Ausable Chasm, NY - billing itself as "the Grand Canyon of the Adirondacks" is a shamelessly…read moreambitious boast for an attraction that I'd more accurately describe as Watkins Glen with the consumer interface of Bushkill Falls, but there's no denying Ausable Chasm is a fun, scenic, and daring adventure for all ages! We came during the off season at the end of April, before the more high thrills activities like rafting & tubing, riverwalk, Via Ferrata adventure trail, rappelling, rock climbing, etc. were open for the season (usually around late-May to June through autumn). That was no problem as we are visiting with our toddler who isn't old enough to do most of these activities anyway, and, as we discovered, it was actually perfect and to our advantage, since as first-time visitors we only wanted/had time to explore the chasm itself. And as there were very few other visitors on a weekday, it was as if we had this private park all to ourselves! No need to jostle for views/photos, can enjoy lunch & snacks at the best picnic tables by vista points, and it's also more pleasant than hiking in hot summer, though many of the trails are shaded. The basic "trails only" admission is about $20 for adults & teens, $12 for kids 5-12, and free for under 5. All the other activities have additional fees, which can add up so you might explore packages, or even stay overnight at their campground & cabins. We are a family of hikers so wanted to do the whole perimeter and see the entire gorge (about 2 miles). But if you only wish to see the exciting parts and leave time for other activities, then you can turn back halfway and do the shorter loop (1 mile if you do the Inner Sanctum Trail which I 100% recommend as this is the "signature" trail along the canyon's edge. But note it has many stairs up & down). We took the Inner Sanctum (yellow) trail, crossed over to Big Dry Chasm and hiked to the Whirlpool Basin Overlook at other end, then looped back around on the orange trail via Little Dry Chasm. The trails are well maintained, with most of the outer edge trails on comfortable soft padded ground. They're mostly well marked except the end part is not really shown clearly on the park map so I used AllTrails. The orange trail (Dry Chasm Trail) is marked as more difficult, but it's basically just a regular wooded hiking trail that's not paved, with rooty and rocky sections. The park is very walkable for most able-bodied people. Even our 3yo was able to hike the whole thing by himself, with a bit of help over the orange trails. We loved our visit and are excited to come back when our child is older to do more activities! Will update my review when we've had a chance to experience all the action-packed adventures the park has to offer. TIP #1: No trail maps are given out so take a photo ar a screenshot. But there are maps placed along the trails marked with where you are. TIP #2: Porta-potties only on either end of the trails, so I recommend taking your nature break before setting out. TIP #3: There's a cafe by the Welcome Center but it's only open seasonally. Bring water. No garbage bins along the trails (cos bears!) so trash is carry-in carry-out.

We came here today for my sister's Bachelorette weekend to do a group raft tour. Once we actually…read moregot on a raft it was great but the management of the line and loading for the raft and tube floats is run by a bunch of college kids who move at a snails pace. We waited for about 1.5 hrs to get on a raft, which is fine, they did advertise this. What was very frustrating is the lines diverge a the top of the stairs, one clearly labeled for tubes, one for rafts. Then they meet back up at the middle. The raft line was so long that a few groups cut the line by going down the tube line and then boarding a raft. When the people in line watching this called it out to the staff, the staff couldn't have cared less and let the groups who cut about 45 people waiting patiently in the correct line still continue on their raft. Their needs to be more staff to manage this in the future and a better system for confirming that people are held accountable for cutting the line.

A beautiful experience. Highly recommended. We've seen many options for kayaking but this one is…read moreunique. You could spend an hour or five. We went with 4 kids under 10. It's safe and beautiful. It feels like sitting in a post card. The views are unbelievable. Surreal. You can hop on the tiny islands for a little break and enjoy the sound of water and soft wind. We went in August. They say May is even a better time as the water level is higher and you can kayak on top of the trees.

From the owner: Location de canot, kayak, kayak double, kayak de pêche, rabaska, pédalo, paddleboard (SUP),…read morechaloupe, chaloupe à moteur à Laval sur la Rivière des Mille-Îles.

Well,I love history,especially when you find out that a site you go to,was once part of the…read moreAtlantic Ocean, post Glacier times(10,000 of years ago)? You find out it once had Salt water? It has waves and it feels like the ocean too! Love it,just sit lay and swim in it? I am going soon to it again!

This state park is amazing! The beach is so clean and nice. The water is so refreshing and the…read moreviews are awesome! It can smell a fish fishy when you first walk into the beach, but the smell doesn't last very long (probably just some standing water). The beach is mostly sand but some rocks and pebbles (so where shoes when you walk in). I highly recommend going here!

