Ausable Chasm, NY - billing itself as "the Grand Canyon of the Adirondacks" is a shamelessly…read moreambitious boast for an attraction that I'd more accurately describe as Watkins Glen with the consumer interface of Bushkill Falls, but there's no denying Ausable Chasm is a fun, scenic, and daring adventure for all ages! We came during the off season at the end of April, before the more high thrills activities like rafting & tubing, riverwalk, Via Ferrata adventure trail, rappelling, rock climbing, etc. were open for the season (usually around late-May to June through autumn). That was no problem as we are visiting with our toddler who isn't old enough to do most of these activities anyway, and, as we discovered, it was actually perfect and to our advantage, since as first-time visitors we only wanted/had time to explore the chasm itself. And as there were very few other visitors on a weekday, it was as if we had this private park all to ourselves! No need to jostle for views/photos, can enjoy lunch & snacks at the best picnic tables by vista points, and it's also more pleasant than hiking in hot summer, though many of the trails are shaded. The basic "trails only" admission is about $20 for adults & teens, $12 for kids 5-12, and free for under 5. All the other activities have additional fees, which can add up so you might explore packages, or even stay overnight at their campground & cabins. We are a family of hikers so wanted to do the whole perimeter and see the entire gorge (about 2 miles). But if you only wish to see the exciting parts and leave time for other activities, then you can turn back halfway and do the shorter loop (1 mile if you do the Inner Sanctum Trail which I 100% recommend as this is the "signature" trail along the canyon's edge. But note it has many stairs up & down). We took the Inner Sanctum (yellow) trail, crossed over to Big Dry Chasm and hiked to the Whirlpool Basin Overlook at other end, then looped back around on the orange trail via Little Dry Chasm. The trails are well maintained, with most of the outer edge trails on comfortable soft padded ground. They're mostly well marked except the end part is not really shown clearly on the park map so I used AllTrails. The orange trail (Dry Chasm Trail) is marked as more difficult, but it's basically just a regular wooded hiking trail that's not paved, with rooty and rocky sections. The park is very walkable for most able-bodied people. Even our 3yo was able to hike the whole thing by himself, with a bit of help over the orange trails. We loved our visit and are excited to come back when our child is older to do more activities! Will update my review when we've had a chance to experience all the action-packed adventures the park has to offer. TIP #1: No trail maps are given out so take a photo ar a screenshot. But there are maps placed along the trails marked with where you are. TIP #2: Porta-potties only on either end of the trails, so I recommend taking your nature break before setting out. TIP #3: There's a cafe by the Welcome Center but it's only open seasonally. Bring water. No garbage bins along the trails (cos bears!) so trash is carry-in carry-out.

I would give a zero if I could. No service animals allowed. I have a disability and have occasional…read moreseizures. He alerts me several minutes before they occur. It allows me to prevent them from occurring. Not sure why they discriminate against people with disabilities and break federal laws.

We did this over the weekend as a girls trip and had an amazing trip! Our guide Steven was so…read morefunny and skilled. He made a couple nervous passengers feel calm and loved the whole experience

Eric: Thanks for the safe yet great experience for an adventure bound family, always welcoming…read moresomething new to experience in God's great outsoors! You're an asset to any company you may wander off and work for. We are truly grateful for todays wonderful, awe-inspiring journey. You are also an inspiration to us with two types of special needs kiddos, being an example of using your weaknesses and turning them into strengths!

Easiest rental an d delivery I've ever had! Super nice people. I would highly recommend Up North.read more

My family and I decided to go kayaking while we were in Vermont. We rented 3 tandem kayaks from Up…read moreNorth. Up North was different from other kayak rental places I've used in that they drop off the kayaks, along with life jackets and oars, at a waterway of our choice. They had several options of locations that we could pick from, but being unfamiliar with the area, I asked them for their recommendation while on the phone with them. We filled out the waivers online on their website and paid over the phone. Our kayaks were dropped off quickly. Once they dropped off our kayaks, we were texted instructions on how to get there, etc. The instructions were easy to follow and everything went very smoothly. Green River Reservoir, where we ended up kayaking, was absolutely breathtaking. The kayaks were great! Up North made is simple and straightforward to rent from them. The instructions were all clear and overall, everyone was very happy with the experience. I would definitely recommend it!

What a great spot for a venue into Burlington! Right on the water and extremely well priced! We…read morehosted my sister in laws baby shower in the large classroom and it was the perfect size for thirty guests. It was nice to have tables and chairs provided, too! John, my contact, was such a lovely man! So easy to work with, albeit a little tough to get ahold of. Email worked best! And don't plan on having alcohol unless you can afford a very pricey (and unfriendly) bar option- that was my one complaint!

I don't want to sound cliched but I've wanted to learn how to sail a boat since I was about 10…read moreyears old and I'm an adult now. I thought it would be awkward and I'd be the oldest or least experienced person in the class but not even close. Everyone is welcomed here. The courses were casual and comfortable and taught me basic skills to get me independently out on the water. And the CSC staff were knowledgeable, friendly, kind, patient, and supportive throughout my experience. And once you've learned how to sail, if you don't have a boat or a place to put one... the rentals and reasonably priced season pass practically guarantee you (and any friends or family you might want to bring along) at least a couple hours a day out on a sailboat (or a kayak or paddleboard if there's no wind lol) for the whole summer. It's hard to beat sailing on beautiful Lake Champlain on a sunny and breezy summer day!! If you've ever wanted to sail but couldn't or were hesitant... it's not too late and this is a great place to do it!

