Ausable Chasm

The Ausable River cut this gorge through Potsdam sandstone, rock laid down around five hundred million years ago, producing walls up to about fifty metres with narrow sections and formations that early promoters gave names like Elephant's Head and the Devil's Oven. It opened as a commercial attraction in 1870, which makes it among the oldest continuously operating natural attractions in the United States. Walkways run along the rock face and bridges cross the water. A flood in 1996 destroyed much of the walkway infrastructure and it was rebuilt. Beyond walking, the operation runs rafting and tubing down the calmer lower section, and lantern tours after dark.

What you actually see

• Sandstone walls up to fifty metres - rock around 500 million years old.
• Walkways cut along the rock face - with bridges over the water.
• An attraction running since 1870 - among the oldest in the country.
• Rafting and tubing - on the lower, calmer section.

When to go

May to October; a limited winter programme runs. Three hours.

Honest expectations

It is a privately run paid attraction, not a park. High water closes the lower walkways and the river activities. Walkways are wet and stepped. Prices add up with the optional river trips.

Nearby

Lake Champlain is east; the High Peaks are west.