Outdoor adventures in a spectacular gorge and an important role in the anti-slavery movement make this Adirondacks village a fascinating place to visit.
The village of Keeseville enjoys a spectacular natural setting in the heart of the Adirondack Park Preserve. Get your heart beating faster with thrilling activities in a scenic river canyon and on a vast freshwater lake. Then quieten things down with a fascinating museum tour.
The crown jewel of Keeseville is the Ausable Chasm, a dramatic gorge that begins at Rainbow Falls and stretches for about 2 miles (3.2 kilometres). There are several ways to explore the canyon, and which one you pick depends on how adventurous you’re feeling. Walk along hiking trails, rappel across the gorge or idle down the Ausable River on a raft. If you like fishing, come back to the river to cast your line. It is reputed to be one of the best trout rivers on the East Coast.
For more fun on, in and by the water, drive 10 minutes from the centre of Keeseville to Lake Champlain. The large freshwater body is on the border of New York and Vermont and hosts numerous recreational activities. Rent a boat for the day, go swimming or hike along the beautiful shoreline.
When you’re in the midst of such a gorgeous wilderness, it seems a shame to sleep inside. Keeseville offers a number of scenic campsites, the most popular of which are Ausable Point, Lincoln and Whippoorwill.
After your outdoor adventures, get up to speed on the history of Keeseville. During the anti-slavery struggle, safe-houses provided refuge for those seeking to abolish the practice. This history is explored in the North Star Underground Railroad Museum. View exhibits that also cover the stories of some of those who escaped bondage via the Champlain Line of the Underground Railroad. Go to the Anderson Falls Heritage Society Museum for additional insights into Keeseville's history.
Downtown Keeseville has a small selection of shops and restaurants. For more amenities, drive north for about 30 minutes to Plattsburgh. Alternatively, head to Burlington, which is just across Lake Champlain and can be reached by taking the Essex-Charlotte Ferry.
