From Intern To Employee

You may be aware that Excellus BlueCross BlueShield offers a well-designed intern program that provides a structured learning experience for interns. It outlines their goals, objectives, and expectations, ensuring that they receive valuable training and development opportunities. This structure helps interns gain a deeper understanding of their role and responsibilities within our organization.

But did you know that the intern program also serves as a recruitment and retention tool for us?

A strategic focus area of the human resources department and the health plan is to transition our interns to full-time employees. Here are a few reasons why this focus is so important:

Familiarity with the organization: Interns who have been part of our comprehensive intern program have already gained familiarity with our organization’s culture, values, and work environment. This makes the transition from intern to employee smoother and reduces the learning curve associated with starting a new job at a different company.
Reduced recruitment costs: Hiring interns who have successfully completed our intern program helps us reduce recruitment costs, since our interns have already been exposed to the organization’s operations and have proven their capabilities, the recruitment process becomes more streamlined and efficient.
Retention of talent: Interns who choose to become employees have already demonstrated their interest and commitment to our organization. They are more likely to be engaged and motivated to contribute to our organization’s success. Retaining talented individuals who have gone through the intern program helps us maintain a skilled and talented workforce.

Below, hear from several talented individuals who went from interns to current employees.

Dominic Gombetto
Rx Innovation Product Analyst

Sarah Dohr (she/her)
Risk Adjustment Analyst
Pictured with her niece and nephew

When did you intern at Excellus BCBS? I interned at Excellus BCBS in the summer of 2022. I reported directly to Melissa Scanlon with a broader role in the Government Programs, Product & Strategy Implementation and Member Retention Departments.

What is your current job at Excellus BCBS?
I am currently working as a Product Analyst on the Pharmacy Innovation Team.

What was your favorite experience when you were an intern?
A couple of my favorite experiences while interning included the intern onsite days and poster walks. The intern onsite days provided me with an opportunity to connect with my fellow interns and create new friendships. I also really enjoyed the poster walks because I was able to show off my hard work from the summer.

Did your internship help prepare you for your current job at Excellus BCBS?
Yes, my experiences while interning at Excellus BCBS made the transition from an intern to a full-time employee much smoother. The internship provided me with a better understanding of the health insurance industry. Also, the leadership panels helped me to understand the dynamics of the company and the direction that we are headed in.

What are some of the perks that you believe are unique to our organization?
The hybrid work environment that the organization offers is unique. I love having the option of working from at home or the office. I also think it is amazing that the organization offers volunteer time, which allowed me to participate in the Day of Caring event this year.

When did you intern at Excellus BCBS? I became an intern on the Risk Adjustment Controls team in the summer of 2022.

What is your current job at Excellus BCBS?
I am a Risk Adjustment Analyst on the Risk Adjustment Controls team.

What was your favorite experience when you were an intern?
One of my favorite experiences was having the opportunity to meet with full-time employees and ask them about their experiences. I was given great advice on how to navigate getting hired full-time. Another one of my favorite experiences was meeting and making friends with other interns. I made connections and friendships that I maintain to this day!

Did your internship help prepare you for your current job at Excellus BCBS?
The internship program prepared me very well for my current job. The project I worked on during the summer was very similar to the work I do on a day-to-day basis now. The trainings we attended during the internship also prepared me well for my full-time position, as they exposed me to different projects and programming languages that I work on and use today.

What are some of the perks that you believe are unique to our organization?
The best part about working for this company is our amazing employees. The people who work here genuinely care about each other’s wellbeing, and we encourage and support each other’s growth and development. Culture is often not universally valued in the hybrid-corporate world, so this certainly sets Excellus apart from other organizations.68 people liked this12 Comments1202 ViewsSave for later

Hidden Gems: Winter in the Mohawk Valley

Those of us who choose to live in upstate New York do so for a variety of reasons. For many of us, one of the biggest is because we love the region’s four very distinct seasons, each with its own unique opportunities for outdoor fun and adventure.

Eve snowshoeing at Moss Lake

Winter Traditions in the Mohawk Valley

Usually, at this time of year, there would be annual winter-themed festivals that would pull people out of the warm confines of their homes and into the crisp winter air, such as the Ice Harvest Festival in East Meredith and the Cooperstown Winter Carnival, both traditionally held in February.

Even though we can’t do most, if not all, of those types of things right now, we still have plenty of options in the Mohawk Valley when it comes to getting outside and being active during the winter.

