Forget the waterpark—there’s a natural wonder in Upstate New York where you can float through towering cliffs, glowing turquoise pools, and hidden caves.
Nicknamed the “Grand Canyon of the Adirondacks,” Ausable Chasm is one of the oldest natural attractions in the United States—and it’s less than a five-hour drive from NYC.
Carved by the Ausable River over 500 million years, this dramatic gorge is packed with jaw-dropping scenery: craggy sandstone cliffs, mysterious caves, and teal waters that look straight out of a postcard.
The most popular way to experience it? By floating right through.
Visitors can tube or raft the Ausable River, gliding between soaring canyon walls and past natural formations with names as cinematic as the sights themselves—like Sentry Box and Broken Needle.
On a guided raft tour, you’ll launch from the Grand Flume’s massive cliffs before floating through the narrowest (and deepest) part of the chasm.
Expect a mix of calm waters and splashes of adrenaline, including small rapids and the Whirlpool Basin.
Prefer to take it slow? Opt for tubing instead. The water will carry you through the lower chasm, with a one-mile walk back along the upper chasm offering even more scenic views.
And the fun doesn’t stop at the river.
Adventurous New Yorkers can try rock climbing, rappelling, lantern-lit tours, hiking trails, and more—each offering an exhilarating new perspective on this incredible natural formation.
Even better? Ausable Chasm is a true four-season destination.
In winter, the gorge transofrms into a frozen wonderland, with breath-taking ice formations and frozen waterfalls that feel straight out of a fairytale.
You can check out our full guide to visiting Ausable Chasm in the winter here.
Planning your visit to Ausable Chasm
- 📍 Location: Ausable Chasm, NY (Adirondacks)
- 🚗 Distance from NYC: ~5 hours by car
- 🎟️ Activities: Tubing, rafting, hiking, lantern tours, climbing, rappelling
- 🌊 Season: Tubing/rafting available summer–early fall
- ℹ️ Information: Get more details about Ausable Chasm
