This place is beautiful! Unfortunately the river walk option was not available due to COVID. The trails are really beautiful and easily walkable. Great stop over to spend a couple hours if in the area. read more

My dad, brother, and I took a little vacation to explore Ausable Chasm, located in the Adirondack region of New York State, in the beginning of July of this year and we couldn't have had more fun here. We made a day of it, arriving shortly after the chasm opened (around 10am) and explored the different ticket options. Since just seeing the chasm will cost you and we made the 6/7 hour trek from Western New York AND we wanted to have fun, dad splurged and got us the Adventure Ticket giving us the opportunity to hike the chasm, do the adventure trail (high ropes course of sorts), and also tube IN the chasm. Well worth the $49.95 price tag. We started on the adventure trail which was thrilling! Luckily we were harnessed in or I would have been even more scared going over bridges crossing the chasm and walking along the edge of the chasm cliff. My dad, brother, and I were all challenged on this course but like I said previously, it was so well worth it!!! I can't wait to check out my GoPro footage! From the adventure trail we hiked back to the car to put on our bathing suits to head down to the tubing/rafting area. The hike down was beautiful, even if it was raining on us. I love exploring and this was the perfect setting, there was beauty everywhere we looked. The line for rafting was much much longer than tubing which was fortunate for us since we wanted to tube anyways! The water was very low so our tube ride was extended considerably which we did not mind in the least bit! After seeing the chasm from a birds-eye view it was such a privilege to be able to tube IN the chasm. This place is awesome. We really enjoyed our time at the chasm, staying for about 4-5 hours exploring all that we could. You can definitely spend all day here, hiking the various trails that surround the chasm. Their open 9am-5pm in the summer and shorter hours in the winter. There are a number of geocaches hidden in and around the chasm as well. One of my favorite parts of the hike was the "post office" consisting of a little log book for visitors to sign. So cute! The trails are very well maintained and the service at the ticket desk was great. Check out this hidden gem tucked away in Keeseville, New York - only about 35/40 minutes from Lake Placid. read more

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Such a beautiful place carved out by nature! My wife and I came here on our mini honeymoon a week ago and really loved it! The Riverwalk Tour and getting to cross the suspension bridges was so cool! read more

Ausable Chasm - Hiking Near Me - Keeseville, New York

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I had to drive two hours from where I was staying in Vermont to get here. It was well worth the drive! This place is unreal and incredible. If you like hiking to find natural treasures, this is for you. The trails are pretty easy and there are a few options. The entire hike is fun and if you are lucky to see wildlife, it's even better. You want a few hours at the very least to enjoy the views and its not a place you would forget. read more

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Our tour bus group of thirty five stopped here prior to entering the border of Canada. There are nature trails, rafting, gift shop, latern tours, and a cafe. My Mom and I hiked the nature trail which was refreshing and cleared my mind of the recent hardship and struggles in my life. The trails are self-guided and a one-way traffic with heights, thus visitors must be fully committed from start to end. Elephant's Head is a must see, as it an amazing natural rock formation. Rainbow Fall is quite nice. The restrooms at the Welcome Center are disgustingly nasty with stenches of a public park. The cafe is very pricey as one vitamin water is $2.32; a muffin is $2.00; and a donut is $1.00 which totals for two bottle waters with one muffin and one donut plus local sales tax is a bloody $8.23!! Ausable Chasm is definitely a tourist trap! N.B. Sneakers or Timberland boots are highly recommended for these self-guided trails. The mountain trail route is very narrow and somewhat steep as there are no elevators which visitors trek the walk. The trail has rails which visitors who fear heights can cling onto. At the end of the trail visitors are offered a free bus that will transport back to the welcome center without walking. I recommend visitors to bring insect repellant or Gold Bond anti-itch cream to fend off insect bites as there are plenty. read more

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The Grand Canyon of the Adirondacks is what the call this place. It sure is beautiful. However, the cost is INSANE! just to hike the trails it's almost 20 a person. And as your standing in line waiting to pay you think their lodge would have air conditioning but it doesn't. It was so hot in there it was unbearable. I actually felt bad for the employees. As for the trails it was pretty cool. I wish there was more for the price we paid and the trails were longer but they weren't. But i def would go back. It was fun. And pretty gorgeous as well. read more