Here are a few of my favorites:

Potato Hill Farm in Boonville: My favorite place for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing is Potato Hill Farm. It’s part of the Black River Environmental Improvement Association (BREIA); it’s amazing, beautiful land, and there’s a bonus: there are bathrooms on the trail!
FT Proctor Park in Utica: In the winter season, there are few better places to partake in one of my favorite activities, snowshoeing. The park has some hills and a creek – and provides a very tranquil setting for getting out and exercising.
South Woods Switchbacks at Roscoe Conkling Park in Utica: Another favorite is Roscoe Conkling Park and its South Woods switchbacks. The wooded hills provide a good work out whether you’re hiking, shoeing or skiing; and I’ve seen many deer and a few wild turkeys while out on the trail!
Sherrrillbrook Park in New Hartford: Sherrillbrook Park is great for both cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, with its varied landscape through open fields and woods. Dog owners should also take note of the park’s dog run.
Moss Lake Trail in Eagle Bay: The Adirondack Park has a lot of places to go, obviously, but one gem that’s on my favorites list is Moss Lake and the Moss Lake Trail. It’s a relatively short jaunt around the lake, but its location deep in the Adirondack Park makes it a particularly beautiful spot – you’re bound to see plenty of wildlife, and the wooden bridges on the trail afford a pleasant view of the surrounding woods and water.

These, of course, are only a handful of the vast number of great locations to get out and explore, exercise or just relax and do a little sightseeing. If you’re looking for more ideas and other places to go, check out the NYS Parks website here: https://parks.ny.gov/ and the Discover Upstate New York website here: https://www.discoverupstateny.com/. Now get out there!

Hidden Gems: Southwick Beach State Park

Ever since I can remember, I have always been drawn to the water. Whether it be a pool, creek, lake or ocean… didn’t matter. I just wanted to feel my toes in the sand and be one with the water. Now don’t get me wrong, if I had to choose, I would be headed for the turquoise waters and white sandy beaches of Bora Bora, but, let’s face it, I live in Central New York. Even getting close to the sand dunes of the Atlantic shore is well out of the realm of a day trip. However, about an hour north, I can find a close second, right down to the sand dunes; Southwick Beach State Park.

Overlook at Southwick beach

Southwick Beach: Then and Now

I remember going there from an early age. My family would leave our house early morning so we could get a choice spot under a tree. There at the edge of the beach was a picnic area complete with a picnic table and hibachi. The grounds keepers would still be raking the soft sand with their tractors (although they don’t do that anymore). The distinct smell of the beach and sunscreen filled the air with the sound of the waves crashing on the shoreline. We would stay all day until the sun set. The sunsets there are still spectacular!

Sunset at Southwick beach

The Highlights: Waves, Floats and Sandcastles

The waves at Southwick Beach are the best! When my kids were younger, they knew Southwick as “the beach with the big waves.” Back then (and now) one of our favorite things to do was jump the waves. Today my kids have Boogie Boards and we will ride them all day. Hours and hours of exhausting fun!

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The waves can get powerful and sometimes the water has limited access or can be closed altogether. Rip tides can occur too (I did say this was a close second to the ocean!). Best to pay attention to the beach flags or call ahead. My kids do tend to get disappointed when we go and there are no waves, which can happen too. But now, unlike years past, you can also play catch, frisbee, Kan Jam or bring floats to relax on outside of the lifeguarded areas. And let’s not forget sandcastles! Epic sandcastles have been built by many. There is also a newer playground and a campground for the more adventurous. Boredom will be had by no one!

Don’t Miss: The Dunes

Waves or no waves, the beach stretches for miles in both directions with sand dunes all along. The sand dunes are protected so you are not allowed to walk on them but there are nature trails to explore within and endless amounts of beach to walk. The dunes and beach have gone through major transformations in the last few years as work has been done to help fix the erosion caused by recent flooding. The transformations also include a new bathhouse, store, and community fire pit.

A sunset over the dunes at Southwick beach

So, if you are like me and crave to be “one with the water” and the ocean is just too far a trip for you, Southwick Beach is a close second just a short trip north. Surf’s up!

