During the winter, much of Maine feels completely frozen solid. But, when the spring rolls around we all thaw out a bit and get ready for summer fun. But, did you know that this thaw doesn’t happen everywhere? There’s one place in Maine that’s actually frozen almost the entire year! Make your way to the Debsconeag Ice Caves to experience this impressive natural feat!
The Debsconeag Ice Caves are located in the Debsconeag Lakes Wilderness Area in Millinocket.
Untamed Mainer / YouTube
The word “Debsconeag” comes from native people in the area and means “carrying place,” since they used the area to carry their canoes around rough rivers and waterfalls.
mylilangel58 / Flickr The cave was created during the ice age when huge glaciers pushed boulders together.
While the area is a bit out of the way, the actual hike to find them is fairly straight forward.
And, the beauty begins at the start when you head to the Golden Road Scenic Byway.
Untamed Mainer / YouTube
Untamed Mainer / YouTube
Then you’ll drive about 20 miles towards the Abol Bridge.
Untamed Mainer / YouTube
After reaching the bridge, you’ll make a left and head about 3 miles before taking another left towards the parking area.
Untamed Mainer / YouTube
Begin the trail by following the blue blazes.
Untamed Mainer / YouTube
Once you’ve done about half the trail, you’ll meet another path where you’ll find a boulder with a blue blaze.
Untamed Mainer / YouTube
At this point turn left. Continue to keep an eye out for the blue blazes and now you’ll be heading back into the wooded area.
Untamed Mainer / YouTube
Untamed Mainer / YouTube
If you keep a watchful eye you might spot some hints that you’re nearing the ice cave!
Untamed Mainer / YouTube
Once you get to the cave area, you’ll find rungs that allow you to go inside.
WeRmudfun / YouTube
During the winter, these will likely be frozen over.
Untamed Mainer / YouTube But, during the spring and summer they should be clear for the climbing! To be safe, wear ice cleats if you’re visiting during any other season but summer.
As soon as you enter, you’ll feel the cold! And, it’s pretty incredible to see icicles on the walls while it’s warm outside.
WeRmudfun / YouTube
The largest room is the first you’ll come to and there’s plenty of room to stand up and move around.
harquail / Flickr You can continue to explore by finding some smaller areas that will require some climbing over rocks, which is fun for the more adventurous!
To learn more about the Debsconeag Ice Caves, check out these videos by people who have explored them:
Untamed Mainer / YouTube
mylilangel58 / Flickr
The cave was created during the ice age when huge glaciers pushed boulders together.
While the area is a bit out of the way, the actual hike to find them is fairly straight forward.
WeRmudfun / YouTube
But, during the spring and summer they should be clear for the climbing! To be safe, wear ice cleats if you’re visiting during any other season but summer.
harquail / Flickr
You can continue to explore by finding some smaller areas that will require some climbing over rocks, which is fun for the more adventurous!
And, for more things to do, check out these 8 must visit places in Maine during the winter.
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