My husband and I love to explore our region on back roads and byways of the Adirondacks. We frequently take off without any destination in mind, just driving wherever the whim of the moment takes us. We love to "play" tourist and take day hikes, visit historic sites, attractions and interesting roadside places. However, in the 27 years we've been doing all our exploring (did I just date myself?!), we have failed to take in two of the most incredible attractions our region has to offer - and they are right in our backyard!
This week my colleague and I visited two natural attractions in the region, which are not only historic, but incredibly amazing. Our first stop on the tour was High Falls Gorge in Wilmington, where the Ausable River plunges through several waterfalls in the deep and steep-walled gorge. Originally opened in the 1890's, High Falls Gorge has been in continuous operation since 1961. Katherine Reiss, the owner, arranged a tour for us. Of course we picked one of the hottest days of the summer for our big adventure, but it made touring water attractions that much more enjoyable! The pathways, bridges and staircases along the gorge are an incredible feat of engineering, if you're into marveling at that sort of thing. Some of the walkways literally hang from the rock walls right out over the water, allowing simply incredible views up and down the gorge. The designated walkways are designed in such a way as to allow those who have some fear of heights, or are unable to navigate a lot of stairs, to take a less strenuous route through the gorge. During our tour we learned about the different types of rock that make up the Adirondacks and how water has eroded the rock over thousands of years, to create areas like High Falls Gorge. There is a spectacular view from one of the hanging walkways of the 125-foot Main Falls that plunges into the Grand Flume and from there to the Mini Falls. Farther downstream is a bridge across the river that allows for another spectacular view straight upriver at several waterfalls cascading toward you. The entire tour could take about an hour with kids, a little less without. The pathways and walkways and staircases are very well maintained and allow for many photo opportunities. There is screening along the sides of the walkways that overhang the water, giving a great sense of security to those of us challenged by fear of heights, as I am. The height issue didn't bother me much at all.
The owners of High Falls Gorge have very wisely included a series of multiple choice questions for children in the tour brochure. They are based on information found on the interpretive panels throughout the gorge. If a child answers all the questions and brings it back to the ticket desk, they win a choice of prizes from a big basket of items for kids. Very wise, indeed, as this allows kids to participate in a fun activity with a reward, and serves to slow them down while looking for the answers, so all can enjoy the tour.
At the end of the tour you can relax and unwind under towering pines next to the Ausable River on one of the several Adirondack chairs or picnic tables. Bring a lunch and also let the kids enjoy panning for gems, and grab a snack or ice cream from the snack bar nearby. In summer there is usually a nice, cooling breeze funneling from the Wilmington Notch, through which Route 86 and the Ausable River wind from Lake Placid.
High Falls Gorge is also open in the winter, with snowshoes available for rent, to enjoy the spectacle of the falls encased in ice, an incredibly beautiful sight! They have a campfire with free s'mores and hot chocolate available as well. They additionally offer areas of the property for private functions from weddings to corporate events. Call Katherine Reiss at 946-2278 for more details.
Coming next, the second stop on our amazing natural wonders tour!
-Sue Cameron is the administrative assistant at the Lake Placid CVB/Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism