Ausable Chasm is a natural wonder located in New York’s Adirondack Park. The chasm is a narrow gorge cut into sandstone by the Ausable River. The chasm’s walls are lined with cliffs, waterfalls, and caves. The Chasm is a popular destination for hiking, camping, and photography.
Photographing Ausable Chasm can be an exciting and rewarding experience. The chasm’s dramatic landscape provides a unique setting for photographs. The light at different times of the day creates different moods and effects in the photos. The cliffs, waterfalls, and caves offer endless opportunities for creative compositions.
HOW TO GET TO AUSABLE CHASM
First, please decide which route you want to take. If you’re coming from the East Coast, the quickest way is to take I-87 north until you reach exit 30. From there, it’s a short drive west on Route 9 until you get to the chasm. However, if you’re looking for a more scenic route, you can take I-81 north until you reach Syracuse, then head west on I-90 until you get to Utica. From there, it’s a short drive south on Route 12 until you go to the chasm.
PHOTOGRAPHY GEAR TO BRING TO AUSABLE CHASM
- DSLR Camera
- Tripod
- Wide Angle Lens & a Zoom Lens
- Polarizing Filter
- All of your neutral density filters – lots of running water is here.
HOW LONG CAN WE PHOTOGRAPH HERE?
This can be almost a full day of photographing and hiking, depending on your chosen activities. You can do the river walk, put your gear in your car, and do a river float. There are many options, so go to their website and plan.
Ausable Chasm Riverwalk – Children 5 and up allowed.
Explore the Ausable River during our Riverwalk tour. Descend into the chasm and admire the view of Rainbow Falls. Then, walk at river level with the towering walls standing 150 feet above. Listen to stories about the Chasm and learn about the geological formations formed from melting glaciers after the Ice Age. Go up a set of stairs and stand 50 feet high over the river on a wide cliff before crossing two cable bridges – 100 feet long each and overlooking class 3 and 4 rapids. The tour takes 30-45 minutes and is open for all ages five and above. Wearing helmets (supplied) that fit securely and closed-toed shoes is mandatory.
Raft Float Tours
The tour concludes with a picturesque glide to the landing area, where our guides discuss the unique history of the chasm.
Following the rafting tour, guests have several options:
- Explore the winding Rim Trail for birds-eye views of the chasm.
- Meander through two smaller “dry” chasms on the Dry Chasm Trails.
- Hop aboard one of our trolleys for a quick return to the Welcome Center.
- RATES ARE BELOW.
FOR OUR HIKING PHOTOGRAPHERS – AUSABLE CHASM, NY
Walking tours include a minimum one-mile walk, and a full tour spans a total of five miles. Trails include:
- Inner Sanctum Trail (1 mile)
- Rim Walk Trail (2 miles)
- Dry Chasm Trail (1.5 miles)
- Rainbow Falls/Elephant’s Head Vista (1/2 mile)
PHOTO INFORMATION – MANUAL MODE
Photograph moving water with long-exposure shots for a milky effect. Use a tripod and set your camera to manual mode with an ISO of 100 and an aperture of f/22. Adjust the shutter speed until your meter reads zero, aiming for at least a 2-second exposure.
If you don’t have a neutral density filter, you may be limited to 1/15th of a second in bright light. Consider getting one, as it significantly enhances your images. Visit our store page and Waterfall Page for more information. We also have an article on Neutral Density filters in the How-To Section.
AREA
INFORMATION
2025 Rates at Ausable Chasm
Basic “Trails Only” Admission (5 miles of self-guided park trails, open year-round)
Regular (Age 13+)
$19.95
Child (Age 5-12)
$11.95
Local Resident (Clinton, Essex, Franklin Counties, NY)
$12.00
Under 5 Years of Age
CAMPING
FOOD & DINING
New Vida Preserve Restaurant
Location – Lake Placid – located in the old Paleface Ski Resort, offers stunning views of Whiteface Mountain. You will want to photograph this area too so why not pair it up?
Hours of Operation – Friday and Saturday – 5:00 pm to 8:30 pm
Price range – $31 – $50
Cuisine variety – Farm-to-table, American, Latin/Spanish
Dining experience – Casual atmosphere
Dress code – Business Casual
HOTELS
TWIN PINE LODGE
PO Box 361 – Route 8 & 9, Loon Lake – Chestertown, NY 12817 – Phone: 518-494-4355 – Email: mail@twinpinelodge.com
See more details in our Article on The Adirondack Mountains
Authentic Log Homes or Rustic Adirondack Style Cottages with Fireplaces & Vermont Cast Wood stoves. All set on 25 scenic acres in the Adirondack Mountains. In summer, enjoy our private 20’x40′ in ground pool or stroll down the driveway to the town beach or boat launch on Loon Lake. Enjoy walking or cross country skiing on our trails and view spring, fall, summer or winter seasons as you bask in true Adirondack glory.
WEATHER
Check out the weather at Ausable Chasm
Don’t forget that you can use a rain sleeve on your camera if it is raining.