The Details

Location: 8119 Southwicks Place, Henderson N.Y. 13650
Hours: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. seasonally from May to October
Admission: Most state parks charge a vehicle fee to enter the park. Fees vary by season and location. For current information, check the Southwick Beach State Park website.
For more information: Southwick Beach State Park website or call (315) 846-5338

Hidden Gems: Catskill Park

Jen Montanye, from Chemung County, sure knows how to keep herself busy during a pandemic. She recently visited Catskill Park in Upstate N.Y. and shares her experience with us!

I spent a weekend in Catskill Park fastpacking in October, it was beautiful. Even driving there, we were surrounded by ponds and streams on both sides, there were wide open green fields and herds of deer grazing. It took less than two and a half hours to get there and once we got there the trails were endless.

The Highlights

The Catskill Park was established in 1885. There are 98 peaks that are over 3000 feet high and hundreds of acres of forest. The trails twist and turn through abandoned woods, roads and even private property. We saw the remains of old structures, several fireplaces (still standing) and an old stone porch overlooking a pond.

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Don’t Miss

The park also has several Bivouac Areas where you can camp, first come first serve. You park and then hike in and keep hiking until you find a tent site. This is where we camped. It’s quite rustic with no amenities but we did have a cozy fire. There are also bear signs everywhere, warning of bear activity. We actually had a bear in our campsite the first night we were there!

The Details

Location: The park spans land in Ulster, Greene, Delaware and Sullivan Counties
For hiking trail information and maps: visit the Catskills Visitor Center at 5096 NY-28, Mount Tremper, NY
For more info: com/Catskill-Park or call (845) 688-3369

10 Pumpkin Patches To Visit in Upstate New York

Fall has arrived and you’re ready to hit the pumpkin patches. But which ones should you visit?

To help, we’ve compiled a list of some of our favorite pumpkin patches in these regions of upstate New York: Rochester, Buffalo, Syracuse, and Utica. Grab your kids, camera and in some cases your pet. Head over to the pumpkin patch to enjoy some fall family fun.

There are a lot more great pumpkin patches in upstate New York. If we missed your favorite one, add it to the comments section below!

For more, read Pumpkin Picking at Chase Farms in Fairport, NY.

Please follow COVID-19 precautions while enjoying your visit to the pumpkin patch . For more information, contact your local farm.

Rochester

1. Stokoe Farms

Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sept. 26 – Oct. 25.
Location: 656 South Rd, Scottsville, NY 14546

2. Wickham Farms

Hours: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. every day. You must reserve online tickets to guarantee admission
Location: 1821 Fairport Nine Mile Point Rd, Penfield, NY 14526

3. Pick’N’Patch

Hours: Fall season is Sept. 1 – Oct. 31. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Location: 2205 Rts. 5 & 20, Stanley, NY 14561

Buffalo

1. The Great Pumpkin Farm

Hours: 10 a.m. to dusk every day, Sept. 19 through Nov. 1.
Location: 11199 Main Street, Clarence, NY 14031

2. Kelkenberg Farm of Clarence

Hours: Open starting Sept. 18 through Halloween. Visits are by reservation only.
Location: 9270 Wolcott Road, Clarence Center, NY 14032

3. Akron Acres

Hours: Open to the public on Fridays from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. Open on weekends through Columbus Day from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Private visits are available during the week by reservation.
Location: 12607 Stage Road, Akron, NY 14001

Syracuse

1. Tim’s Pumpkin Patch

Hours: Open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. during the fall season.
Location: 2901 Rose Hill Rd, Marietta, NY 13110

2. The Pumpkin Hollow

Hours: Open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. from Sept. 19 through Halloween.
Location: 3735 W. Seneca Turnpike, Syracuse NY 13215

Utica

1. Pumpkin Junction

Hours: Open daily through Halloween from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Location: 2188 Graffenburg Road, Sauquoit, NY 13456

2. Cullen Pumpkin Farm

Hours: Open daily 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. starting Sept. 7 through Oct. 31.
Location: 587 Cullen Road, Richfield Springs, NY 13439

Did we miss your favorite pumpkin patch? Add it to the comments section below!

Can’t get enough pumpkin? Check out 5 Pumpkin Breakfast Recipes for Fall

Man and woman sitting on a hill by valley

Hidden Gems: The Mohawk Valley Region

Two undeniable blessings of living in the Mohawk Valley are its beautiful summer months and its wealth of opportunities for outdoor adventure. People who know me have heard me talk about the stress-relieving properties and other health benefits of being outdoors and in nature. Now I have some recommendations for where you can go to reap those benefits for a stronger mind and healthier body!

