Ausable Chasm
Ausable Chasm
4.5
Zipline & Aerial Adventure ParksCanyonsWater SportsGeologic FormationsScenic Walking Areas
09:00 - 16:00
Monday
09:00 - 16:00
Tuesday
09:00 - 16:00
Wednesday
09:00 - 16:00
Thursday
09:00 - 16:00
Friday
09:00 - 16:00
Full view
About
Known as the Grand Canyon of the Adirondacks, Ausable Chasm is a sandstone gorge that offers incredible views, various hiking trails, and waterfalls. There are five miles of mild to moderate hiking trails for you to explore and are open year round. In the summer (May to October), enjoy a raft tour or tubing along the Ausable river to beat the heat. Test your adventurous side by booking a guided rock climb and/or rappel, great for all skill levels. If that is not enough, dare to traverse our unique via ferrata course suspended 60 to 80 feet above the Ausable river. (Be sure to check our website for current information on open and close times, activity availability and latest news.)
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4.5
1,025 reviews
Excellent
585
Very good
300
Average
83
Poor
25
Terrible
32
macatw
New York108 contributions
Aug 2020
We were staying in Saranac Lake, and Ausable Chasm is a little over an hour's drive from there, but the visit is well worth the ride (plus, the drive is scenic!). We bought tickets online the day before, and when we arrived, we upgraded our tickets to include the river tour, which was an additional $12 per person and well worth the upcharge. We went on a Wednesday morning, and the park was not crowded during our visit (although it did seem to be getting busier when we were checking out at the gift shop just before noon).
Written 13 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gina S
18 contributions
Jul 2021 • Family
We decided to do the Explorer package when we visited. First we had Lucas for the adventure walk. He was friendly and seemed to know quite a bit about the canyon, but was also very eager to help us and take pictures for us (it was just me and my son). We moved on from there to the trail to get to the raft. We had a good time seeing the views and walking the path. When we got to the raft, we got Brooke for a guide. Brooke was awesome. She was very friendly and patient with all the young folks on our raft. Brooke taught the kids how to paddle and encouraged them to be safe and fun. Brooke had a lot of stories to tell us and we really enjoyed the ride even though it was like 20 mins. We did a great job thus far, but when we started exploring the orange trail…we died! This trail is definitely for more advanced folks. We were proud to get thru half before quitting and hitting a path to the bus back to the welcome center. Don’t get me wrong, we had fun, but we were TIRED! Our bus driver was super nice and offered some more stories for us as well as offered to take pics for us at the drop off point. Very happy with the staff here. Recommend you go early to beat the lines and the heat if it’s summer, bring water shoes for the raft, bring water, and snacks! We packed one backpack and did just fine! Orange trail is for experienced folks! We did have a really good time! Oh, my son I brought with me is 10. He was happy with his day here too, he was just tired (check the photos and you’ll see how it began vs how it ended).
Written 2 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Shari B
Kentwood, MI26 contributions
Jun 2021
We went for the premium package which includes the adventure trail, hike, and raft float. It was worth the money. Parents and teen kids loved it. Adventure trail is unlike anything we've ever done and perfectly safe with the harnesses. Tips: For the premium package, arrive when they open because it takes 3-4 hours and then you will finish up in time for lunch and also avoid any crowds (most important on weekends - we went on a Wednesday in June and it was not busy). We wore shoes/hiking boots because closed toe shoes are required for the adventure trail, we just kept these on for the raft ride as recommended and yes, some feet got wet but the raft is the last part of the tour so just leave some dry shoes in the car to change in to. We also carried water and a few snacks in a backpack and were able to keep the backpack dry in the raft, no problem. We had two guides, one for adventure trail and one for the raft, both were excellent guides & they appreciate tips. After the raft, we hiked on our own through the dry gulch trail and then caught the shuttle back to the gift shop. Highly recommended!
