SCHOOL FIELD TRIPS
Bring your students to Ausable Chasm for an unforgettable outdoor learning experience in the Adirondacks. Our field trips combine hands-on education, active exploration, and natural history in one unique location. Students step into a living classroom as they explore one of the oldest natural attractions in the United States (est. 1870). Guided and self-guided programs introduce key concepts in geology, erosion, glacial history, ecology, and environmental science — all while students hike, observe, and engage directly with the landscape.
Groups travel through a primeval Adirondack forest, visit iconic landmarks such as Rainbow Falls, Elephant’s Head, Hyde’s Cave, and Mystic Gorge, and descend hundreds of feet into the Chasm to walk along natural stone pathways shaped over millions of years. With more than five miles of hiking trails, plus optional rafting and tubing experiences, schools can customize their visit to match grade level, curriculum goals, and activity preferences.
Ausable Chasm offers structured group planning, educational value, and an experience students will remember long after they return to the classroom.
supports classroom learning in:
Physical Education, Science.
topics covered:
Geology, earth science, rocks, history, fitness.
contact info
Name: Deborah Hackett
Phone: 518-834-7454
Email: [email protected]
INFO
ABOUT
Ausable Chasm
Ausable Chasm is a breathtaking natural sandstone gorge located in Keeseville, New York, in the heart of the Adirondacks. Carved by the Ausable River over hundreds of millions of years, it is one of the oldest natural attractions in the United States and a top destination for Adirondack outdoor adventures.
Visitors of all ages can explore scenic hiking trails, towering cliffs, waterfalls, and dramatic rock formations through guided tours or self-guided experiences. Popular activities include river rafting, tubing, Via Ferrata climbing, and family-friendly walking tours through the Chasm, making it one of the best things to do near Lake Placid for families and groups.
Ausable Chasm is ideal for family outings, school field trips, scout groups, and homeschool adventures, offering a half-day to full-day experience that combines hands-on learning with outdoor fun. Students and explorers alike can learn about geology, glacial history, and Adirondack ecology while immersed in the beauty of a primeval forest.
The surrounding area also offers unique local attractions, including the North Country Underground Railroad Museum, Adirondack Architectural Heritage, and nearby sustainable farms such as North Country Creamery and Mace Chasm Farm. Whether you’re planning a family adventure in New York, a group field trip, or a weekend getaway in the Adirondacks, Ausable Chasm provides a one-of-a-kind outdoor experience that blends education, exploration, and adventure.
contact info
Hrs: Summer 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM and Fall, Winter, Spring 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
HELPFUL LESSON PLAN(S)
Prepared by FieldTripDirectory.com
Nature Exploration Lesson Plan
FUN FACTS
One single tree can provide the oxygen required for two human beings and over 8,000 sheets of paper. Trees can also clean the soil and air by absorbing harmful pollutants. So what have you done for a tree lately? Nature centers and state parks provide a hands-on environment to discover facts about native plants and animals, as well as ways to preserve these natural resources.
View Lesson Plan>>
SCOUT TROOP FIELD TRIPS
Plan your next troop outing at Ausable Chasm, where Scouts can combine advancement, outdoor skills, and unforgettable adventure in one dynamic Adirondack setting. Scout groups can work toward Hiking, Camping, Nature, Environmental Science, and adventure-based badges during customizable day trips or overnight experiences. Our natural landscape becomes a hands-on training ground for leadership, teamwork, and outdoor preparedness.
Scouts explore one of the oldest natural attractions in the United States (est. 1870) while hiking through a primeval Adirondack forest. Along the way, they encounter iconic landmarks such as Rainbow Falls, Elephant’s Head, Hyde’s Cave, and Mystic Gorge — all while learning about geology, erosion, watershed systems, and regional ecology.
Troops descend hundreds of feet into the Chasm to walk natural stone pathways carved over millions of years, reinforcing observation skills and environmental awareness. With more than five miles of hiking trails, plus optional rafting, tubing, and climbing experiences, Scouts can challenge themselves physically while strengthening teamwork and confidence.
On-site camping options make it easy to turn a day of exploration into a full outdoor adventure. Ausable Chasm offers Scout groups a safe, structured environment where adventure meets advancement — and where lifelong memories are made.
supports scout badges in:
Hiking, Camping, Nature, Environmental Science, and adventure-based badges
topics covered:
Hiking, camping, rock climbing, rappelling, fitness, geology, rocks, earth science.
contact info
Name: Deborah Hackett
Phone: 518-834-7454
Email: [email protected]
INFO
ABOUT
Ausable Chasm
Ausable Chasm is a breathtaking natural sandstone gorge located in Keeseville, New York, in the heart of the Adirondacks. Carved by the Ausable River over hundreds of millions of years, it is one of the oldest natural attractions in the United States and a top destination for Adirondack outdoor adventures.