Alright, Peeps~I'm going to tell you a story~It's one of those "Once upon a time, a l-o-n-g time ago . . ." tales: I used to live in Peru, New York-yes, Peru, you read that right-Peru because I was stationed at Plattsburgh Air Force Base which is now a defunct military base! Anyway, I lived right on Lake Champlain (just down the street from the MacIntosh Apple Orchard where I'd buy the REAL apple cider!) in a "tiny house" bungalow where I would hike along the shoreline, picking wild blueberries along the way where I'd finally arrived at Au Sable Point; from this location, I'd hike all the way to Au Sable Chasm! Back then in 1977, before my first born daughter was born, the area wasn't really a heavy tourist destination as I have read the most recent Yelp reviews which mind you, now leaves me, the Old School Peep, utterly, disgustingly disappointed due to realizing Au Sable Chasm is now charging a hefty, touristy, money-grubbing fee visiting Au Sable Chasm! Nevertheless, hiking peacefully along the trails from Lake Champlain via my home waterfront, I really must admit was surely a daunting hike following the treacherous, Au Sable River along the river's edge and Gorge; please keep in mind, this is BEFORE the sophisticated, walking sticks were invented so, grabbing whatever long stick I could find, is what I used keeping my balance and more importantly, preventing myself from falling into the Au Sable River Gorge! I'm positive the Au Sable Chasm regional area has greatly improved the hiking trails within the past two decades or so verses from the time in 1977, when I hiked this "wilderness" area: I found a cool video online which should help you understand how treacherous hiking the area truly is: http://youtu.be/XpdlNhRNNIY BTW: The real reason I know about the Au Sable Chasm "wilderness" area is because when I was stationed at PAFB, there was a pilot who crashed his fighter jet and I was on the search and rescue team as the photographer on this devastating assignment: We-the military search and rescue team, hiked searching every wilderness area possible from Keeseville to Saranac Lake but, couldn't find the fuselage and the pilot due to the jet crashing in the bitter winter, where deep, twenty-five feet snowdrifts throughout the region abounded; we had no choice but, calling off the search and rescue during the bitterly cold winter. Finally-in the spring/almost summer, a farmer found the frozen pilot on his property; keep in mind, I want all to realize how VAST the "wilderness" area Au Sable Chasm truly is PLUS, searching for this pilot over thousands upon thousands of acres within this region! read more

Ausable Chasm - Where in the world is Au Sable Chasm? Route 9 via Keeseville NY-I'd hike from my Peru house to Au Sable Chasm! - Hiking Near Me - Keeseville, New York

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Wanted to see the Chasm. Unfortunately was not allowed. The plan was to hike it only. When we arrived the first line of their welcome sign stated No Pets. I do not have a pet, he is a Service Animal that is always with me. Tried explaining this to the ticket counter. Received the No Pets statement. I am a disabled Veteran that goes no where with out him. Just last week he saw Phantom of the Opera and Chicago on Broadway and watched the Yankees play ball. This is an outdoor "hike". Seeing people leaving the area if they could do the hike he would not have had a problem. Amazing that a 2 bit place will treat disability that way. Hidden on their flyer in the rafting area it states no pets. That is understandable and was not requested. The best part is that they publicly state on their website that they make every attempt to ensure their website is disability friendly. Just not their venue. read more

Beautiful hiking with a great guide- Aiden was amazing: so informative with a sparkling personality.

This is a must see! More of an amazing hike and less of a rafting ride than I expected. We did the lower walk with my 4 year old. The walk was long and mildly challenging for him, especially on a hot day. The views were unbelievable though. New sites around every corner. The adventure trail seemed really cool and will return when my son is older. The rafting trip was shorter than expected. The guide was great and it was really cool to learn about the history of the location. Tip: I saw reviews about going early, but I recommend going more in the afternoon. I went on a Sunday and it was very busy with buses of tourist and families arriving. We brought lunch and were able to enjoy lunch while we waiting for the ticket line. When we got back around 2, there was no line at all anywhere. So later may save you some stress of waiting in lines for tickets and when you get to the raft/tubing. read more

My husband & I was looking forward to exploring this place. It is a overpriced tourist trap. If you love hiking like my husband & I do, this is not the place for you at all. It it literally a joke for hiking the trails. read more

Absolutely beautiful spot with easy hiking paths through a gorgeous chasm. It was worth the $35/2 adult cost for the self-directed tour. It took us about 2 hours to do 3.5 miles of trails at a pretty leisurely pace. Tons of great photo opps and lookout spots to stop and enjoy the views. I'd come back in different seasons to enjoy the scenery but it was still gorgeous even on a cold and snowy day. read more