Mohawk Valley Gems

The Mohawk Valley region sits between the resplendent Catskill Mountains and the largest of all state parks in New York, the Adirondack State Park. At 6.1 million acres, the Adirondacks abound with year-round opportunities for just about every outdoor activity from kayaking and mountaineering to ice fishing and snowmobiling.

The same can be said for the Catskills, the second largest state park at 700,000 acres. It, too, is rich with possibilities such as scenic drives, hiking, fly fishing and camping. With these formidable neighbors, collectively known as the New York State Forest Preserve, it should come as no surprise that the Mohawk Valley also boasts its own plentiful and varied selection of excursion-worthy destinations.

Here are a few of my favorites:

FT Proctor Park in Utica and Lock 20 Canal Park in Marcy. The Lock 20 site features access to the Erie Canal tow path which affords miles upon miles for walking or riding bikes. In the winter season, you can partake in one of my favorite activities, snowshoeing.
Utica Zoo – Another great place for walking and snowshoeing, with the animals as an added bonus!
South Woods Switchbacks at Roscoe Conkling Park in Utica. Anywhere that’s great for snowshoeing in the winter is great for walks and hikes in the spring, summer and fall, and this is no exception. For added fitness opportunities, take advantage of the 12 fitness stations around the 2.2-mile perimeter of the South Woods Loop.
Hiking at Pixley Falls State Park in Boonville. The main attraction may be the 50-foot waterfall (and it is beautiful), but Pixley Falls also features a nature trail and miles of trout fishing.
Trenton Falls Scenic Trail. This hidden gem is open just a few weekends a year. The main trail offers wonderful views of the Trenton Falls Hydro Dam. Secondary trails take you along West Canada Creek and the limestone and fossil-encrusted gorge. Unfortunately, they recently cancelled the final open date for 2020, but I recommend keeping this on your list for a future visit – it’s worth the wait!

I’ve only scratched the surface of opportunities for outdoor fun and adventure the Mohawk Valley has to offer. I encourage you to get out and explore one or more of the places I have listed, or ask friends and family, and search the internet for other recommendations. The great outdoors is a natural stress reducer and always a healthy choice. You’re never wrong when you step outside.

Hidden Gems: Audubon Community Nature Center

Spending time in nature can enrich us physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. That’s the motto of the Audubon Community Nature Center (ACNC). Looking for a new place to take in the great outdoors? Consider visiting this hidden gem in western New York’s Southern Tier.

The Highlights

ACNC is in Jamestown, N.Y., about 60 miles south of Buffalo. Established in 1957, this nature preserve includes close to 600 acres of wetland and forest ecosystems which are home to a variety of native plants, animals, and insects.

Visitors can enjoy hiking on more than five miles of trails, which are easily navigable for people of all ages. Wander through a native tree arboretum and explore educational gardens. Audubon Community Nature Center’s trails remain open throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. ACNC asks that visitors practice safe social distancing when they encounter others on the trails. The trails are made accessible to the public, free of charge, from dawn until dusk daily.

The Nature Center building, which houses the additional animals as well as interactive exhibits, is temporarily closed due to the COVID-19 outbreak. Many of ACNC’s programs have been moved online or have been rescheduled. For more information visit www.auduboncnc.org .

The Details

Location: 1600 Riverside Road, Jamestown, New York 14701
Hours: Trails are accessible daily from dawn till dusk. For information on the hours of the Nature Center building (when open), click here.
Admission: Use of the trails is free year-round. For information on the admission to the Nature Center building (when open) click here.

For more info: Visit https://auduboncnc.org/ or call (716) 569-2345

Don’t Miss

ACNC is home to ‘Liberty’ a non-releasable Bald Eagle, as well as a variety of other live animals that are cared for by Nature Center staff and volunteers. You can find Liberty in her enclosure near the Nature Center Building.

Liberty, the bald eagle (photo courtesy of ACNC)

Hidden Gems: Center shares the healing power of laughter

Most of us could use a good laugh right now. Fortunately, now you can enjoy comedy virtually thanks to the National Comedy Center.

The National Comedy Center, located in Jamestown, New York, is the nation’s official cultural institution and non-profit museum dedicated to presenting the vital story of comedy and preserving its heritage for future generations. Opened in August 2018, the in-person museum complex offers an unprecedented visitor experience using state-of-the-art technology, interactivity and personalization to create a true 21^st Century museum environment. The museum was recently named the “Best New Museum in the Country” by USA Today, and named to Time magazine’s “World’s Greatest Places” in 2019.