Written 1 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wendy
1 contribution
Aug 2021
Having fond memories of hiking and rafting the chasm (from about 10 years prior) we took the family (an hour drive) It was awful. We waited 45 minutes to get tickets (it was not even a weekend) and had to bail on including the raft ride, when we found out that once we were done hiking to the raft area, it was going to be another 75 minute wait! That’s for a 1 mile raft ride. At least we did not pay for the rafting. (We knew to ask for hike only tickets - they were not advertised). Other people paid for the rafting (or thought there was no other option) and decided not to wait. They were understaffed, overpriced, and allowing larger crowds than they could handle. I know this is a Covid world, but so many places are using timed reservations to help with these issues. This was just plain unacceptable.
Written 16 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JenRed2014
Buffalo, NY1,181 contributions
Apr 2021 • Family
We had a great time hiking Ausable chasm’s trails. The trails, markers and fences were all very well kept and I was happy that my tickets paid for their upkeep. We were so happy that the yellow trail “Inner Sanctum” was open because the ice that can block the bridges was already melted. That trail allows you to descend into the gorge to see the rapids up close. It’s a narrow trail and they prefer for it to have one way traffic, so I’d advise you to go down there on your trip into the chasm as opposed to out. There are a lot of stairs to get back up, but there is plenty of flat walking rest time before you have to climb. If you do any other hiking in the area, I’d suggest skipping the first section of orange trails. We found it to be a meandering side trail that essentially took us away from the water views, which is what we paid to see. The exception to skipping the orange trail would be the dry gulch section on the right hand side of the river (about halfway through the hike). That consists of some stairs down into a part of the gorge that was carved out but no longer has water flowing through it. It’s really awesome to walk through that deep rocky trail. I wish the boat rides were up and running, but given the time of year and COVID, we were really pleased with our time there. Also, a tip to reduce your walking...drive to pay area to purchase tickets and then park back on the other side of the bridge where the entrance gate is located. You’ll do plenty of walking in the park!
Written 18 April 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
chimayred
Durham, NH2,581 contributions
Oct 2020
I've heard about this since I was a kid since my Dad grew up near here. Always figured the "grand canyon" of the east moniker was a bit hyperbolic. But it stands on its own and it beautiful. Very easy to find. There is an admission fee for general access and the 1-2 mile upper trail; I think it was about $12 a person, no senior discounts. We also sprung (sprang? Springed?) for the 30 min guided tour for another $17 a person, which was well worth it. It takes you on something called the adventure trail, but at least for us it wasn't very frightening. There's a lot of good info from the guide, who is a young guy who has been there for years and frankly the story of the floods and geology is very riveting. You walk across two plank and chain bridges, which isn't as scary as it sounds but if you are afraid of any heights or narrow bridges (you can't fall off; there are sides on the bridges) you may want to reconsider. After the 30 minute trail we walked about half mile back. The visitor center is big, clean, modern, has a souvenir shop and restaurant although with COVID not sure if the restaurant was open earlier in the day. Really beautiful stop.
Written 13 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rich C
Connecticut259 contributions
Aug 2021
Ausable Chasm has stunning scenery, but you could see that in many other places for free across New York State.
Overall, woefully understaffed. Some of the workers were only 14 years old, clearly inexperienced. We waited an hour for river rafting, and they loaded only two boats in that time frame. We left at that point, knowing it would be another 1-2 hours. Based on our previous rafting experience, we knew it wouldn't be worth it.
Ausable Chasm isn't cheap. Waste of your time and money.
Overall, woefully understaffed. Some of the workers were only 14 years old, clearly inexperienced. We waited an hour for river rafting, and they loaded only two boats in that time frame. We left at that point, knowing it would be another 1-2 hours. Based on our previous rafting experience, we knew it wouldn't be worth it.
Ausable Chasm isn't cheap. Waste of your time and money.
Written 15 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
garnet159
Arcade, NY241 contributions
Oct 2020
We visited here while staying in Lake Placid. We did not purchase any tickets because it was already late in the day, but visited the surrounding area that was free. We were able to get some nice photos from the bridge and see the beautiful trees in their full fall wardrobe.
