Blue Ridge Chapter: Ice Mountain Preserve

Details
Join me on an adventure to visit Ice Mountain Preserve and explore the town of Capon Bridge. They will be hosting their 28th Annual N River Mills/Ice Mountain Day so after our hike, we can check out the event.
For more information on the event visit, https://www.facebook.com/share/191zCn6kvJ/

Hike Route: Ice Mountain Preserve

Time to Meet: Please meet 15-20 minutes prior to hike start for introductions and liability waiver sign in.

Meeting Location/Parking: 8200 Cold Stream Rd, Capon Bridge, WV 26711-9147, United States

Hike: What to Expect on a Nature Conservancy-Ice Mountain Docent Trip
The Nature Conservancy Staff and Docents welcome you to Ice Mountain. The Preserve is very unique and a special place to visit. Many people have different expectations of nature and of “nature preserves.” Please read the following carefully before arriving at Ice Mountain, so you will be prepared for conditions on the preserve.

Trails are rocky, have exposed roots, are unpaved, arid in some places, very steep. Please wear good hiking shoes, and no dress shoes, sandals. or bare feet.

Please leave small children, pets, radios, and coolers at home.

There is no food, water, or bathroom on the preserve. Please plan ahead. There is a small bathroom at the store in Slanesville. The owners would prefer that you purchase something while in the store and not just use the bathroom. Plan on bringing a lunch and drink in a day pack for the trip. Most trips last 2-3 hours, depending on the lunch break.

The total trail mileage is about 2 miles. If you hike to Ravens Rocks, the highest point on the hike, you will rise in elevation 700 feet. We recommend you be in good physical shape to go to Ravens Rocks. Those not wanting to climb to the top. may return to the starting point, after viewing the cold air vents. Any hike on the preserve requires some uphill walking. This trip is not recommended for anyone with hip or knee problems. Please reconsider this trip if you have a heart condition, or are not in good physical shape.

Ice Mountain is a wild, natural area; Copperhead snakes, wasps, and bees may all be encountered. Please stay with the docent leader, do not wander off the trail, and be alert. Do not move rocks, pick plants, or disturb trees.

The cliffs on top of Ravens Rocks afford beautiful views. However, the cliffs have no railings or barriers. Please stay away from the edges of the cliffs, as there are dangerous drop-offs. Please supervise children. Those suffering from a fear of heights may find some discomfort at the overlook. Let the Docent know if you want to leave the group or are having problems with the hike. Information on hike The wonders of Ice Mountain and Capon Bridge, WV | Doug Bardwell

Facilities: No facilities

Admission: There is no admission fee to the Preserve; $5 donations to the Preserve is suggested

Contact Information: Please use the comments feature for comments and questions. The hike leader is Kristine Villatoro.

Cancellation: In the event that the hike needs to be cancelled, hikers will be notified through comments on this posting. Please check Meetup for updates the evening

What to Bring: Water at least two liters, emergency contact information, personal first aid kit and medications, snacks/meal, sunscreen/protection from weather, insect repellant, trekking poles if you use them (highly recommended for hikes with water crossings), sturdy hiking footwear. Hiking poles are highly suggested

Pets: No pets allowed on hike

After Hike Re-hydration: After the hike we will head to local restaurant and re-hydrate at River House 24 Rickie Davy Ln, Capon Bridge, WV 26711 The River House

Notes:
RSVP to register for this hike. If your plans change, update your RSVP.
To find out more about PATC, click here.

Consider becoming a member of PATC. To join, click here.

Attendance is limited at the discretion of our hike leaders. PATC rules do not permit children under 18 years to participate in a hike without a parent or Guardian.