Click here to schedule a visit or this contact info:
Click here for photos of Ice Mt.
Join us beginning 10 AM, Sat. May 11, 2024 for the North River Mills/Ice Mt. Festival. Click the link for a description.
Click here to see Roxy Todd‘s Ice Mountain/ North River Mills story which was aired on WV Public Radio’s, “West Virginia Morning”, in Aug. 2017. A longer version will also be available on “Inside Appalachia” the weekend of August 26th.
In 2012 U.S. Interior Sec. Ken Salazar announced that Ice Mountain was designated a national natural landmark
If you are interested, you can stay connected with Ice Mt. Ice Mountain has a Facebook page.
Also, you might let us know if you might be interested in helping on work days at the preserve. There is usually one or more days a year when volunteers pull invasives and do trail maintenance. Also, let us know if you might consider becoming a docent (a guide). Docent training is a one-day thing, then you are welcome to visit the preserve whenever you like.
Ice Mt. has had ice through the middle of June. (The old timers used the ice to make ice cream and lemonade for Sunday School picnics on the 4th of July!) Ice Mountain is a Nature Conservancy preserve ( www.nature.org). Ice Mountain has been featured in AAA and National Geographic Travel magazines.
Terry Lynn and Dr. Steve Kite joined Emily Corio on Ice Mt for a WV PBS segment on “Outlook.” Click here for the radio verson. Or check out a 10 min. video version on Youtube, Ice Mt. PBS
There is no charge for the hike.
We usually need a couple of weeks’ notice so we can coordinate with docents that might like to lead the hike.
The easiest (and preferred) way to schedule a visit is to click the link.
You can call if you prefer (number at top of page).
No dogs, please. Rare plants border the narrow trail.
Restrooms: You are welcome to use the outhouse/porta potty near the Old Inn. 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.)
Hike description: A short trail takes you across 3 private properties to the Preserve’s trail. Here you are halfway up Ice Mt. You can take a mile round trip hike down to the cold vents, and/or you can hike a mile round trip to the scenic overlook. The trail is moderately difficult. The roughest of “guesstimates” might be 2 or 3 hours to see both. It’s always good to wear comfortable shoes and bring drinking water.
Number in your group:? Groups usually are 15 or fewer.
When: Usually we arrange hikes at 10 AM on a Saturday. You would probably meet your docent at the Old Inn, North River Mills.
We don’t live at Ice Mt., and docents must travel to get there, so please let your docent know if you are delayed.
Old Inn number: 496-9836. No one lives there, but the docent might be there near tour time.
Click here if you’re looking for food or lodging.
Click here if you’re looking for other things to do in the area.
Here are Docent Resources, if you’d like to learn more about Ice Mt.
Historic Hampshire posted an Ice Mt. page: www.historichampshire.org/scenic/icemt.htm
View North River Mills on a larger map.