Summer heat may be cranking up, but there is a year-round winter-weathered destination not too far to travel to for those of us in the Mid-Atlantic region. It’s both literally and figuratively one of the coolest destinations to venture to—a naturally occurring “ice box” set in Hampshire County, West Virginia. I’m referring to Ice Mountain Preserve, a one-of-a-kind novelty like no other.
Ice Mountain is so named for its renowned refrigerator-like climate, which is emitted from the interior of its talus. The talus, reportedly 50 feet (15 m) thick in some areas, is the result of a base accumulation of broken rock tumbling down the mountainous slopes over time. This, in turn, formed small crevices in the rock talus, producing extremely frigid climates that remain steadily intact at all times.
Although its outer ice layers melt away during the warmer months, and the cooler air is filtered to some extent, naturally occurring coldness remains a constant here, and any thawing that takes place can hardly be considered conventional by standards. In fact, some of the mountain’s innermost crevices are largely unexposed even in the hottest of seasons. The average internal temperature hovers around 35°F.
The cooler-than-usual temperatures in this part of the region have resulted in some pretty interesting boreal novelties thriving here as well. A bumper crop of wonders in the plant world that are more in line with those growing in the subarctic regions can even be found gracing the grounds. The result is a unique combination of native Appalachian, Canadian, Alaskan, and other northern species more commonly found at elevations of 4,000 feet (1,200 m) above mean sea level. Interestingly and perhaps anomalously, however, these same species grow at heights of only 700 feet on Ice Mountain.
The notable flora that thrives here is profuse and varied. Some of the Mountain’s most impressive callouts include the Canada mayflower, Eastern hemlock, bunchberry, twinflower, nannyberry, skunk current, minniebush, northern bedstraw, mountain maple, prickly rose, starflower, prickly gooseberry, and so many others.
In addition to providing for a profuse plant habitat, Ice Mountain is the happy home to a host of breeding neotropical birds. These include vultures (turkey and black), goldfinches, warblers, indigo buntings, thrushes, ravens, flycatchers, hawks, vireos, and even Bald Eagles, among a multitude of other amazing avians. Of course, additional creatures, great and small, can be found here as well.
Ice Mountain has forever held a reputation for being a boreally chill place. Even in its early days, Native Americans and early colonists relied on the site for packing perishable food items that needed to be kept cool and contained. Around the turn of the 20th century, North River Mills residents relied on the Mountain for digging up ice from the talus to make ice cream and lemonade for various townwide celebrations.
Another historic claim that earned the Mountain recognition was its utilization during the American Civil War as an elevated lookout. It was here that Thomas McMackin’s Confederate militia company camped out on the North River bank at the base of Raven Rocks.
Official ownership of the Mountain and its surrounding grounds changed hands multiple times throughout the years. But it was in 1991 that the Nature Conservancy purchased Ice Mountain along with all the comprising land (totaling 149 acres at elevations up to 1,509 feet high) with an initiative to maintain and protect it as a designated preserve. And they’ve been doing a stellar job at it ever since!
In 2012, Ice Mountain was named a National Natural Landmark by the National Park Service. This is an honor bestowed on specific sites, protected areas, and locations recognized for their outstanding biological and geological features, which serve to educate the public and help to preserve the nation’s natural and historical heritage.
While still somewhat of a secret excursion, Ice Mountain Preserve has also emerged as a major tourist attraction over the last few decades. With the Nature Conservancy running things, visitors can travel here year-round and even reserve guided tours in advance. These tours are often conducted seasonally on Saturdays and are limited to just 15 participants per group. Bookings can be placed up to a month in advance.
In addition to tours, the Nature Conservancy leads other programs and events regularly as well, many of which are volunteer opportunities. One of their biggest draws is bringing in volunteers to assist in the ongoing efforts for controlling and removing non-native invasive species.
Ice Mountain Preserve is a true marvel you need to experience on a personal level. Learn more about its story and ongoing preservation efforts on the Nature Conservancy website.