AUSABLE CHASM, NEW YORK – TOP PHOTOGRAPHY SPOT
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Are you looking for a place near you to do photography in upstate New York? Pamela Goodyer, an internationally acclaimed photographer, has curated the best photography locations and brings you all of the first-hand details.
We delve into outdoor photography here at Ausable Chasm, exploring this exceptional location to create dynamic pictures. This isn’t just about landscape photography; it’s a journey to travel to the best places in New York State.
Grab your tripod for your long-exposure milky-water photographs, or if you’re simply a traveler, go and visit. Either way, this is an absolute must-visit location.
Ausable Chasm offers several ways to enjoy its dramatic scenery, but the trails include uneven surfaces, stairs, and some steep sections. Visitors with mobility concerns should review the available options and choose the route that best suits their abilities and comfort level.
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.
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 get to the chasm.
This can be about a half 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.
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. Wearing helmets (supplied) and closed-toed shoes is mandatory.
Raft Float Tours
Following the rafting tour, guests have several options:
Walking tours include a minimum one-mile walk, and a full tour spans a total of five miles. Trails include:
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 (highest number your camera allows). Adjust the shutter speed until your meter reads zero, aiming for at least a 2-second exposure but ideally more.
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 Photography Store and Waterfall Page for more information. We also have an article on Neutral Density filters in the How-To Section.
I extend my gratitude to Sean Reines the historian of Ausable Chasm, for sharing his expertise and providing me with an informative booklet. This beautifully illustrated resource serves as an engaging introduction to the chasm’s history, tracing its evolution from a bustling industrial center to the remarkable tourist destination it is today. I also appreciate General Manager Tim Bresett for his insights and valuable information about Ausable Chasm.
The booklet, created by author Russell Dunn, photographer John Haywood, and Sean Reines, is a delightful keepsake for anyone interested in the rich stories surrounding Ausable Chasm. Copies can be purchased at the on-site gift shop. Below, you can find a brief history of Ausable Chasm.
Speaking of the photography of Ausable Chasm, be sure to visit the fascinating photography history display inside the main building. The chasm has been inspiring photographers for generations, and this collection offers a wonderful glimpse into the ways this extraordinary landscape has been seen and documented through the years. It’s a particularly rewarding stop for us photographers—and a reminder that the story of photographing Ausable Chasm is nearly as remarkable as the place itself.
Historical information adapted from Ausable Chasm In Pictures and Story (see above).
According to Ausable Chasm In Pictures and Story, the chasm has undergone remarkable changes throughout its history, from a dynamic center of industry to the popular destination it is today.
Often dubbed the Grand Canyon of the East, this remarkable site opened its doors to the public in 1870, establishing itself as the oldest continuously operating natural attraction in the United States. The chasm’s origins trace back over 520 million years, shaped significantly by the last ice age when a dramatic climate shift led to the formation of massive glaciers that blanketed North America. This ancient geological process laid the groundwork for the chasm’s current form, which has been further sculpted by the persistent flow of the Osbourne River, steadily carving deeper into what began as a natural fault in the bedrock.
In the late 18th century, Matthew Adgate established a sawmill in the area, attracting settlers who began to arrive around 1792. By the 1800s, logging had emerged as a dominant industry, fueled by the discovery of rich iron ore deposits that transformed the region into an industrial hub, coexisting alongside a burgeoning tourism sector.
A notable mention is the Hotel Oswald Chasm, constructed in 1896, which boasted 300 rooms equipped with electricity—an impressive feat for its time. Unfortunately, this historic establishment was lost to a fire in 1950. Over the years, the chasm has seen numerous renovations, with bridges, stairways, and railings being replaced multiple times. The impact of Hurricane Irene was particularly severe, resulting in significant damage that necessitated the temporary closure of the chasm while it underwent restoration.
Today, Ausable Chasm has transformed into an exciting destination for families, offering a wide array of activities and adventures in a natural setting. Whether you’re looking to explore the landscapes or enjoy thrilling outdoor experiences, this multi-activity park promises fun for everyone.
We noticed the Lantern tours-had we stayed overnight, we would have taken one. Perhaps we’ll return. This can be an all-day destination, and apparently, an all-night one as well. We won’t reveal too much; we want you to experience it firsthand, and we want you to purchase the book at the Ausable Chasm store and read the history firsthand.
5 miles of self-guided park trails, open year-round
Riverwalk: Basic Admission Required, No Reservations Needed/Accepted
Ages 5 and up, sneakers/hiking shoes required
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.
New Vida Preserve Restaurant
Location – Lake Placid – located in the old Paleface Ski Resort, offers 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
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