Picture of the front of a building that is the National Comedy Center

Photo of the National Comedy Center in Jamestown, N.Y.

Virtual Comedy

While the museum is temporarily closed as a COVID-19 precaution, you can now enjoy the comedy experience from the comfort of home. National Comedy Center Anywhere is a new online museum experience, featuring exclusive content directly from the interactive comedy exhibits.

Explore the story of comedy virtually with the artists themselves as your guides. National Comedy Center Anywhere has rare archival material never-before-seen outside of the Comedy Center Walls. The platform features a selection of free material with the option to upgrade to access more content from the museum.

The Details

Visitors can begin their National Comedy Center Anywhere experience now, by visiting ComedyCenter.org/Anywhere.
Location: 203 West Second Street, Jamestown, N.Y. 14701; (716) 484-2222
Hours: Temporarily closed to visitors. Typical hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday through Friday, 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. on Saturday.

Need a new running spot? Look no further!

“Remember, the feeling you get from a good run is far better than the feeling you get from sitting around wishing you were running.” – Sarah Condor, New York Marathon runner

My high school baseball coach firmly believed that forcing his players to run miles after making blunders during games served as atonement, as an effective deterrent against future mistakes. After all, high schoolers hate to run, right?

As far as I can tell, he was right. We all dreaded the look he’d give us after booting a ground ball or missing a sign – the look that inevitably meant we’d need our running shoes for practice the next day.

Running is a fickle friend, a cardiovascular monster that both invigorates the subject and makes them wish for a painless death at times.

However, given the right setting, I’ve come to like running. Well, actually…

I’ve come to tolerate running and enjoy the feeling of accomplishment when it’s over.

As Sarah Condor quipped, a good run can feel good in the moment and great when you’ve toweling off and enjoying a cool burst of fresh water.

There’s no sure secret to developing an appreciation for running, no formula to develop an artificial love for the activity. However, through painstaking trial-and-error, I’ve discovered what very well may be the biggest indicator of how much I’ll enjoy any given run.

The setting.

Jogging down countless cookie-cutter boulevards in succession can feel boring and repetitive. That’s why I’ll ditch the suburban streets for a good view anytime, even if it means hopping in the car and driving a few minutes to snag a solid spot.

Rochester boasts plenty of running trails, but trails aren’t for everyone. The uneven terrain can be a hindrance to enjoyment and some don’t like the silence. For that reason, I’ll focus on some of my favorite spots all across Rochester, many of which feature a mix of settings, from country to waterfront.

EAST SIDE

Eyer Park trail

Let’s start off with a real hidden gem. I’m from East Rochester, a small town nudged between Pittsford, Penfield and Fairport. East Rochester’s Eyer Park holds several ballfields and a lodge for parties, but the real beauty is a trail between the park and the train tracks.

The rush of Irondequoit Creek and the playful chirping of birds will make you feel at peace.

The trail itself is only about a third of a mile long, but it holds a wealth of possibilities. Once you clear the trail, here’s the route I encourage (it’s one of my most frequent runs).

Head down Midvale Drive towards Baird Road. Once you cross Baird, head through the BOCES parking lot. A right-hand turn onto O’Connor Road puts you on a straight line to the Erie Canal.

I love this route because it features so many different types of nature. The trail is thick and green, the streets provide a respite from seclusion, and the canal is an overall beautiful place to explore.

Here’s my suggested route (just over 5 miles there and back):

WEST SIDE

Gates Greece Townline Road

Strangely enough, one of my favorite spots on the west side of Rochester is one of the suburban streets I criticized earlier. However, given its close proximity to downtown Greece, it feels strangely serene.

Clocking in at just over 1.5 miles, Gates Greece Townline Road (which turns into Deming Street) is a picturesque stretch of land that features a farmer’s market, quaint homes and plenty of trees to go around. From there, the Erie Canal is just around the corner and Greece Canal Park isn’t much further.

For a nice long run, try parking near Greece Canal Park, trekking down Gates Greece Townline Road and finishing by heading back down the canal and exploring the park a bit.

