Natural Wonders Loop

  • 2144 Route 9, Au Sable Chasm

See some of the most dramatic destinations along the Adirondack Coast! Behold the glory of the "Grand Canyon of the East," Ausable Chasm, with multiple ways to enjoy the different vantage points and backdrops. If you're up for a pit stop, try hiking to the glorious viewpoint of Poke-o-Moonshine Mountain's tower-topped summit. Or put a pioneer cabin into the frame with a visit to the 1812 Homestead in Willsboro. Snap a photo of the opposite shore with a visit to the Essex Ferry.

  • Approximate travel time: 3 hours 
  • Length: 100 miles

Directions

From Lake Placid, take Route 86 north, then continue on through Wilmington onto Bonnieview Road. Go east on County Route 1/Silver Lake Road to Keeseville, stopping at Ausable Chasm for a spectacular view of the natural wonder. South of Keeseville, take Route 22 over to Willsboro and down the lakeshore into the historic hamlet of Essex, where you can continue right to the lake on Lakeshore Drive into Westport. Follow Route 9N from Westport to Elizabethtown and pick-up Route 73, heading back north to Lake Placid.

Highlights and side trips: