Sam’s Point Preserve is an amazing and beautiful place. This natural area is located in the highest section of the Shawangunk Mountains in the larger Minnewaska State Park Preserve. There are many trails to explore and many beautiful things to see in Sam’s Point Preserve, but one of the most interesting and popular places to visit is the Ellenville Fault Ice Caves. These caves are very unique and the out-and-back hike is rated as easy; it will only take you about an hour roundtrip. If you’re looking for a cave in New York to explore, don’t miss this adventure. Read on to learn more.
Sam’s Point Preserve is exceptionally beautiful. Many people consider it one of the very best places to hike in New York.
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This 4,600-acre preserve is full of amazing things. Verkeerderkill Falls is one of them.
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Lake Maratanza is another.
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However, one of the most interesting sights in Sam’s Point Preserve, and one of the most popular, is the Ellenville Fault and its ice caves. It’s the largest known open fault in the United States with ice caves.
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The trail is just 3.3 miles roundtrip. It starts at the Sam’s Point Preserve Nature Center and it is well marked. There’s some up and down along the way, but in general, the trail is fairly easy.
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Once you get to the ice caves, you will descend into the fault. The crevices here fill up with snow and ice in the winter, and because of their structure, it stays cool in there all year. As a result you can see ice well into July most years.
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Most caves are made of limestone, which is easily dissolved by water. These caves are made of very hard quartz conglomerate. Because of this, these caves don’t erode at the rate that other caves do.
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Due to the cool temperatures in this area, there are numerous species of plants that grow here that are uncommon for the region like mountain ash and black spruce trees. Also, a rare cave-dwelling crustacean - Stygobromus allegeheniensis lives here as well.
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Even though you’ll expect to find it, you’ll still be amazed when you see ice here in the summertime.
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These caves are so special and unique that they were designated as a National Natural Landmark by the National Parks Service in 1967. This helps to keep them protected for the future.
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The Ellenville Fault Ice Caves are amazing! But, the are only one of many things that make Sam’s Point Preserve so great. Be sure to check out the rest of the preserve, too. You’ll love it.
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You’ll love visiting Sam’s Point Preserve and the Ellenville Fault Ice Caves. Because of snow and ice, the trail is closed during the winter. However, the coolest part about them is seeing ice in the middle of the summer, so that’s the best time to go anyway. Plan a trip soon. You’ll love this amazing place in New York!
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Marek D/Google Local
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HB Trails Adventures/Google Local
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Jun Cui/Google Local
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These aren’t the only caves in New York, though. If you’re interested in visiting more of them, check out this post: Spend The Day Exploring These Four Caves In New York
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Address: Ice Caves, 400 Sam’s Point Road, Cragsmoor, NY 12420, USA