Here’s how that looks in map form:

NORTH SIDE

Charlotte Beach

Charlotte is a lovely little neighborhood on the north side of Rochester, featuring cozy homes and abundant shops and restaurants. On the northern tip of Charlotte is Lake Ontario, and the beachfront area is a great place to get in some steps.

The boardwalk extends down a good portion of the beach and the pier gives a stunning view of the lake in every direction (but be careful of the other people trying to walk!). This spot is also great for people-watching. There’s never a shortage of dog-walkers or beach volleyball players.

SOUTH SIDE

RIT

I haven’t spent as much time in the south side of Rochester as the rest, so I’m hardly an expert. However, I’ve run around the perimeter of the RIT campus a few times, and I would gladly do it again.

The Rochester Institute of Technology boasts a massive campus enclosed by Andrew Memorial Drive. One complete loop on the road totals almost exactly three miles, which is great for a short run.

Feeling bold? Do several laps around the campus.

If you’ve ever been to RIT, you’re familiar with the modern-looking area and vibrant student life. There’s never an absence of activity, and you’ll likely see plenty of other runners who are always willing to exchange a head-nod.

DOWNTOWN

Who wouldn’t want this view from Corn Hill while going for a run?

If you’re not familiar with the Corn Hill area, you’re missing out.

Corn Hill plays host to luxury apartments and several nice restaurants, and its proximity to the Genesee River and Frederick Douglass-Susan B. Anthony (or Freddie-Sue) Memorial Bridge provides scenic views. Even though it’s well-known for the housing and dining options, it’s also a great place to burn some calories.

Run down Exchange Boulevard and the Genesee Riverway Trail (they’re right next to each other) to witness the gorgeous river and townhouses in the area. If you get sick of the run, there’s other things to do as well.

Nope, you’re not seeing things – that’s cardio equipment on the sidewalk!

Check out the cardio equipment lining the street! That’s right – if the run gets repetitive, try your hand at a different form of exercise!

BONUS

This one is a personal favorite, but might not be for everyone. I’m very susceptible to nostalgia, which is why I love running around…

My high school! I grew up in East Rochester, and went to the same school for pre-K through 12. Running the perimeter of my old school brings back a flood of memories, and I highly recommend it to anyone with easy access to their old campus.

Any other great running spots in the Rochester area? Let us know in the comments below!

If not, what are you waiting for? It’s a beautiful day for a run!

Hidden Gems: The Ausable Chasm in the Adirondacks

This summer a group of us moms and our teens took a weekend trip to the Ausable Chasm in the Adirondacks. After visiting the North Star Underground Railroad located on the same park grounds, we explored the Chasm. We were hoping to build leadership skills among our teens, and have fun!

The trip was a highlight of my summer and one that I will remember for years to come. Since visiting I have been telling my friends and family members about this upstate New York treasure!

The Highlights

The Ausable Chasm is one of the oldest natural attractions in the United States. It’s also known as the “Grand Canyon of the Adirondacks”. The Chasm is a long, narrow sandstone gorge that stretches for two miles. In between the Chasm is the Ausable River that flows into Lake Champlain.

The trails and scenery are breathtaking. There is a rock that looks like an Elephants Head and stunning Rainbow Falls.

The Ausable Chasm offers many different adventures. Lace up your sneakers and enjoy a scenic walking tour of the Chasm. If you are feeling more adventurous, you can go rafting through the Chasm, which we did. Furthermore, if you are really daring, you can scale the Chasm. On the other hand, if you’re looking to relax, you can take a tube ride down the river.

The Details

Location: 2144 Route 9, Ausable Chasm, N.Y. 12911
Hours: The park is open year-round, except for major holidays. During the summer, the park is open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The rest of the year, the park closes at 4:00 p.m.
Accessibility: Tours of the chasm are not recommended for people who have difficulty walking or climbing stairs. Strollers are also not permitted in the chasm.
Pets: The park does not allow pets. The park does allow service animals in the Welcome Center, and on the Elephant’s Head and Rainbow Falls trails.
Admission: Basic admission is $17.95 for adults and teens, $9.95 for children (age 5-12), and free for children under age 5. If you’re a resident of Clinton, Essex or Franklin Counties, admission is $9.00. You can also purchase optional adventure packages for an additional fee.

To learn more about the Ausable Chasm, visit the website: http://ausablechasm.com/ or call (518) 834-7454.

Don’t Miss

If you’re looking to explore all that the Ausable Chasm has to offer, consider camping at the Chasm.