America's Oldest Natural Attraction Is Right Here In New York... And It's Absolutely Breathtaking
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Lea Monroe
Author
Here on the East Coast, New York is home to some pretty noteworthy natural wonders. We recently talked about our love for the Adirondacks, but did you know that one of our country’s oldest natural attractions can be found in this region? With history dating back to the 1800s, this place has a few stories to tell. Filled with adventure, history, and breathtaking beauty, there’s plenty to keep you busy at this one attraction right here in our state:
Located in the small town of Keeseville up near Lake Champlain, you'll find one of our countries oldest natural attractions. Ausable Chasm has had over 10 million visitors come to see this work of art by Mother Nature.
How to get here: 2144 Route 9 Keeseville, NY 12911
How to get here: 2144 Route 9 Keeseville, NY 12911
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At Ausable Chasm you'll be able to experience the 500 million year old sandstone rock, where rare fossils have even been found! To see the beautiful sandstone up close is absolutely amazing.
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One of the best parts about this natural attraction is that there are so many different ways to experience it. A popular way to view the historic gorge is to take a walking tour where you'll explore adrenaline-pumping walkways, like you can see pictured above.
One of the best scenic tours you'll ever take in the Adirondacks, here you'll be able to take yourself on a self-guided walking tour. Along the way you'll spot wildlife and be able to explore the historic attraction at your own pace.
List of walking trails:
Rainbow Falls & Elephant's Head Visita - 1/2 mile
Inner Sanctum Trail - 1 mile
Dry Chasm Trail - 1.5 miles
Rim Walk Trail - 2 miles
List of walking trails:
Rainbow Falls & Elephant's Head Visita - 1/2 mile
Inner Sanctum Trail - 1 mile
Dry Chasm Trail - 1.5 miles
Rim Walk Trail - 2 miles
Pictured above, you can see one of the many amazing natural wonders you'll discover along the trails, the Elephant Head! Can you see it? Formed by two large blocks of sandstone, this part of Ausable Chasm earned its name because many think the formation resembles an elephant's head!
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An exciting way to cool yourself off during the summer months, you can take on the Ausable River in either a raft or a tube! Giving you insane views of the gorge and adventurous trails above you, this experience is something everyone should make a point to try.
Tip: During the summer for obvious reasons, these tours are very popular. If going rafting or tubing is something you want to do, make a point to arrive here as early as you can!
Tip: During the summer for obvious reasons, these tours are very popular. If going rafting or tubing is something you want to do, make a point to arrive here as early as you can!
If a self-guided tour of exploring the exciting walkways doesn't have enough adrenaline-filled adventure for you, then kick things up a notch by taking on the Adventure Trail! Taking you through upper Ausable Chasm, the trail will have you literally crisscrossing over the river. Open during the summer daily, this tour will bring you on cable bridges, cargo nets, and have you actually walking along the edge of the gorge. You won't want to miss this!
Normally beginning after dusk, guided tours of the dark gorge are given during the summer. If you've already visited Ausable Chasm and have been wanting to come back, this could be a fun alternative for visiting a second time! While you're allowed to bring your own lantern, everyone on the tour will be provided with one for the tour. The tour will bring you along the river and ends with a charming campfire with marshmallows. Hello late night paradise!
The tours generally take 2 hours and require a reservation beforehand.
Price: $25.00
The tours generally take 2 hours and require a reservation beforehand.
Price: $25.00
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Pictured above, you can see that not all of Ausable Chasm's trails have stood the tests of time. In the winter of 1996, extreme damage was caused during a record high flood that would lated be declared a disaster site. Seeing broken pieces of the canyon is a reminder of the long history this attraction has.
With so many waterfalls, wildlife and historic walkways, there is plenty to be explained here along your adventurous trip. Throughout Ausable Chasm you'll be able to find signs all over telling you what you're seeing and the fascinating history behind it all.
For further information on visiting this amazing attraction, click here.
For further information on visiting this amazing attraction, click here.
Because sometimes pictures don’t do our attractions justice, here’s an amazing video that captures all you can see at Ausable Chasm:
WOW. Talk about having your breath stolen away! Did you know there is another jaw-dropping canyon in New York? Click here, to read about the Grand Canyon of the East.
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