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Ausable Chasm
Good-for-Kids Rating
Babies
Toddlers & Pre-K
School-Age KidsPre-Teens & Teens
Hiking
Cavern
Ausable Chasm Description
Float around the water inside this antiquated chasm, and it's like being dropped inside the "Land of the Lost." No doubt, the place feels prehistoric, fitting since it formed somewhere around the Pleistocene era. Carved out by the river of the same name, the chasm meanders along a few-mile stretch, with towering rock formations above and rushing water below. See it from either vantage point, via walking trail around the rim, or inner tube or raft in the drink. Either way, just plain cool.
Kid Tips
Babies: With lots of stairs, you probably won't get past the upper rim carrying a baby — and probably wouldn't want to. And, strollers are not allowed. Baby backpacks are available for rental.
Toddlers & Pre-K: Raft rides say they're for ages 2 and older. But, you'll have to walk a mile to the water, much of it on steep stairs. Good for some, not so much for others.
School-Age Kids: The tube ride is pretty gentle. The only exception is following a strong rain, something to consider if you've got non-adventure-seeking kids.
Pre-Teens & Teens: Be prepared for a pricey day. Hiking prices start at $16, and all the options (and at this age, kids will want to do it all) can add up. If you think they'll want to tube more than once, look for multiple-ride plans when you buy your tickets.
Planning Notes
- Water borne. Options for enjoying the river include inner tube and raft. You'll have to be 4-feet tall to ride the tube.
- Land lubber. Walking trails include an upper and lower. The lower is more exciting, but requires steep stairs and can get slippery. All trails, however, have adequate fencing.
- Temperature Gauge. The optimal time for water activities is July and early August. Other times, you might want to consider a wetsuit.
- Plan ahead. You can decide to tube at the end of one of the trails, but, it's fairly impractical since you'll need to be prepared (there's no place to stash stuff without walking back first) and you'll have to pay cash. Better to plan ahead.
- Triple play. Ausable Chasm is one of the three attractions — High Falls Gorge and Natural Stone Bridge being the others — that offer discounts for visiting the trio.
- More fun. Other options at the chasm include horseback riding and nighttime Lantern Tours (the latter for ages 13 and up only).
- Talk like a local. Locals love to playfully correct visitors about pronouncing their river's name. It's "aw-sayble."
Just the Facts
Hours: Mid-May through mid-June, daily 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.; mid-June through Labor Day, daily, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., Labor Day through late October, daily 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Late Oct through mid-May, by reservation only.
Fees: $10-$20.
Recommended Time: Half day
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