It’s billed as the largest natural attraction in the Adirondacks, and, as it was established in 1870, the oldest in America. Technically it’s much, much older than that, being that it was created by the Ausable River cutting through a fault in Potsdam sandstone about 500 million years ago.
Either way, chances are it’s quite a bit older than you are, and it’s a unique chance to see the power of nature in a maze of rock and Adirondack forest. This 150-foot vertical-wall canyon is a treasure of geology, flora and fauna, featuring amazingly carved rock surfaces and a meadow filled with wildflowers. The chasm is crossed by bridges, many of them historic and all the source of some ancient legend. Many of the natural phenomena are described on signage along the tours.
You can see all of this from a number of vantage points: by self-guided walking tour on three miles of natural walkways, aided periodically by sturdy bridges and stairs; from a raft on the river or tube, which is surprisingly family-friendly; and at night with the help of a lantern.
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Things to know:
Region: Adirondacks
Elevation: 374 feet
Average temperature: Low 8 degrees, high 82 degrees F.
Related activities: Take a drive down the Lakes to Locks Scenic Byway or visit historic Fort Ticonderoga; both are nearby!
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