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Visited your area and stayed in the campground. Had a very good time. Staff was very nice and helpful. Did several activities while there. Lantern tour with Rose and Larry Rappelling with Dave and Big Al and Lauri in the gift shop we're great. Will definitely visit again. read more

Laurie Dashnaw in the gift shop was very helpful

On a recent trip up to the Lake Placid region, we spent a few hours at Ausable Chasm and I must say, it was a blast. I really enjoyed the various trails that we went on, and how each outpost had a different angle of the Chasm. The views were breathtaking!! I imagine the trails could be challenging for the elderly or disabled, but most of the general public should be able to do them without much issue. There is also a Cafe and gift shop on site, and they will bus you back to the beginning for no charge after your hike. We had a fun few hours here and I definitely will return next time I'm in the area! read more

Ausable Chasm - Great view (one of many) - Hiking Near Me - Keeseville, New York

Do NOT go here. They turned my deaf family away, just because we can't hear. The workers were extremely rude. I can't emphasize the disbelief I was in when they informed us that they are based on an oppressive, audism policy... SO disappointed. read more

The hike is very cool but don't waste your time with the rafting. We waited 2 hours and 45 minutes for a 15 min raft. Definitely worth visiting and hiking read more

Fun family activity to do on a nice day, Laurie Dashnaw in the gift shop was incredibly nice and helpful!

Took a trip here bc one of our friends really wanted to go Pros: - Prices are very reasonable - $50 for general admission, adventure trail, and rafting - Adventure trail was very fun but too short! - All of the hiking trails were easy, so perfect for friends who aren't big on hiking - Cafeteria prices are very reasonable - Bathrooms are clean and plenty of stalls - Very unique and beautiful place Cons: - We didn't reserve rock rappelling/climbing in advance b/c of forecasted rain so we got there right before 9AM and everything was already booked! This was because there were three tour buses already - book in advance or get there before the tour buses do - Rafting - I think we went in there with the expectation that we would actually be paddling so when it turned out to be a guided raft tour (20 min) we were very disappointed - didn't need water shoes (went barefoot) read more

The nature walk is beautiful and well worth the inexpensive ticket price. However, we spent $95 for 2 adults and 1 child to raft the Chasm and the raft ride was barley 10 minutes. Huge rip off!!!! If you want to hike it's very nice but don't waste your money on rafting or tubing! read more

We had a group of 10 all ages 12-72. We all loved the natural beauty of this 150 year old treasure. Our guides Chase for the beginning of the tour and Ryan on the raft were so informative and willing to answer any questions we had. It was worth our drive from Boston area. Nana even faced her fear and went across the bridge. Even in the rain it was fabulous. read more

Childhood MEMORY relived! Hadn't been here in 50 years...we had a wonderful day reliving the past. Beautiful place- ALL STAFF WONDERFUL You need to GO! read more

After years of coming to the Adirondack Mountains, I finally decided to go check out Ausable Chasm. This place isn't exactly cheap. But where else are you going to get views like this?!? You're not. So stop complaining about the admission price. There are clearly marked paths -- one is along the top. Another one along the middle with lots of cat walks. The whole family loved the views and the exploring. We saw people kayaking in the gorge -- which you can definitely sign up for. Perhaps when the boys are older (sigh). read more

We make this venture annually and it's worth the four hour ride one way! We always do the trails, have tried the white water rafting, ropes course and night lantern walk. It's great for adults, kids, anyone! Five years strong and still can't wait to go back every single year! read more

Ausable Chasm - AuSable Chasm - Hiking Near Me - Keeseville, New York

I'd already heard that the prices were steep, so I didn't plan to go on any of the tours. I just drove to it hoping I'd be able to see some of the chasm from the road. And you sure can! Park in the lot a little ahead of the welcome center and cross the big bridge on foot. Make sure to cross on both sides. You can also walk into the Welcome Center to browse the gift shop and displays or order food in the little cafe. There's also a sidewalk nearby that gets you a closer look at Rainbow Falls- you can actually feel the mist! Totally worth my 20-min drive. read more

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There is a ton of stuff to do as a family. The walk though the chasm is amazing. And I actually enjoyed the raft ride. The history was interesting as well. read more

Our Guide David was super cool, he did his best to explain us everything and it was outstanding, I wish all places have such a tour-guides, he is an amazing example!!! Also big thanks to a rafting personal Lucy and amazing bus driver DEN!!! Such a great people who makes the entire experience priceless!!! read more

