Join Potomac Valley Master Naturalists on a trip to Ice Mountain!

PVAS Host: Roy Boyle – PVMN, Larry Lemons – Ice Mountain docent

This is a free/donation-based program. This program is for adults. Pre-registration is required and limited to 20 participants.

PVMN Continuing Education Credit Eligible

Ice Mountain is a very special location in Hampshire County, WV owned by The Nature Conservancy! This preserve was designated a National Natural Landmark by the National Park Service in 2012 due to its outstanding biological and geological features. Ice Mountain gets its name from its unique geology and the resulting “”refrigeration”” effect in the cracks and crevices of Ice Mountain’s talus slopes! In this special spot, ice that forms in the winter is kept cold, often remaining visible in the summer! This unique microclimate supports a community of boreal plants typically found much further north. Historically, this spot was also home to 4th of July picnics with ice cream made from the mountain’s ice! It is only accessible via guided tours by appointment. Potomac Valley Master Naturalists have set up one of these special tours for us!

• Walking Distance: This walk will be several miles in length. Walking the full length of the trail along the North River to the caves plus the hike to the top of Ice Mountain is a round-trip of 2.5 miles, with an overall elevation gain of ~550 feet. Participants will not be required to hike to the top of Ice Mountain, but this option is recommended, as the view from the top is spectacular!
• Pace/Activities: The pace will be set by the group.
• Exposure: Mostly under canopy cover
• Terrain: Earthen trail with some hilly, rocky sections that could be slippery when wet. The trail along the North River to visit the ice caves is fairly moderate, with gentle inclines. There is also the opportunity to go to the top of Ice Mountain, which involves hiking up a steep rocky incline.
• Restroom: You are welcome to use the outhouse behind the Old Inn, and there is a porta potty between the old inn and the church. If you prefer the flush variety, you might want to stop at the store in Capon Bridge or Slanesville. (Maybe pick up a cold drink or candy bar.)
• Parking/Where to Meet: Meet at the Old Inn, the long white building here: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Bxtv8gYpaq173wMx9
• What to Bring: Wear sturdy shoes and dress for the weather! Be sure to bring water and snacks or a lunch. If you would prefer to purchase a lunch nearby, the Ice Mountain volunteers have links to some recommendations here: https://stevebailes.org/blogs/ice-mountain/ You may also want to consider bringing a walking stick, as some of the slopes can be steep and rocky.

Register Here!

Registration will remain open until the start of the program.

If the required minimum # of people do not register by 4 pm the evening prior, the program will be cancelled.

Read our pricing structure & policies.

About our Host: Roy Boyle is a middle school science teacher with a very real addiction to birding and all things nature. His degrees include a B.S. in Biology and an M.S. in Science Education. Roy has worked as a state park environmental educator and has been birding for over 40 years. Roy sets up and offers an online Kahoot game on various subjects every other month for Potomac Valley Audubon Society where Master Naturalists play along for education credit. He is also a member of Potomac Valley Master Naturalists and currently serves as Education Chair.