Ausable Chasm Is One of the Best River Rafting Adventures in New York

Now that summer's fully here, it's time to plan our warm-weather adventures. What says holiday more than river rafting in New York? Whether you're a dozing floater, bird watcher, or you bring the party to the water, Ausable Chasm is the perfect place to spend a balmy afternoon.

What Makes Ausable Chasm Special

Tucked in the stunning Adirondack range, Ausable Chasm is an impressive geological formation in its own right. Around 10,000 years ago, receding glaciers gouged deep furrows into the Champlain Valley before melting into the Champlain Sea. Eventually, these waters dispersed, and the Ausable River began its long project of carving through the local sandstone. Today, the gorge is 150 feet deep and stretches two miles!

Indigenous nations have lived in the region since time immemorial, but modern tourism at Ausable Chasm began in 1873. From the start, the gorge was a popular spot for outdoor recreation. Its early years saw famous visitors including John D. Rockefeller, Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt, President William McKinley, and Thomas Edison.

Today, over a hundred thousand people visit the gorge each year. Its enduring fame has earned it the nickname the "Grand Canyon of the Adirondacks." Here you can descend hundreds of feet down along natural stone walkways to hike, float, raft, or climb amidst breathtaking landmarks. As such, visiting Ausable Chasm is considered one of the best Adirondack summer activities around.

What To Know Before Visiting Ausable Chasm

Anyone on the hunt for things to do in the Adirondacks will love this New York landmark. As a local tourist attraction, you must pay to enjoy Ausable Chasm. These fees help maintain and preserve the site's infrastructure for future use. The price is worth it, however, as Ausable Chasm is one of the best places to go tubing in New York, as well as rafting.

River raft tours and tube float tours are priced reasonably at $30 per adult and $28 per child aged 5 to 12 years old, while children under five are $10. There is no minimum age for rafting, although all guests must weigh at least 30 pounds. If the rigamarole of pay-to-play gets your goat, remember the plus sides: Staff are on-hand to ensure your safety and remove the hassle of lugging rafts from A to B.

Along your Ausable River rafting adventure, you'll depart from Table Rock, paddling through the cliffs of the Grand Flume—the deepest portion of Ausable Chasm. Your raft guide will detail the surrounding rock formations like Broken Needle and Sentry Box, before guiding you through the rapids and ending with a little history about the chasm. Once the tour concludes, guests can explore the Rim Trail for stunning views before taking the trolley back to the Welcome Center. No wonder it's one of the top destinations for rafting near Lake Placid.

Raft tours typically last 15 to 30 minutes, depending on current river conditions. Tube floats can span anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes. Still, you should plan to spend about 2 to 3 hours at this attraction to account for trail walking, orientation, and shuttle transportation, not to mention taking in all the spectacular natural wonders around you.

Other Ausable Chasm Activities

Looking for more outdoor adventures in New York? You can also go rock-climbing or harness up and embark on the Adventure Trail at Ausable Chasm, crossing over the river on a fully-guided, bird's-eye adventure that includes cable bridges, edge walks, and a cargo net climb. That said, I recommend the discount packages, which combine activities like rafting, rappelling, and climbing into a single fee. Just remember, reservations are required for rappelling and rock climbing, and children must be 8 and up to complete the Adventure Trail.

When To Arrive

This remarkable Adirondack destination operates seasonally, with most activities available from spring through fall. Still, summer is considered the peak season for water adventures, with July and August being the most popular months. While reservations aren't accepted for rafting or tubing, Ausable Chasm's popularity means arriving early is advised if you want to beat the crowds.

Ausable Chasm opens daily at 9 a.m and closes at either 4 p.m. or 5 p.m., depending on the season. Between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., wait times for tubing can be more than an hour due to the popularity of these Adirondack attractions.

What To Bring Along on Your Ausable River Adventure

Speaking as someone who's forgotten these items on countless river adventures, don't forget to pack your waterproof sunscreen, sunglasses, and plenty of water. Although lockers are available for personal items, you may also want to bring dry bags to keep any items you plan on taking down the river dry.

Closed-toed shoes are also necessary, whether you are lazily tubing in New York or descending on an Adirondack rafting adventure. Additionally, if you're interested in exploring the area's beautiful trails, I also recommend bringing hiking shoes! With these items and a sense of adventure, you'll be well on your way to having a fantastic day in New York's gorgeous outdoors.

Are you looking for river rafting in New York? Mark your calendar for a day at Ausable Chasm! Not only is this Adirondacks spot stunning, but it's also home to a fascinating local history you can learn about from knowledgeable staff. Undoubtedly, an afternoon here belongs on your summer bucket list.

Searching for more summer water adventures in New York? The Empire State has plenty of opportunities for summer fun, whether you like hidden swimming holes, striking waterfalls, or lazy rivers in New York to relax on.