Here’s a cool fact: West Virginia is the only state to fall entirely within the Appalachian region. That means we here in the Mountain State find ourselves in a land that is, quite literally, covered with mountains. Here’s an even cooler fact (again, quite literally!): one of our mountains is chock full of ice. That’s right, here in West Virginia, we’ve got our very own all-natural, mountain-sized refrigerator. Everyone, meet Ice Mountain, a preserve in North River Mills, West Virginia. Ice Mountain of North River Mills, West Virginia, meet everyone.

Talus—that's the name for a large boulder-field on the sloped side of a mountain. And the talus field at the base of one side of Ice Mountain gets the credit for this unique natural wonder's coolest party trick: its year-round ability to crank out ice-cold air.
The Nature Conservancy
All winter, dense, cold air sinks deep into the talus, forming massive blocks of ice deep underneath the surface of this rock field. Summer comes, and the weather turns warm, but the layers of rock and earth insulate the ice from the sun's heat.
Justin A. Wilcox / Wikipedia
For months into the warmer season, cold air continues to pour out of the 60 vents that line the bottom of the talus slope. For generations, locals have taken advantage of this natural refrigerator: in the old days, local children would make summer pilgrimages to Ice Mountain for chunks of ice, later to be rewarded for their troubles with fresh, homemade ice cream.
Historic Hampshire

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This rare natural refrigeration phenomenon creates a similarly rare microclimate here on Ice Mountain Preserve, allowing a collection of boreal plants usually found much further north to thrive here. It's also home to some unique birds and animals.
Historic Hampshire
All of these rarities mean that Ice Mountain Preserve deserves protection, and one of the ways The Nature Conservancy accomplishes that protection is by limiting visitors to Ice Mountain Preserve to only those who arrange for a guided tour from one of the preserve's docents.
Historic Hampshire
Tours are available for groups of up to 15, and visitors should call several weeks ahead of their visit to ensure their spot. Most tours take place on Saturday mornings.
Historic Hampshire
Have you ever taken a guided hike at Ice Mountain Preserve in West Virginia? Did you even know about this West Virginia mountain that stays filled with ice?
Historic Hampshire

Learn more about Ice Mountain and how to experience its unique refrigeration properties for yourself (by signing up for a guided hike) on The Nature Conservancy website. And if you make it all the way to Ice Mountain Preserve in West Virginia, then you’re not far from an award-winning burger at The Farmer’s Daughter in Capon Bridge.

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Ice Mountain, West Virginia 26711, USA