Ausable Chasm | The Little Canyon of the East

We’ve driven Interstate 87 toward New York a dozen times without noticing the presence of this natural tourist attraction in the Adirondacks founded in 1870: Ausable Chasm, one of the oldest in the United States, a few miles south of Plattsburgh.

However, the Ausable Chasm canyon is easily accessible for Quebecers, conveniently located an hour and a half drive from Montreal, making it even possible to go there and back in the same day. What’s more, young and old can take part in the escapade, because the easy trails do not require any special skills.

As soon as we arrive on site, a dilemma arises: should we dare or not to do the via ferrata and rappel? Since we suffer from vertigo, we instead opt for the Explorer Package, which includes the 1.6 km Riverwalk Tour, which is an exploration of the river and canyon, a descent into the rapids in a 10-person raft or individual tube, as well as 8 km of hiking trails for those who want to continue exploring.

The hike begins after crossing the bridge over the main road overlooking the canyon, where we get a taste of what awaits us. This is the beginning of the well-maintained hiking trails, with informative posters to deepen our geological knowledge.

First we are at Rocky Point, where we learn about the formation of Ausable Chasm 500 million years ago. Then we arrive at an impressive bird’s eye view of a rock split by water erosion that has created a gorge. The activity has only just begun and already, the wonder is there.

Crossing the rope bridge

The descent into the canyon continues calmly until arriving at the rope bridge which may frighten some: it sways when you cross it on a simple wooden plank.

On the other side, separated into groups of about fifteen visitors, we are accompanied by two guides who tell many anecdotes related to Ausable Chasm, such as those heavy rains in July (at the time of our visit) when the water rose some 30 feet. It is also at this location that it is possible to admire one of the most popular rock formations among visitors: Elephant’s Head, which rises 100 feet high and is shaped like an elephant’s head sculpted by erosion.

The exciting rafting descent

After crossing the same bridge in reverse, the hike continues in a pleasant way, winding along the Ausable River to Table Rock (the starting point), where you have to choose between rafting (15 to 20 minutes) or tubing (30 minutes), or both, for an additional fee. When we went, the water level was unfortunately too high for tubing.

So we line up for the rafting. Patience will be required, since the line can be long in the summer. While waiting, we can admire the clever system for lowering the inflatable rafts using a rope or make friends with the many Quebecers in the line.

When our turn comes, we choose the seats at the front, as we are the first. But sitting in the front row comes with a constraint: that of having to paddle to help the guide if the raft no longer moves forward. We easily pass the first rapids leading us to Grand Flume, the deepest and narrowest section of the canyon. The panorama is splendid. We are in the middle of a gorge, surrounded by cliffs and, apart from the sound of the water, everything is so peaceful.

We continue our descent into the more intense rapids of the Whirlpool Basin. The guide tells the first ones at the front to put their feet under the straps and paddle. We manage to get through without any problems and we arrive at a quieter section where our guide immortalizes the moment for those who wish. The descent ends after the third rapids and we are invited to get out of the raft for an impromptu swim in the refreshing water.

In the heart of the Big Dry Chasm

Back on dry land, the most tired can take the bus back to the reception, but we choose to continue the hike by taking Big Dry Chasm, a trail rated difficult that is not really difficult. There are a few small chasms formed by old dried-up river beds, but nothing to put off hikers, even beginners. We are more in the forest, so the vegetation is more luxuriant. Birdwatchers can even observe several species: woodpecker, blue jay, great blue heron and American robin.

After a busy day, we leave with our heads full of memorable landscapes and lasting memories, with the firm desire to come back to try other activities. After all, there is that missed tubing descent… A lantern-lit walk with a campfire and marshmallows is also possible in summer, as well as a winter stroll, since the place is open 12 months a year.

Check the website to ensure all activities are offered.

Visit the Ausable Chasm website