We stopped here as the first leg of our family road trip thru New England. We just got the normal tour which was the hike and the raft float. We took the yellow medium hiking trail which include stairs and uneven terrain, but had a lot of great views of the falls. The total one way length was about 1.25 miles. My two little boys (5 and 4) did fine but I did carry the little guy a few times on the stairs to speed things up. The raft trip was very nice and relaxing. There is only one small rapid but my boys enjoyed it. The guide was very friendly. There is a small bus that picks you up at the end of the raft trip and takes you back to the visitor center. Wear shoes you don't mind getting wet though. There are a few inches on water in the bottom of the raft. I took my boys shoes off and strapped them to my life vest to keep the, dry. Wish I had the, wear the water shoes we had packed in the car. read more

Super fun place for an adventure! We got the basic package of adventure trails that includes ziplining, climbing rocks and cable line walks to test your fear of heights! Instructions were taught upon arrival on how to use the carabiner also included is the safety helm and harness. Listen to their instructions and everyone will be safe! We saw a couple people that were to afraid to walk the cable line and there is a point where you could back out. At the end of the adventure there is a bus that will take you back to the parking lot. The main parking lot was full when we arrived but you can also park across the bridge and take a nice walk for the scenery. They also serve food which are the typical tourist food from pizza, burgers and fries. They have a small souvenir shop. read more

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Knowledgeable guides for both the walking tour and raft tour. The line was a little long for the raft, but considering they were short staffed I was pleased with the overall experience. Amazing views along the entire experience. read more

Yep got to go here. Lots of wonderful views. I took the difficult trail and I was feeling every minute of it later. There are climbs for the more physically fit people (not me) and intermediate trail (the one I took) and something for the I want an easy stroll. It's a great place to visit and the raft trip was funny too. read more

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Breathtaking! Even after finding this in the Book Off the Beaten Path me and my uncle thought it may be a small waterfall or something interesting but we didn't know the adventure we we would go on. We got there early on a rainy day before it opened..we actually ventured off to the road behind and saw some beautiful waterfalls. We thought we would be going down to that area and that is what the Chasm was. Little did we know we started our tour across the road and began a journey along the rocks and the water for a 45 minute breathtaking view of scenery. I have never been in the Grand Canyon but it felt like I was there. The scenic route is a little scary if your scared of heights but you must trek through the terrain and soak in everything Ausable Chasm has to offer! read more

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4 to 5 stars for the climbing/ adventure trail. The guides were great and views spectacular. Do everything EXCEPT skip the raft it was so silly. Waited 1.5 hrs for a 60 second raft ride that wouldn't thrill anyone over the age of 6. Staff and everything else was Great. read more

I'm pretty frugal so the fact that I paid $16.95 to see a gorge is impressive to begin with, but I have no regrets (and that's saying a lot). To be able to easily (ok, it involves many stairs, but that's better than a sketchy switchback dirt trail) access a gorgeous sandstone gorge, to get down near the rushing river and look up to the towering cliffs above you, to safely walk almost a mile in this situation without worrying about going over the edge.... Come on, that's saying a lot. Even if you don't take the incredibly scenic inner sanctum trail, you can walk the mulched upper path and glimpse safely into the gorge below from various viewpoints. Granted, I'm glad I didn't pay extra money for the raft or adventure tour. There's a bridge over the narrow section of gorge that the rafts float down. Standing upon it was enough for me. And you can get glimpses of the adventure course while on the inner sanctum trail... I'd suggest you scope it out before paying the extra price. Funny, I saw the soda machines strategically placed along the trail and was actually thinking in the heat of summer, people are probably grateful for that. I didn't try the cafe but I wish I had. It's the closest food around. Somebody complained about the $1 donut and $2 muffin. I'm pretty sure donuts are a $1 at dunkin donuts and muffins are $1.79. Ie, I don't think the prices were that outrageous. Maybe when compared to McDonald's dollar menu.. read more

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We did the Adventure trail package which was awesome this is a great buy and you get to experience the Chasm up close! Could get a bit boring if your just hiking around. Adventure trail is a bit challenging but I felt it was super safe and fun. We went on a monday so it wasn't busy. The front desk lady is a lil slow but it was okay. Our instructor Garet was great, super helpful and knew what he was doing. Definitely leave your stuff in the car or locker rental for $2 which isn't bad at all and if you have pockets hold on to your phone for great pictures, sneakers is a must. The rafting was def. disappointing it was super short and more like a boat ride. The instructors are knowledgeable and nice. This is a must do attraction if you are in the area. read more

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AC is touristy, yes, but in all the right ways. Family friendly, with different levels of thrills for everyone. Walking the trails around the chasm were beautiful, although the inner sanctum was a bit sketch for those afraid of heights. There are gardrails but you are very close to the edge in many spots. I recommend at the very least doing the float trip. If you have kids that are old/ big enough you can do the tubing, which was a blast. You can opt for the raft if you'd prefer to stay dry (no swimming allowed though. Boo). Worth the money for at least one visit in a lifetime. read more

Nice summer day hike and water wafting . Recommend the tubs if you're in no rush . Take water shoes and a bag that will not get wet inside .

