August 08, 2012

Ausable Chasm

Ausable Chasm, a majestic two mile long gorge made up of 500 million year-old sandstone, has provided for area tourism, recreation, and industry for nearly 200 years. The chasm was formed by glacial activity along faults in the earth's bedrock, creating cliffs, caves, and other rock formations. The main branch of the Ausable River tumbles over two spectacular waterfalls, Alice Falls and Rainbow Falls, before entering the gorge, with walls as high as 175 feet, just outside the small Adirondack town of Keeseville.

The waterfalls at Ausable Chasm were well suited to providing energy for small communities dependent upon several industries. Ausable Chasm was the site of a horse nail factory on the east bank below Rainbow Falls between 1877 and 1910. This factory, harnessing the power of the waterfall, provided up to 1,000 tons of nails annually.

By the turn of the century, the industries making use of the river's energy began to diminish, and were replaced by the tourist industry keen on seeking out the natural stone galleries and exciting rapids. Tourists have been recreating at Ausable Chasm since the 1870's.

Bridges and trails have long spanned chasm walls providing spectacular views of the geographic formations. "Elephant's Head", with the appearance of an elephant's trunk, is one such natural rock formation. Further down the trail, one will come upon "Devil's Oven", a cave that sits amid the rock walls. There are numerous other interesting sites to behold. Ausable Chasm is a must-see Adirondack attraction. 

 

Aurora Ramsay works in the research library at the Adirondack History Center Museum.

 

ADIRONDACK HISTORY CENTER MUSEUM
ESSEX COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY
PO Box 428, 7590 Court Street
Elizabethtown, NY 12932

 

Phone: (518) 873-6466
General Information: echs@adkhistorycenter.org 

 

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