Ausable Chasm

While staying at Saranac Lake, we ventured to the northeast corner of Adirondack Park to visit Ausable Chasm, sometimes called "The Little Grand Canyon of the East".

Ausable Chasm began formation 500 million years ago within a fault in the Potsdam sandstone strata, once the bottom of a prehistoric ocean. Geologic fault lines splitting the sandstone, receding glaciers and later the erosive force of the Ausable River created this 2 mile long gorge bordered by cliffs towering 100-200 feet high.

The self-guided walking tour started with a view of the elephant's head, a unique rock formation created by the closely spaced vertical joints. We then proceeded on the newly completed Rim Walk where guests could now walk the entire length of the chasm.

The Rim Trail provided a bird's eyeview of the gorge. But for a closer look, we descended 150ft down into the Inner Sanctum trail. Here, we could see the rocks more closely, and feel the power of the Ausable River below us. At Table Rock, we saw some hardy souls getting on a rubber raft to experience the last mile of the chasm even closer. In warmer weather, there would have been some others tubing down the river.

The oldest natural attraction in the USA, Ausable Chasm has been attracting visitors since 1870, 22 years before the Adirondack Park was established. And now, winter tours of the park are available with advanced reservation. At more than 168 miles from Kayuta Lake, a day trip to Ausable Chasm may be just too ambitious. But not impossible.