Ausable River.
The Ausable River splits into two major branches — the East and West — that drain most of the High Peaks before converging near Au Sable Forks and running north to Lake Champlain. The East Branch cuts through Keene and Keene Valley, shadowing NY-73 past Chapel Pond and the Roaring Brook trailhead; the West Branch runs parallel through Wilmington and drops over High Falls Gorge before meeting the main stem. Both branches hold wild brook trout in their upper reaches and stocked trout downstream, and both are catch-and-release fly-fishing destinations with seasonal hatches that pull anglers from downstate and Vermont. The river's two faces — whitewater in spring, wading-depth pocket water by August — make it a year-round corridor through the range.
Ausable River has public access.
The water, surveyed.
Before you launch.
Seasonal pattern for this lake · live closures appear above
2 parking areas
Closest parking lots within range, ranked by walking distance. Accessibility flags come from Google verified-data and NYSDEC records; surface and capacity from NYSDEC and OpenStreetMap. Confirm hours and seasonal closures before you go.
- 01Port Douglass Boat Launch ParkingTrailhead4.3 mipavedDirections →
- 02Peru Dock Boat Launch Parking5.2 mipavedDirections →
Getting in, staying over.
Camping.
What the lake is doing today.
What rings this water.
The waters.
Read before you launch.
Make a weekend of it.
Closest editorial picks for a meal, a scoop, a pint, a bed, and a sight worth your time.
Eat.
4- Turtle Island Cafe12.7 mi
Turtle Island Cafe is a full-service restaurant in Willsboro, NY, offering bistro-style food, wine, beer, and cocktails in a casual and friendly environment. It has been named Best Burger in the Adirondacks by Adirondack Life Magazine for…
- The Hungry Trout23.3 mi
Situated on the West Branch of the Ausable River, the Hungry Trout offers two distinct dining experiences, from an upscale restaurant to a lively tavern.
- Monday Tuesday Grill23.4 mi
Monday Tuesday Grill in Upper Jay offers fresh, friendly, and affordable comfort meals for indoor, outdoor, and takeout dining, including grilled cheese sandwiches, soups, and Swedish meatballs.
- F.I.G's Riverside Pizza Cafe23.7 mi
A casual pizza cafe on the Boquet River in Elizabethtown serving pies, sandwiches, and cafe fare.
Sip.
4- Adirondack Mountain Coffee Cafe21.8 mi
Adirondack Mountain Coffee Cafe is a coffee shop in Upper Jay, NY, serving fresh, slow-roasted coffee, breakfast, and lunch daily. Located near Whiteface Mountain and the Adirondack State Park, it also offers local beer and cocktails, with…
- Life Church Cafe23.7 mi
Life Church Elizabethtown is a local church dedicated to connecting lives and building community.
- Pleasant Valley Cafe23.8 mi
A local cafe in Elizabethtown serving breakfast, lunch, coffee, and comfort food in the heart of the Boquet Valley.
- Counter Space23.9 mi
A casual cafe in Elizabethtown serving coffee, espresso, and light bites — a local gathering spot in the Essex County seat.
— 21.8 mi to the nearest pour to this spot; pack a thermos.
Sweet.
2- Whitebrook Dairy Bar21.6 mi
A classic roadside drive-in on Route 86 in Wilmington, five minutes from Whiteface — creamy soft serve (try the peanut-butter dip) plus footlongs and the Wilmington burger. Opening day is a local rite of spring.
- Sugar House Creamery21.6 mi
Sugar House Creamery is a farmstead creamery located in the Adirondacks, producing artisanal cheeses from the milk of their own cows. They offer a variety of cheeses, showcasing the quality of their local dairy.
— 21.6 mi to the nearest scoop; save it for the ride home.
Drink.
2- R.F. McDougall's Pub23.3 mi
The casual sibling of the Hungry Trout Restaurant, sharing the same Adirondack riverside property next to Whiteface. Pub food, regional beers, and the same view of the West Branch Ausable at a more relaxed price point.
- The Knock ADK24.7 mi
The Knock ADK is a restaurant and bar in Westport, NY, offering a plant-based dinner menu alongside classic and craft cocktails. They provide dinner reservations on non-show nights and welcome walk-ins on show nights.
— 23.3 mi to the nearest pint; appoint a driver.
Stay.
4- Mountain Brook Lodge21.5 mi
Welcome to your home away from home! Mountain Brook Lodge offers a unique blend of comfort and convenience, ensuring your stay is memorable. We pride ourselves on offering a variety of amenities to make your stay as comfortable as…
- Cadence Lodge at Whiteface21.5 mi
Cadence Lodge in Wilmington, NY, offers an ideal base camp for outdoor adventurers. The property features recently updated guest rooms with amenities to enhance your stay, including a restaurant onsite, weekend breakfast options, and…
- Adirondack Spruce Lodge21.6 mi
Twenty-seven-room independent lodge in Wilmington village, minutes from Whiteface Mountain and walking distance from the Ausable River. Complimentary breakfast, fire pit, and Adirondack-character rooms.
- Wolfjaw Lodge21.7 mi
Welcome to the totally transformed Wolfjaw Lodge, located at the base of Whiteface Mountain, just a 2-minute drive from both Whiteface and Wilmington beach. Each of our 2 private houses and 11 lodge rooms and suites has been recently…
— 21.5 mi to the nearest bed on the register; book before you go.
See.
3- Ausable Chasm1.6 mi
A sandstone gorge attraction on US 9 in Ausable Chasm, with rim trails, walkways through the gorge floor, and add-on tubing and rafting on the Ausable River. Open seasonally, roughly mid-May through Columbus Day.
- Upper Jay Art Center and Recovery Lounge21.8 mi
The Upper Jay Art Center and Recovery Lounge is a vibrant venue dedicated to presenting music, theater, and visual arts in Upper Jay, NY. It serves as a community hub for various cultural events.
- Adirondack History Museum23.8 mi
The Adirondack History Museum in Elizabethtown tells the story of Essex County and the Adirondacks — pioneer life, mining, tourism, and mountain heritage.
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Suggest an edit →Frequently asked.
- Where is Ausable River located?Ausable River is a river in the Keene region of the Adirondack Park in northern New York State.
- Is Ausable River open to the public?Yes, Ausable River has public access. See the listing page for current trailhead, parking, and boat-launch details, and check active DEC advisories before visiting.
- Can you camp at Ausable River?Within roughly seven miles of Ausable River: 64 designated campsites. Permit and primitive-camping rules vary; check NYSDEC before you go.