The Awe-Inspiring New York Gorge Best Known As The 'Grand Canyon Of The Adirondacks'

New York is one of the most popular states in America among tourists. The "Empire State" welcomed around 300 million travelers in 2023 alone. New York City, one of the country's most iconic destinations, sits high on many travelers' bucket lists.

While the "Big Apple" is well worth a visit, it would be a shame to visit New York without exploring some of the gorgeous natural scenery outside of the urban core. The Ausable Chasm in upstate New York is an outdoor enthusiast's dream, and provides the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in nature. 

The Ausable Chasm has been welcoming visitors since 1870. It's nestled within the stunning Adirondack Mountains. Lake Champlain, a must-visit destination for history buffs, is just a few miles away. The deep gorge has been nicknamed the "Grand Canyon of the Adirondacks", and opportunities for outdoor recreation abound. Hiking, rafting, camping, tubing, and rock climbing are just a few of the many adventures you can enjoy during your visit. Pack your bags, and get ready to experience New York's wild side. 

The Ausable Chasm began to form hundreds of millions of years ago when an ancient river carved through the deposits of Potsdam sandstone. While gorges carved by water are common in the western United States, the Ausable Chasm's formation makes it unique on the east coast. The first person to discover the gorge was an Irish immigrant named William Gilliland who decided to explore Lake Champlain in October 1765. He navigated his boat up the mouth of the Ausable River, and soon noticed the narrow gorge in the distance.

According to the Ausable Chasm website, he wrote of the discovery in his journal. "It is a most admirable sight, appearing on each side like a regular built wall, somewhat ruinated, and one would think that this prodigious clift was occasioned by an earthquake, their height on each side is from 40 to 100 feet in the different places; we saw about a half a mile of it, and by its appearance where we stopped it may continue very many miles further." 

After its discovery, the Ausable Chasm was used for logging and later mining when iron ore was found in the region. In the 1800s a prosperous factory that produced nails was built nearby. The factory closed in the early 1900's and the Ausable Chasm became a popular tourist attraction. Today the property is privately owned and operated buy the Ausable Chasm Co. and attracts around 100,000 visitors each year. 

The Ausable Chasm is a perfect summer adventure in the United States. It's about five hours by car from New York City, and less than an hour-and-a-half from the Canadian city of Montreal. The property has camping and cabin rentals onsite. Sites for tents and RVs are both available, with prices starting around $40 per night. Cabin rentals are also available, with per night costs starting around $100. Amenities at the campground include a pool, a disc golf course, playgrounds for kids, bathrooms, hot showers, and trails for hiking and mountain biking. The Lake Champlain region has plenty of additional accommodation options including luxurious lodges, quaint inns, and private vacation rentals.

During the summer, rafting is one of the best ways to experience the beautiful gorge. Tours are offered daily by the Ausable Chasm Co. Along the way you'll get to admire some of the most famous rock formations with names like Table Rock, Grand Flume, Sentry Box, and Broken Needle. Gentle rapids will propel you forward, offering plenty of fun for the whole family. If you prefer to cool off on a warm day, consider opting for tubing over rafting. After hiking a mile along the upper chasm, you'll float downstream. Rafting and tubing are very popular during the summer, so be sure to come early to beat the crowds.

Rock climbing is another popular activity within the gorge. Both beginners and experienced climbers will enjoy scaling the sandstone walls of the breathtaking Ausable Chasm. There are several guided rock climbing tour options with prices starting at $75 per person for an hour-and-a-half of climbing.