Ice Caves of Cragsmoor EarthCache
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Easy/Moderate hike to the Ice cave. Grab a trail map at the office. Hike is about 1 mile from the parking area. Parking costs $7 and closes at sunset. Don't forget to bring a flashlight to explore!
The Ice Caves are tectonic, which means they were formed by natural changes and movement in the earth. Most other caves are either eroded by water or dissolved by chemical weathering. The Ice Caves were formed from the talus, or boulders of the cliffs that slid down and leaned, creating giant rock crevices or "talus caves" . During the warmer months, the ice cave temperature is much cooler than outside air. Warm air enters the sinkholes, is cooled as it flows over ice, and then escapes through vents in the slopes, keeping the caves at a temperature between 37 and 45 degrees Fahrenheit. You might even find snow into July. This creates a variety of microclimates that support species characteristic of cooler climates. For example, the ice caves of the Shawangunks support northern species such as red and black spruce, mountain ash, and creeping snowberry while the surrounding communities are mostly pitch pine barrens and oak forests. The land is owned by the Nature Conservancy. The preserve is part of the Shawangunk ridge extending into Minnewaska SP. You will hike through a rare and endangered ecosystem, consisting of a Rare Dwarf Pitch Pine barren. One of the few remaining in the world. In order to claim this earthcache, I will need some questions answered. Both questions must be answered, and the photo must be posted in your log. 1: How much cooler was it inside the caves than the outside air? If you don't have a temperature gauge, just tell me if it was enough to fog up your glasses, or see your breath. 2: The caves were formed by huge chunks of rock sliding off and leaning. Judging by the elevation on your GPS at the top, how deep is the cave? 3: Of course, post a photo!
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