Great kayaks, great place and super people…read more We have been here every time we visit this area. Probably 5 different visits and it is always reliable and great. This year the river was a bit low for our tandem kayak but we still had a wonderful time.

Was able to get up to Vermont this past weekend for my yearly trip! I'm always looking for kayak…read morerentals as I don't want the hassle of transporting. Luckily this place is here and as always it was a seamless experience! If you're a Vermont resident (not me unfortunately), you get 10% off your rental. The Cupboard Deli is nearby and is a great place to stop and eat.

We've used Umiak for a variety of services, rentals, purchases, etc and they've been wonderful…read more The entire team at Umiak has always been great. Highly recommend them.

We have taken a large group of 12 + every year for the past five years, and we love Umiak. Raffi…read morewas especially helpful with information and pictures of our group. We have been on the Richmond Winooski River run, on the Mad River (due to floods) twice, and now on the Waterbury Winooski River run twice. It starts at a beautiful location, and it is quiet without being boring. We love this trip and we are grateful for Umiak. Everyone has always been accommodating of our quirky group.

I spent a fabulous day here kayaking down the Chateauguay River Valley along the Chateauguay River,…read morealong lazy, calm waters and through farmers fields and under the canopy of trees. If you have never kayaked before, you can't ask for a better place to learn and enjoy this sport. The river is very shallow and calm with a few sports of slight rapids (which are just rocks really, which shows you how shallow the water really is). For $40, you basically get a kayak, a life jacket and a paddle and a drop-off ride where the folks at Kayak Safari will give you lift and drop you off at the beginning of your journey. With 6 different routes to choose from 5km long (2 hours) to 16km long(5 hours), all you need to do is pack a your sunscreen, a sunhat, bug juice, maybe a water bottle and some snacks in a small backpack. I'd also recommend wearing your bathing suit as it can get really hot under the sun when the river runs through wide open corn fields and no shade anywhere. Also with paddling you'll be splashing a bit so you're bound to get wet anyway. There is also the possibility of tipping over which is a good idea to just waterproof you bag in case. Once, you're off, all you have to do is sit back, relax and paddle along slowly and take in the sights of the river, the birds, the fields, the old abandoned bridges you'll be paddling under and some of the cutest cottages I've seen in Quebec. People in Montreal are so obsessed with the Laurentians and the Eastern Townships that they completely overlook the Western Townships and the charms of the villages and town in the area. For first-timers, I'd recommend doing the Athelstan route. I'd come back here again in a heartbeat and look forward to doing the longer routes. The students who operate the outfit are all very friendly and helpful as well but do keep in mind that you have to sign off on a disclaimer at the beginning and take full responsibility in case of any accidents.

Well,I love history,especially when you find out that a site you go to,was once part of the…read moreAtlantic Ocean, post Glacier times(10,000 of years ago)? You find out it once had Salt water? It has waves and it feels like the ocean too! Love it,just sit lay and swim in it? I am going soon to it again!

This state park is amazing! The beach is so clean and nice. The water is so refreshing and the…read moreviews are awesome! It can smell a fish fishy when you first walk into the beach, but the smell doesn't last very long (probably just some standing water). The beach is mostly sand but some rocks and pebbles (so where shoes when you walk in). I highly recommend going here!

Had an amazing time kayaking and paddle boarding on Blueberry Lake with Clearwater Sports. Kids had…read morea great time! Super relaxing and exceptional views!

Our family had an amazing kayaking tour with Sean from Clearwater Sports. There were 7 of us…read moreranging in age from 12-72. We all had a wonderful time kayaking in the Winooski. While the river was a little low, Sean was great at pointing out how to navigate. He also kept up with all of us, from the fastest to the slowest (me). Sean was a real hit with the 12 and 14 y/o grandchildren, finding the best swimming spots. He also took lots of photos and sent them to us after the tour. And I have to also mention Asa, our driver. He and Sean were a great team. I highly recommend this tour if you are looking for a family outing.

I definitely would recommend going tubing at this company. The staff are super friendly and funny…read more The place has an option to make tubing luxurious. There were options to get the floaty's with a head rest, and a cooler for all your snacks while traveling down the river. Please keep in mind that cost extra. Honestly you do not really need snacks as it's only an hour and 30 minutes for going down the river. The spot where they took us was super pretty as you had a nice view. I would come back!

This is my second year in a row tubing with Tubby tubes!!! I love this place and always have a…read moregreat time. I just tubed with a party of 4 on Sunday July 28. We did the early bird special at 9:30 am to save money and it's also worth it! Such a great offer!!! I highly recommend getting the tube with a backrest/headrest so that you have back support during your tubing experience. It makes a huge difference with comfort and it only cost an extra $7. Erin was a very good bus driver she made the ride pleasant and safe!!! Lauren was a great instructor and leader during the experience. She also was very friendly to speak with. I needed water shoes, so it was great that I can buy water shoes on the premises and they were able to charge the card I used to make the online reservations which is convenient because I didn't bring my wallet. There is bathrooms and changing rooms on site.