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.
To get the most out of your photography of Ausable Chasm, it is essential to plan and be prepared for the challenges of photographing in such a remote location. Ensure you have the proper equipment, clothing, and supplies before leaving. And be aware of the potential hazards, such as slippery rocks and dangerous currents. With some preparation and care, you can capture stunning images of this natural wonder.
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.
To get the most out of your photography of Ausable Chasm, it is essential to plan and be prepared for the challenges of photographing in such a remote location. Ensure you have the proper equipment, clothing, and supplies before leaving. And be aware of the potential hazards, such as slippery rocks and dangerous currents. With some preparation and care, you can capture stunning images of this natural wonder.
Hours and fees are subject to change. Please call ahead to confirm. Float Tours and trolley/shuttle buses are available only from mid-May to Columbus Day. Trails are open all year, depending on weather conditions. Make sure you check the forecast before visiting so you can dress appropriately! Don’t let the rain scare you away—they stay open despite any precipitation, though lightning may cause us to stop activities for 30 minutes or less. And if the forecast is not so great, bring your camera rain sleeve.
HOW TO GET TO AUSABLE CHASM
The journey to Ausable Chasm will take you through some of the most beautiful scenery in the country, and you’ll get to experience all the chasm has to offer. Here’s everything you need to know about making the trip.
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.
Once you’ve decided on your route, it’s time to start planning your stops along the way. If you’re taking I-87, there are plenty of rest stops and gas stations where you can stop for a break. If you’re taking I-81 or I-90, there are plenty of places to stop; however, since these routes are more rural, ensuring your gas tank is full before starting out is essential.
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 are 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.
- 2023 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) $11.50
- LOCAL RESIDENT (CLINTON, ESSEX, FRANKLIN COUNTIES, NY)
- $12.00
- UNDER 5 YEARS OF AGE – FREE
- LINK TO AUSABLE CHASM WEBSITE INFORMATION
AT A GLANCE
Lens: Wide Angle
Gear List at a Glance: Circular polarizing filter, neutral density filter, tripod, shutter release, wide-angle lens. – Long exposure running waters.
When to Go: Call ahead in the winter months to see if they are open. We like Fall the best.
MANUAL MODE
You have moving waters here. You can do your long-exposure running and milky water shots. You will have to use a tripod for this effect. Your settings will vary depending on the lighting and your neutral density filter. You will shoot in manual mode for the milky waters. ISO is always 100 or as low as your camera will allow. The aperture is f22. Your shutter speed will be the only variable depending on the light. Roll your shutter speed until your meter reads zero. (In the center) Use your shutter release or your 2-second timer to prevent camera movement when exposing. You will want at least a 2-second exposure for milky water. If you don’t have a neutral density filter, you may not get more than 1/15th of a second in the sun.
If you don’t have a neutral density filter, you can buy one here. We highly suggest you do not go anywhere without one. It makes all the difference between lifeless images and outstanding, dynamic images.
AREA
INFORMATION
2022 Rates at Ausable Chasm
Basic “Trails Only” Admission (5 miles of self-guided park trails, open year-round)
REGULAR (AGE 13+) $17.95
CHILD (AGE 5-12) $9.95
LOCAL RESIDENT (CLINTON, ESSEX, FRANKLIN COUNTIES, NY)
$10.00
CAMPING
Ausable Chasm Campground & Cabins
ONLINE RESERVATIONS CLICK HERE!
OR CALL 518-834-9990
Would you like to be featured in an article as a place to stay while doing photography or ghost hunting? If so, please send us an email. You will be surprised at how affordable our prices can be.
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
HOTEL
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
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.