New York By Rail 13th ed. | Page 58

From POH Station: 1 minute walk WHAT’S NOT TO MISS ▼ Ausable Chasm, the “Grand Canyon of the Adirondacks,” is a two-mile sandstone gorge traversed by Ausable River. Activities include walking trails, tubing, rock climbing, mountain biking, and a museum. ausablechasm.com From PRK Station: 3.1 miles car With 1.25 miles of shoreline, Plattsburgh City Beach is one of the largest freshwater beaches in the U.S. Rent a stand-up paddleboard, explore nature trails, join a game of beach volleyball or just enjoy Lake Champlain views. plattsburghrecreation.com From PLB Station: 3.1 miles car The Alice T. Miner Museum in Chazy is a step back to the age of Colonial Revival. Guided tours of the historic rooms highlight art, housewares, and furniture from the 18th and 19th centuries, along with letters from American presidents. minermuseum.org worth a visit: The Wild Center in Tupper Lake I t takes a bit of bravery to bounce out onto a giant shamrock spider’s web made of bungee cord; considering that it’s suspended 25 feet above ground. It’s one of many thrilling moments we enjoyed at the new “Wild Walk” at the Wild Center in Tupper Lake. Another: standing in a ten-foot wide Bald Eagle’s nest, peering over at Whiteface Mountain. These unique experiences are all part of the design of this $5.5 million, one-of-a-kind outdoor installation. A network of elevated boardwalks, platforms, and 1,250+ feet of walkway connect eight stations, including a 40-foot tall Wild Walk at the Wild Center tree trunk and a bear’s den. Try the Twig Tree House or The Snag, where hands-on activities show what life is like for Adirondack forest creatures. On your way out, observe up to 72 bird species seeking sustenance in Feeder Alley. Wild Walk is open spring through fall. Leave time for the Wild Center’s indoor exhibits, the butterfly gardens, and outdoor trails. TIP: Rent a car from Enterprise at the Plattsburgh Amtrak station! —TS From RSP Station: 10.3 miles car 56 | New York By Rail Amtrak.com PHOTO: COURTESY WILD CENTER The Iron Center Museum documents Port Henry’s history as the largest pre-war producer of iron ore in the U.S. Originally a laboratory for testing iron ore, it’s now part of the Railroad and Mining Heritage Park. porthenrymoriah.com