Visitors of all ages can explore scenic hiking trails, towering cliffs, waterfalls, and dramatic rock formations through guided tours or self-guided experiences. Popular activities include river rafting, tubing, Via Ferrata climbing, and family-friendly walking tours through the Chasm, making it one of the best things to do near Lake Placid for families and groups.
Ausable Chasm is ideal for family outings, school field trips, scout groups, and homeschool adventures, offering a half-day to full-day experience that combines hands-on learning with outdoor fun. Students and explorers alike can learn about geology, glacial history, and Adirondack ecology while immersed in the beauty of a primeval forest.
The surrounding area also offers unique local attractions, including the North Country Underground Railroad Museum, Adirondack Architectural Heritage, and nearby sustainable farms such as North Country Creamery and Mace Chasm Farm. Whether you’re planning a family adventure in New York, a group field trip, or a weekend getaway in the Adirondacks, Ausable Chasm provides a one-of-a-kind outdoor experience that blends education, exploration, and adventure.
contact info
Hrs: Summer 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM and Fall, Winter, Spring 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
CAMP GROUP FIELD TRIPS
Give your campers a day they’ll talk about all summer at Ausable Chasm. Our action-packed outdoor experiences combine adventure, exploration, and natural discovery in one unforgettable Adirondack destination. Camp groups can hike, float, and climb as they explore one of the oldest natural attractions in the United States (est. 1870). Campers immerse themselves in a primeval Adirondack forest while visiting iconic landmarks such as Rainbow Falls, Elephant’s Head, Hyde’s Cave, and the quiet depths of Mystic Gorge.
Groups descend hundreds of feet into the Chasm to walk natural stone pathways carved over millions of years — an experience that blends excitement with hands-on learning about geology, rivers, and the natural world.
With more than five miles of scenic hiking trails, plus rafting and tubing tours on the Ausable River, camps can customize their visit based on age group, ability level, and adventure preference. On-site camping options also allow groups to extend their experience into an overnight outdoor program.
Ausable Chasm provides structured group coordination, trained staff, and flexible scheduling to ensure a safe, high-energy experience that fits seamlessly into your summer camp itinerary. Adventure, teamwork, and discovery — all in one incredible location.
topics covered:
Environmental Studies, Forestry, Group learning, Leadership, History.
contact info
Name: Deborah Hackett
Phone: 518-834-7454
Email: [email protected]
INFO
ABOUT
Ausable Chasm
Ausable Chasm is a breathtaking natural sandstone gorge located in Keeseville, New York, in the heart of the Adirondacks. Carved by the Ausable River over hundreds of millions of years, it is one of the oldest natural attractions in the United States and a top destination for Adirondack outdoor adventures.
Visitors of all ages can explore scenic hiking trails, towering cliffs, waterfalls, and dramatic rock formations through guided tours or self-guided experiences. Popular activities include river rafting, tubing, Via Ferrata climbing, and family-friendly walking tours through the Chasm, making it one of the best things to do near Lake Placid for families and groups.
Ausable Chasm is ideal for family outings, school field trips, scout groups, and homeschool adventures, offering a half-day to full-day experience that combines hands-on learning with outdoor fun. Students and explorers alike can learn about geology, glacial history, and Adirondack ecology while immersed in the beauty of a primeval forest.
The surrounding area also offers unique local attractions, including the North Country Underground Railroad Museum, Adirondack Architectural Heritage, and nearby sustainable farms such as North Country Creamery and Mace Chasm Farm. Whether you’re planning a family adventure in New York, a group field trip, or a weekend getaway in the Adirondacks, Ausable Chasm provides a one-of-a-kind outdoor experience that blends education, exploration, and adventure.
contact info
Hrs: Summer 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM and Fall, Winter, Spring 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
HOMESCHOOL DISCOVERY DAYS & FIELD TRIPS
Turn your lesson plans into lived experiences at Ausable Chasm — where learning happens naturally through exploration, observation, and adventure. Homeschool families and co-ops enjoy the freedom to design their own educational journey through one of the oldest natural attractions in the United States (est. 1870). Whether you prefer a relaxed, self-guided day of discovery or a more structured experience, Ausable Chasm provides a hands-on environment ideal for multi-age learning.
Students can study geology while walking through layers of ancient sandstone carved by the Ausable River. They can explore forest ecology in a primeval Adirondack setting, observe erosion in action at Rainbow Falls, and discuss natural history at landmarks such as Elephant’s Head, Hyde’s Cave, and Mystic Gorge.
With more than five miles of scenic hiking trails, plus optional rafting and tubing adventures, families can blend science, physical activity, history, and outdoor skills into a single immersive day. On-site camping options also make it easy to extend your learning into a multi-day outdoor experience.
