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It’s a place
known for unique geological and biological aspects.
Most hikers are out to see views like this, but at Ice Mountain the
attraction is not at the top, instead it`s at the
bottom, actually underneath the ground.
Pockets of ice give the mountain its name and a unique geological makeup.
“It’s as far as we know the only place still like thiis
in this part of the Appalachians. Biologically, the things you see here you’d have to otherwise
have to travel to Canada or up into the highest mountains we have in West
Virginia,” said Rodney Bartgis, from the Nature
Conservancy of West Virginia.
Ice accumulates on this rocky slope during the winter. The cold air sinks
down and is captured underneath, forming ice inside these holes.
There are about 150 ice vents on Ice Mountain and this is one of the bigger ones where you can actually look
in and see some of the ice. And, on a hot day, it can feel a lot like a
nature, outdoor air conditioner.
“We have seen temperatures of 98 degrees on the outside in this area and 32
degrees inside the caves simultaneously,” said Terry Bailes,
a tour guide and volunteer.
Terry Bailes gives tours to visitors, showing them
the unique vents and the rare plants that grow as a result. Ice Mountain hasn’t always been a place just for hikers.
Years ago it was like! a natural refrigerator for
neighbors.
“In the early 1900s, up until about 1935, we have records that they would
come down almost every Sunday and gather enough ice to make ice cream with.
Fourth of July there’d be enough ice gathered to make ice cream or lemonade
for 200 people," said Bailes.
That doesn’t happen today. The Nature Conservancy owns the land to preserve
it for future generations. Guided tours are recommended so visitors can
better appreciate the rare flowers that grow here and the reasons that make
this such a cool place.
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