Depending on the activities you choose, visits can range from about 2 hours to a full day or more. Many guests combine hiking trails with a raft or tube float, a Via Ferrata climb, time in the museum, and a stop at the café or gift shop. To make the most of your visit—especially during busy summer days—we strongly recommend arriving early. Ausable Chasm is open daily beginning at 9:00 AM.
Yes. Lockers are available for rent in our gift shop located in the Welcome Center. If you are participating in a raft or tube float and want to secure items such as phones, wallets, keys, or dry clothing, we highly encourage using a locker.
No. Drones are not permitted at Ausable Chasm. This policy helps ensure the safety of our guests and staff, protects wildlife, and preserves the natural environment. Additionally, FAA Part 107 regulations prohibit flying drones over people, which is particularly relevant given our walking trails, cable bridges, and river activities.
Guests staying at the Ausable Chasm Campground receive admission valid for the entire length of their stay. Wristbands are issued at the Welcome Center and must be worn at all times while on the property.
No. Alcohol is not permitted at the Welcome Center, on walking trails, or during any activities. For safety reasons, individualswho appear visibly intoxicated will not be allowed to participate in activities.
The Welcome Center, including the café, gift shop,and museum, is ADA compliant. Due to the natural terrain, staircases, and uneven surfaces, the outdoor trails within the chasm are not wheelchair accessible.
Strollers are not permitted on the trails due to stairs and narrow walkways. For families with young children, child backpack carriers are available for rent in the gift shop for a modest fee.
For Safety reasons pets are not allowed on then trails. Service animals are permitted only in the Welcome Center, café, gift shop, museum, and on the Rainbow Falls and Elephant Head trails. Pets and service animals are allowed at the campground (please see the campground page for speciific restrictions).
Yes . Our seasonal café, located in the Welcome Center, serves a wide variety of made-to-order lunch items including sandwiches, paninis, hamburgers, soups, and more. Be sure to try our signature sandwiches and burgers, named after iconic Ausable Chasm features such as the Sandstone and Devil’s Oven Paninis.
The raft float itself lasts approximately 15–30 minutes, depending on river conditions. When combined with trail walking, orientation, and shuttle transportation, guests should plan for 2 or more hours to complete the full raft tour experience.
The tube float typically lasts 30–60 minutes, depending on the river current. Guests participating in the full Classic Tour with tubing should plan to spend approximately 2.5–3 hours total. Be prepared to get wet.
Most guests remain largely dry during the raft tour. However, there may be some water in the bottom of the raft, and splashing can occur. We recommend securing footwear to your life vest if you prefer to keep shoes dry. As with any river activity, there is always a chance of getting wet, so please plan accordingly.
Dress appropriately for the weather and the activities you plan to participate in. Proper footwear is required for certain activities, including sturdy shoes with good traction. Specific clothing and footwear requirements can be found on each individual activity page.
No. Weapons or firearms of any kind are not permitted anywhere on Ausable Chasm property.
Yes. Ausable Chasm offers a wide range of experiences suitable for families, couples, and adventure seekers. Trail difficulty and activity options vary, allowing guests to tailor their visit to their comfort and ability levels. Age and height requirements apply to certainactivities.
Ausable Chasm is located in the Adirondacks, approximately 45 minutes from Lake Placid, making it one of the most popular day trips from Lake Placid for hiking, rafting, and tubing adventures.
Many activities operate rain or shine; however, river conditions and severe weather may affect certain experiences. Safety is our top priority. If an activity must be modified or canceled due to conditions, our staff will assist guests with options when available.
Yes. Ausable Chasm offers a guided Via Ferrata experience, a protected climbing route that allows guests to traverse the chasm walls using fixed cables, iron rungs, and safety systems. This is a guided adventure suitable for beginners with moderate fitness levels. Age, height, and weight requirements apply—please review the Via Ferrata page before booking. Also availabe are Rappelling and Rock Climbing.
Reservations are not required for Hiking, Raft Tour, Tube Float, River Walk and Adventure Trails. Purchase when you arrive at the Welcome Center ticket counter. Reservations are required for Rappelling and Rock Climbing. Visit the activity page to learn more.
Ausable Chasm offers both guided and self-guided experiences. Walking trails can be explored at your own pace, while river activities and climbing adventures are fully guided by trained staff for safety and interpretation.
First-time guests often enjoy combining scenic walking trails with a raft or tube float to experience the chasm from both above and below. This combination provides a well-rounded introduction to the natural history, geology, and adventure offerings at Ausable Chasm.
Yes. Ausable Chasm welcomes school groups, camps, corporate outings, and large groups. We do have special rates for groups as well as opportunities to customize your visit. Please contact Debbie Hackett, Ausable Chasm Tour Manager at: debbie@ausablechasm.com.
Swimming is not permitted in the Ausable River within Ausable Chasm due to strong currents, variable water levels, and safety concerns. Guests may only enter the river as part of guided rafting or tubing activities.
Yes. The Ausable Chasm Campground is open to campers whether or not they plan to participate in activities. Campers enjoy convenient access to the chasm, nearby Adirondack attractions, and extended admission privileges during their stay.
Ausable Chasm is one of the oldest natural attractions in the United States, offering a rare combination of dramatic geology, towering sandstone cliffs, waterfalls, river adventures, and guided climbing experiences. Its proximity to Lake Placid makes it a standout destination for Adirondack day trips.
Ausable Chasm operates seasonally, with most activities available from spring through fall. Operating dates and available experiences vary by season and weather conditions. Please check the website for operating hours and activity availability.
Yes. Gift cards are available and can be used toward admission, activities, and purchases in the gift shop. The Welcome Center gift shop also offers souvenirs, apparel, and locally inspired items.
If you don’t see your question listed here, please email us at info@AusableChasm.com, and our team will be happy to assist you as soon as possible.
