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.
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 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."
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. River raft tours are priced reasonably at $30 per adult and $28 per child over five years old. That said, I recommend the adventure packages, which combine activities like rafting, rappelling, and climbing into a single fee.
While reservations aren't accepted, Ausable Chasm's popularity means arriving early is advised if you want to beat the crowds. 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.
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. 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.
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