Ausable Chasm offers homeschoolers the flexibility to explore at their own pace — transforming textbooks into tangible, memorable lessons shaped by nature itself.
supports classroom learning in:
Geology, Physical Education
topics covered:
Environmental Studies, Forestry, Group learning, Leadership, History
contact info
Name: Deborah Hackett
Phone: 518-834-7454
Email: [email protected]
INFO
ABOUT
Ausable Chasm
Ausable Chasm is a breathtaking natural sandstone gorge located in Keeseville, New York, in the heart of the Adirondacks. Carved by the Ausable River over hundreds of millions of years, it is one of the oldest natural attractions in the United States and a top destination for Adirondack outdoor adventures.
Visitors of all ages can explore scenic hiking trails, towering cliffs, waterfalls, and dramatic rock formations through guided tours or self-guided experiences. Popular activities include river rafting, tubing, Via Ferrata climbing, and family-friendly walking tours through the Chasm, making it one of the best things to do near Lake Placid for families and groups.
Ausable Chasm is ideal for family outings, school field trips, scout groups, and homeschool adventures, offering a half-day to full-day experience that combines hands-on learning with outdoor fun. Students and explorers alike can learn about geology, glacial history, and Adirondack ecology while immersed in the beauty of a primeval forest.
The surrounding area also offers unique local attractions, including the North Country Underground Railroad Museum, Adirondack Architectural Heritage, and nearby sustainable farms such as North Country Creamery and Mace Chasm Farm. Whether you’re planning a family adventure in New York, a group field trip, or a weekend getaway in the Adirondacks, Ausable Chasm provides a one-of-a-kind outdoor experience that blends education, exploration, and adventure.
contact info
Hrs: Vary.
HELPFUL LESSON PLAN(S)
Prepared by FieldTripDirectory.com
Cave & Mine Lesson Plan
FUN FACTS
In history, caves have been used as shelter, as canvases for cave paintings, for rituals, and for food and weapons storage. In addition to historical relevance, caves also have unique geological features. On your tour be on the lookout for crystals, pools of water, stalagmites, and stalactites.
Mines are filled with useful materials that we use today. Coal is used to create electricity. Gold is used in the making of computers and jewelry. Limestone is used to make sidewalks and statues and monuments. Gypsum is used to make wallboards and plaster which is used in the construction of homes. Ask your tour guides about what the processes are like for mining each of these resources. How long does it take? What do each of these look like in their raw state?
View Lesson Plan>>
FAMILY OUTINGS
Make unforgettable memories together at Ausable Chasm, where adventure and natural beauty come together in one incredible Adirondack destination. Families can hike scenic trails, float along the Ausable River, or take on exciting climbing experiences — all while exploring one of the oldest natural attractions in the United States (est. 1870). Every turn reveals something new to discover.
Stroll through a primeval Adirondack forest as you visit breathtaking landmarks like Rainbow Falls, Elephant’s Head, Hyde’s Cave, and the peaceful depths of Mystic Gorge. Descend hundreds of feet into the Chasm to walk along natural stone pathways shaped over millions of years — an experience that’s both awe-inspiring and accessible for families with children (typically ages 5+).
With more than five miles of hiking trails, plus rafting and tubing tours designed for fun and exploration, families can choose a relaxed scenic outing or a full day of adventure. On-site camping options also allow you to turn your visit into a weekend getaway. At Ausable Chasm, every adventure becomes a shared story — and every visit becomes a family tradition in the making.
topics covered:
Environmental Studies, Forestry, Group learning, Leadership, History
contact info
Name: Deborah Hackett
Phone: 518-834-7454
Email: [email protected]
INFO
ABOUT
Ausable Chasm
Ausable Chasm is a breathtaking natural sandstone gorge located in Keeseville, New York, in the heart of the Adirondacks. Carved by the Ausable River over hundreds of millions of years, it is one of the oldest natural attractions in the United States and a top destination for Adirondack outdoor adventures.
Visitors of all ages can explore scenic hiking trails, towering cliffs, waterfalls, and dramatic rock formations through guided tours or self-guided experiences. Popular activities include river rafting, tubing, Via Ferrata climbing, and family-friendly walking tours through the Chasm, making it one of the best things to do near Lake Placid for families and groups.
Ausable Chasm is ideal for family outings, school field trips, scout groups, and homeschool adventures, offering a half-day to full-day experience that combines hands-on learning with outdoor fun. Students and explorers alike can learn about geology, glacial history, and Adirondack ecology while immersed in the beauty of a primeval forest.
The surrounding area also offers unique local attractions, including the North Country Underground Railroad Museum, Adirondack Architectural Heritage, and nearby sustainable farms such as North Country Creamery and Mace Chasm Farm. Whether you’re planning a family adventure in New York, a group field trip, or a weekend getaway in the Adirondacks, Ausable Chasm provides a one-of-a-kind outdoor experience that blends education, exploration, and adventure.
contact info
Hrs: Summer 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM and Fall, Winter, Spring 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM