The Hamlet of Au Sable Forks
In Au Sable Forks, the East and West Branch of the Au Sable River (a French name signifying river of sand) meet and become the Au Sable River before continuing on and emptying into Lake Champlain. Essex County is on the southern shore of the Au Sable River and Clinton County on the northern shore. The Essex County Town of Jay offices and the Clinton County Town of Black Brook offices are both located in Au Sable Forks.

To the west of Au Sable Forks are the rugged Adirondack Mountains. The quiet community has been labeled the gateway to the Olympics and the High Peaks due to its proximity to Lake Placid, and Whiteface Mountain. To the east are the rolling hills and farmlands of the Lake Champlain Valley.

Nearby Outdoor Activities and Attractions
The Au Sable River Valley and surrounding area offers many opportunities for outdoor recreation including canoeing, kayaking, fishing, hiking, rock climbing, and bird watching. Those interested in history and area architecture will find several nearby museums, historic sites, and self-guided driving and walking tours through local communities. Au Sable Chasm, a long narrow uniquely-carved, 150-foot vertical-walled gorge known as the "Grand Canyon of the East" provides geologic rock formations and scenic vistas along self-guided trails.

Nature lovers will find unique landscapes and habitats in the nearby Clintonville Pine Barrens, one of the best examples of a pitch pine-heath barrens community in New York. The Pine Barrens provides habitat to rare plants including the prairie redroot, and two rare species of noctuid moths-the pine pinion moth and the Acadian swordgrass moth. Silver Lake Bog Preserve, with over 130 species of birds, is one of the few places in the North Country where the pitcher plant, one of three carnivorous plants in New York, can be found. Both Preserves are owned by The Nature Conservancy.

NYS Department of Environmental Conservation Wildlife Management Areas include Au Sable Marsh (660 acres) and Wickham Marsh (862 acres), which are both adjacent to Lake Champlain. These areas can be explored by foot or by canoe providing an opportunity to view different habitats, wildlife, and a variety of water fowl.

Hikers and campers will find thousands of acres of state-owned Forest Preserve to explore, including the Taylor Pond Wild Forest, the Sentinel Range Wilderness Area, the Jay Mountain Wilderness Area, and the McKenzie Mountain Wilderness Area.

Lodging
Lodging accommodations including Bed & Breakfasts, campgrounds (DEC, KOA and private), cabins, inns and motels are located in the surrounding communities. Jay and Upper Jay, Wilmington, Lake Placid, Keeseville, Port Kent, Willsboro, Essex, Keene and Keene Valley, and Plattsburgh are all within a 25-mile radius of Au Sable Forks.

Area Information/Lodging:
Regional Tourism Council, www.VisitAdirondacks.com, 518-846-8016
Plattsburgh Area, www.goadirondack.com, 1-877-242-6752
Lake Placid Area, www.lakeplacid.com, 518-523-2445
Lake Champlain Region, www.lakechamplainregion.com, 1-866-843-5253