First of all the ferry to the Boucherville Islands park is ridiculously cute and I love it. It's a…read moresmall bike ferry, a short ride on the water over to a peaceful haven blowing with tall grasses. We biked here from out in Mile End so after a hectic ride through the city, arriving on this island was heaven. It's deeply peaceful and really really fun to ride around on, amazing bike paths rolling through quiet trees and protected, diverse nature. People are here fishing, walking, kayaking and generally relaxing. I didn't find any earth shattering views or anything like that, but a real sense of peace really close to the heart of the city.

I went to the parc with friends on a day where the entrance was free. In the winter this parc isn't…read morethe most fabulous. I've been in the warmer months and there was much more to see and do. Great parc to spot Virginia deer.

I've been camping in the area for almost 10 years now and this was my first time hearing about this…read moreplace- not sure how long they've been around. A group of six of us went out this weekend and had an incredible time. The friendly and professional owner (and his adorable pup) were very detailed in mapping out which canals to take and where to go when others had dried up, he'd even given us a laminated map to take with us. We showed up around noon or so and with filling out the waivers and paying, he had us on the water in less than 15 minutes! The scenery of the Ausable River, the bridges, and the exposed fallen trees were an outstanding preview to the breathtaking Lake Champlain and mountain views. The map led us to the sandy beaches near the local campground, plenty of space on the coast to feel like you have your own beach! Would definitely recommend doing the 4 hour trip as it gives you ample time to enjoy the beaches without needing to rush back. Highly recommend and can't wait to return.

Great family run outfitters. Kayaks, canoes, paddle boards all so close the Higley State Park. You…read morecan't beat it. If you can't pick them up they will deliver to you! Super nice staff and they remember you even if you only rented there once. Highly recommend to anyone in the area if you are looking for some outdoor water sports. Can't beat the prices or experience! Tell Clint I sent ya.

An amazing experience up here in the North Country. Everything was delivered on time. I look…read moreforward to coming back up next time. When you call, ask for Cat. Tell her Donny sent ya!!!

We did this over the weekend as a girls trip and had an amazing trip! Our guide Steven was so…read morefunny and skilled. He made a couple nervous passengers feel calm and loved the whole experience

Eric: Thanks for the safe yet great experience for an adventure bound family, always welcoming…read moresomething new to experience in God's great outsoors! You're an asset to any company you may wander off and work for. We are truly grateful for todays wonderful, awe-inspiring journey. You are also an inspiration to us with two types of special needs kiddos, being an example of using your weaknesses and turning them into strengths!

We had an incredible time!! Our guide Terry Jo was INCREDIBLE (seriously, ask for him - you WON'T…read moreregret it). We recommend the full-day adventure and go with the chicken or vegetarian wrap for lunch and the for dinner I loved the salmon, but Drew was all about the steak and potatoes. Give yourself extra time to stick around for the video viewing after - so much fun to watch with all your rafting buddies :) Here's our post for more tips and awesome photos! http://mrandmrsadventure.com/2015/07/14/nouveau-monde-whitewater-rafting-down-canadas-epic-riviere-rouge/

I give this company a D-minus for their first aid / emergency preparedness and I deduct points for…read moretouching without consent. I was injured going over the "washing machine" rapid. The boat flipped up and I fell from the raft onto a rock. I landed face first but managed to take the brunt of the impact on my shoulder / arm. I was pressed to sign a release form saying "Refused treatment" while I was dripping wet, shivering and in shock. -- Not cool. After I came to my senses, I asked to be taken to a hospital but was told no driver was available. -- Not cool. Later, when my friend was later injured on the same rock (cut to arm resulting in a strong flow of bright red blood), our guide was nowhere to be found. On the shore, it was me, with my injured arm, who administered first aid. Don't be fooled -- you can be seriously hurt while rafting. If you are hurt I would not expect this company to do anything for you in terms of first aid. Last but not least, when doing safety demonstrations, our guide reached straight for the most diminutive woman, out of four, with our group of 20. He then proceeded to show how you would pull someone into the raft, roll them over etc... ie a lot of body contact and touching -- without seeking consent from the woman ("I am going to take hold of your life jacket and pull up. OK?"). This should be an immediate red flag.

Anne, Rob and niece Bridgette could not have been more helpful or accommodating. Anne, in…read moreparticular, was a fountain of information, advice and expertise (we'll never tie a canoe on our car incorrectly again!). We rented canoes from them twice - first to Raquette Falls and second up the river from their shop...both incredible journeys. We've canoed/kayaked all over the U.S. and I doubt you'll find a better outfitter -- great equipment, very efficient, and delightful people!

Fun place to stop and visit; even better place to shop !!…read moreGreat and friendly staff and loads of "must haves" for one's outside needs and toys desired. Highly recommended for gear, supplies or accurate information.