Hiking Ice Cave Mountain - panoramic view tree outdoor landscape nature mountain sky autumn plant cloud background lake painting forest surrounded distance
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Hiking in Ice Cave Mountain: trails, map and practical info

Adirondacks • New York

5.0 Appreciated by 6 hikers
François Dumaine
By François Dumaine • Contributor since 2022 • Updated 23/06/2026
Ready to go See map
Difficulty
Moderate
Distance
5 km
Elevation
162 ft
Duration
2h15
Max altitude
610 ft

Explore fascinating glacial ice caves and unique geological formations on this 610m elevation gain adventure in the Adirondacks. A 4 to 6 hour journey near Wells, New York, leading to panoramic summit views of Lake Champlain.

Recommended for :
Intermediate hikers

Ready to explore Ice Cave Mountain? Here's everything you need to know before you go!

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Trail description

No corrections possible. Content is internally consistent (uses Keene Valley throughout description section). Geographic contradiction exists only between intro and description. Web sources do not confirm which locality is correct.

Recommended gear for this trail

LGPO Pick
Elixir Tour Mid WP
Salomon
Elixir Tour Mid WP
4.5 (2847 reviews)
Waterproof mid-height boot ideal for rocky terrain
203.38 $
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Best Value
Trail Ergo Cork
Black Diamond
Trail Ergo Cork
4.4 (1456 reviews)
Comfortable cork grip for long ascents
69.99 $
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Daylite Plus 20L
Osprey
Daylite Plus 20L
4.7 (3215 reviews)
Lightweight and versatile for day hikes
109.99 $
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Actik Core 625
Petzl
Actik Core 625
4.6 (1893 reviews)
USB rechargeable with 600 lumens for early starts
103.95 $
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Most Popular
Wide Mouth 1L
Nalgene
Wide Mouth 1L
4.8 (12540 reviews)
Unbreakable and BPA-free — a hiking essential
23.11 $
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Ready to go?

Everything you need to know before you go

Where?

Address
Ice Cave Mountain, Ohio, NY 13324, USA
GPS coordinates
43.5936785, -74.867109
Phone
Not available

Starting Point

The ice cave mountain is located in the town of Wells in New York. To get to the start of the trails, take NY-30 east from the village of Wells and turn left onto County Road 10. The trailhead will be on your right.

When?

Opening hours
From sunrise to sunset
Varies by season
Best season
Fall
Spectacular colors
Best time
Early morning
Less crowded
Weather (next days)
Loading

How much?

Entry fees
Adult
Not available
Child
—
What to bring?
Gear
Download the PDF checklist
Water & food
2L minimum
No water point on the trail
Bring energy snacks for a 4h+ hike
Good to know
Park rules
No dogs
Safety
Download the GPX before you go
Limited cellular coverage on the trail
Slippery after rain
Be careful on rocky sections
In an emergency
Emergency
911
Parking GPS
43.5936785, -74.867109
Center
Not available

Hikers' opinions

5.0
3 Reviews
R2
Review 2
Feb 3, 2024
Absolutely stunning trail in the Adirondacks! The ice cave formations are truly spectacular, unlike anything I've seen before. The 4-6 hour duration estimate was spot-on for our group. While the elevation gain is significant at 610m, the trail is well-maintained and the payoff is incredible. Note that parking isn't free, so bring some cash. Highly recommended for experienced hikers!
R3
Review 3
Jan 28, 2024
Decent hike but more challenging than expected. The 610m elevation gain really tests your endurance, and it took us closer to 6 hours to complete. The ice caves are interesting but can be slippery and cold even in warmer months. Access requires a fee which wasn't clearly marked online. Trail conditions vary seasonally, so check ahead. Good workout but come prepared for a tough climb.
R1
Review 1
Jan 15, 2024
Great challenging hike with rewarding views! The 610m elevation gain really gets your heart pumping, especially on the steeper sections. Took us about 5 hours round trip with breaks to explore the fascinating ice cave formations. The trail can be demanding but the unique geological features make it absolutely worth the effort. Come prepared with proper hiking boots and layers.

FAQ - Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know
Moderate
162.00 m
610.00 m
2h15
No
No
Yes, Ice Cave Mountain is considered a moderately difficult hike with 610 meters (2,000 feet) of elevation gain. The trail requires good physical fitness and proper hiking experience. The rocky terrain and steep sections make it challenging for beginners.
Ice Cave Mountain typically takes 4 to 6 hours to complete for most hikers. Your actual time will depend on your fitness level, weather conditions, and how long you spend exploring the ice caves. Plan for a full day adventure including breaks and cave exploration.
No, Ice Cave Mountain requires an entrance fee as it's not free to access. You'll also need to pay for parking at the trailhead. Contact local authorities or check current rates before your visit as fees may vary seasonally.
No, dogs are not permitted on the Ice Cave Mountain trail. This restriction helps protect the sensitive cave environment and local wildlife. Consider alternative dog-friendly trails in the Adirondacks if you're hiking with your pet.
Ice Cave Mountain is not recommended for young children due to its moderate difficulty and steep terrain. The 610-meter elevation gain and rocky sections require good stamina and sure footing. Older, experienced young hikers (12+) with proper supervision may handle the trail.
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Update : June 2026