoor recreation.

Late spring through fall for paddling and cycling; winter for snowshoeingExplore Town
Morrisonville
⌖ 11.59 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Morrisonville, New York

A tranquil gateway in the North Country offering serene access to rivers, forests, and seasonal outdoor pursuits in the Adirondack foothills.

Spring through Fall for paddling and hiking; Winter for snow sportsExplore Town