Written 9 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sonja C
408 contributions
Aug 2020
Great day exploring Ausable Chasm. We paid an extra $12 to do the River Walk and had a tour guide with us until after the second hanging bridge. We walked down along the water and then over two hanging bridges after that point we were on our own. It is truly beautiful and amazing but there are a few items that should be noted.
The following should be noted before you decide if you would like to do any of the trails: If you have difficulty walking or any kind of disability with going up or down stairs, heights or narrow spaces this is not for you. Or even difficulty breathing. This should be noted on their website, before you pay and even in their brochures, this is not noted anywhere.
We had a great time and it was hot that day, it is an amazing experience.
The following should be noted before you decide if you would like to do any of the trails: If you have difficulty walking or any kind of disability with going up or down stairs, heights or narrow spaces this is not for you. Or even difficulty breathing. This should be noted on their website, before you pay and even in their brochures, this is not noted anywhere.
We had a great time and it was hot that day, it is an amazing experience.
Written 16 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
IrenaM
Boston, MA13 contributions
Jul 2021 • Family
The nature is absolutely stunning and highly recommended. What makes this place a one star business, and I would have given a zero star review if I could, is the horrible management. They sell tickets for activities such as rafting, knowing that the wait is so long that is basically impossible to have the tour you paid for. The lines at Disney are short compared to this.
When we asked the manager for a refund of this part of the ticket, or for a credit, he said to come back tomorrow. Really? Horrible business management, basically a rip off for no service.
Strongly advising to just buy the cheapest ticket that allows you to visit the grounds.
When we asked the manager for a refund of this part of the ticket, or for a credit, he said to come back tomorrow. Really? Horrible business management, basically a rip off for no service.
Strongly advising to just buy the cheapest ticket that allows you to visit the grounds.
Written 5 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi
Planning on going next week with my 14 yo. If you take the regular package (not adventure with rock climbing), is there still a suspended/rooe bridge to walk accross? We would love the bridge, but not really the rock climbing part.
Also, is there a place to leave your stuff that you don’t want to get wet and/or change in bathing suits before doing the tubing?
Written 1 August 2024
Hi,
We are going to Ausable chasm on monday. We are not going to take the rafting trip or the Adventure trail. Is there enough to see on the basic $20.00 entrance
Thanks
Written 26 July 2024
For anyone recently in Ausable Chasm and outdoors can you please let me know if black flies were an issue for you?
Written 11 June 2021
Hi. I plan to go in June with my kids... all experienced hikers. How long should our visit take? I think we will hike, do the float and the adventure trail. Plan to be there when the park opens. I am guessing 4-5 hours. Are there any discounts available?
Written 1 June 2021
Hi , I am going to Ausable chasm tomorrow with husband and my 7 year old son ...for 2 days what are the most to do things I can cover in these 2 days ? Do I have to book tubing online or will I get it from there . Thanks
Written 30 August 2019
Hello, no reservations needed, just walk into the visitor center and make your choice whether yoy would like to tube down the river or raft down, or simply hike through the Chasm. You could also decide to do the ropes course
Written 31 August 2019
Michael G
Waterloo, Canada
The website says that the raft ride is suitable for individuals 30 lbs and greater. Does that mean that our baby would exclude us from taking the raft?
Written 13 August 2018
I would not take the baby on the raft. There is a safety reason for the 30 lbs minimum weight requirement. I would call the place to be absolutely certain.
Written 14 August 2018
Hi I’m going soon to the chasms .. any pointers? And how much does it cost?
Written 6 August 2018
Cost depends on what you want to do. The plain entry just let's you walk the gorge trail which ends with a short ride on the river and that's not too pricey. For the trips with ropes and stuff where you zig zag over the river between the cliffs the cost is considerably more. Do bring your own food and water. There is a snack bar but it isn't cheap. Check website for various prices.
Written 6 August 2018
How wet do you get while tubing? A lot of the pics I notice everyone is in regular clothes and sneakers.
Written 30 July 2018
Tubing is just one of many activities we have here at Ausable Chasm. If tubing swimwear is appropriate attire. Thank You
Written 30 July 2018
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*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.