When we arrived from our vacation home on the Sacandaga Lake, we were totally clueless on what to wear/bring. We went inside to pick our adventure and pay, and the cashier was not very friendly and not very helpful. She appeared to be a high school or college student miserable to be working a summer job. Fortunately, that was the last rude employee we encountered. We chose the adventure trail and left everything in the car except our phones (selfies or it didn't happen!). We wore workout gear and good sneakers. The adventure trail was awesome. I love adrenaline but was honestly scared a few times. Mostly about not being able to reach certain grip points because I'm only 5 feet, but there were kids around the age of 10 in our group so I figured if they could do it, so could I. Unfortunately we were grouped with two families, one of whom had "that mother" who criticizes every breath her children and husband take. It was quite sad but mostly annoying, especially because we were the last two behind these families so it was hard to hear the instructor. You are in the same order for the entire trail, so I was stuck directly behind this woman for close to 2 hours as she berated her family and then constantly turned to me for validation. She was not taking my hints so I eventually just ignored her entirely, but it definitely made the experience less enjoyable. You cross the chasm I think 4 times total and the bridges vary between single cable, double cable and swinging. There are always "railing" cables to hold onto. You are shuffling along the rock wall in some parts and climbing a few times as well, including on wet rock and man-placed wooden "steps." It was awesome. Just a note though - there was NO ziplining. I read in other reviews that there was and I was pretty disappointed that there wasn't, but it was still an adventure. After the adventure trail, during which I only almost wet my pants about three time, we were a little confused about what to do next. Left in the bottom of the chasm, we followed the other family (not the annoying mother one) as we heard them saying they were going to do the raft tour. It was about a 10-minute walk through a really cool landscape along the chasm, about 20 feet up from the water. We stopped and took lots of photos. Eventually, we saw the line for the raft tours. It was LONG. And it was hot out. We had no water (there would have been no way to carry it during the adventure trail and we were nowhere near the parking lot or front desk). I was hot and dehydrated and quickly losing steam. I guess the conditions hadn't been favorable for tubing so rafting was our only option - another bummer as the tubing would've been more fun. After about 30 minutes in line, we finally made it to the front where us and about 8 others waiting for our raft. Everyone took their shoes off and tied them to their life vests and went barefoot. A family from Quebec behind us cut us as well as the family in front of us, and pretended not to speak English when we all said something. They pushed and shoved their way to the front of the raft so that the family who was supposed to be first now had to split up and sit separately from each other on the raft. At this point, I was so sick of the annoying mother and the dehydration that I just blocked them out. We ended up in the back row with the guide sitting behind us, which was great. She was very funny and knowledgeable, and engaged in conversation with us when she wasn't sharing facts about the chasm we were now floating through. It was a beautiful, peaceful float. No waves or whitewater, but we were awed by the destruction still evident from Hurricane Irene. At the end of the float, we put our shoes back on and waited for the shuttle, which turns out did not come to where we were waiting, but about a 5-minute walk away. So we walked to the shuttle and were glad we opted for the ride instead of walking back to the parking lot because it was about 2 miles! Thankfully there was a snack bar but the cooler drinks were room temperature, which was disappointing after being so hot and dehydrated. All-in-all, the adventure trail was great and the float was nice, but I wish there was an option to do just the adventure trail. And since it was a quieter day, I wish we could have been in our own group without the annoying mother and the rude tourists. But, such is life. I tend to be a "been there, done that" kind of person so I probably wouldn't go back again anytime soon but I highly recommend it to anyone seeking a fun challenge in a beautiful spot. read more

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This is the most underrated tourist attraction in New York State! It's a world class hiking destination and you basically can't take a step in any direction without having a Kodak worthy photo. read more

As you get off the ferry from Burlington VT go 5 minutes to this place So much to do...hiking....rafting...repelling...zip lining. Go the whole family will enjoy. read more